Nark
/nɑːk/noun
A person who informs on others, especially to the police, or a nuisance; as a verb, to annoy or irritate.
Did you know?In British and Australian slang, *nark* likely arose from criminal or cant usage for an informer, and later split into two meanings: “snitch” and “annoy,” showing how underworld language can leak into everyday speech.
Etymological Timeline
19th Century
English
nark
“Slang for an informer, spy, or police informer; later also a nuisance or irritating person.”
19th Century
English
nark (verb)
“To annoy, irritate, or upset.”
Possible 19th Century
English cant
nark
“Likely underworld slang for a spy or informer, though the exact origin is uncertain.”
Modern English
English
nark
“A snitch or nuisance, especially in British and Australian English.”