narc

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "narc" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a slang term to refer to a narcotics officer or someone who informs on others, particularly in drug-related contexts. Example: "He was always careful about who he hung out with, afraid that someone might be a narc."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He remembers why he shot Tate--she was a narc.

The New Yorker

In 2002, Carnahan, who is now thirty-seven, made an intense and violent little cop film, "Narc," with Jason Patric and Ray Liotta.

The New Yorker

MARY: How was I supposed to know he was a narc?

The New Yorker

Now they were looking at me again, and it finally dawned on me that they thought I was a narc.

The New Yorker

I think that one of my favorite experiences was the first screenplay I ever wrote, when I was around twenty-two, and Paramount had asked me to write a comedy about the first narc in the United States.

The New Yorker

I thought about going back to apologize, but wouldn't that be exactly what a narc would do?

The New Yorker

Only then did I realize it was the kind of awkward question that a normal person would not ask but that a narc would find brilliant.

The New Yorker

It was odd: they continued to be polite to me, and my hair was being cut with great care, all while they were talking about the possible narc in the room as if he were some other person — not me.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The film is perhaps a little too excitable and enamoured of its own narc-thriller style, with mannerisms that reminded me of Paul Greengrass or Michael Mann: particularly the scenes of Swat-type attacks and dramatic overhead shots of cars moving swiftly across open country.

The Guardian - Film

The way people carry on, you'd think that consenting to one gave the narcs the right to knock down your door in the middle of the night and manhandle you into a Black Maria, thenceforth to be driven to a subterranean vault where you will be struck around the face, deprived of sleep and questioned incessantly by a brace of bad detectives by the light of a sinisterly swinging, naked lightbulb.

Independent

At a production meeting for his show "narcs," sound and prop designers discuss the show, including hiring a small adult for a scene that calls for a kid, and using realistic, bioengineered skin for a scene where the bad guy gets caught in a sugar-cane harvester.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "narc", be mindful of its informal nature. It's suitable for casual conversation or creative writing but less appropriate for formal reports or academic papers.

Common error

Avoid using "narc" in professional or academic contexts. Opt for more formal terms like "undercover officer" or "narcotics agent" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "narc" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a narcotics officer. It can also function as a verb, referring to the act of suffering from impaired judgement due to nitrogen narcosis. Ludwig provides examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "narc" is a common, informal term for a narcotics officer or informant. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media. While acceptable in informal contexts, it's crucial to opt for more formal alternatives such as "undercover officer" or "narcotics agent" in professional or academic settings. The analysis of Ludwig shows that while frequent it should be used carefully based on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undercover agent

Focuses on the covert nature of the officer's work.

informant

Highlights the role of providing information, often secretly.

narcotics officer

A more formal term specifying the officer's focus on narcotics.

drug enforcement agent

Emphasizes the enforcement aspect and targets drug-related crimes.

police snitch

An informal term for someone who secretly informs on others to the police.

undercover cop

Short and informal, highlighting the officer's hidden identity.

secret agent

A more general term for someone working in secrecy, applicable in various contexts.

stool pigeon

A slang term for an informant, often with negative connotations.

law enforcement informant

A formal way to describe an informant working with law enforcement.

confidential source

Emphasizes the secrecy and trustworthiness of the informant.

FAQs

What does the term "narc" mean?

The term "narc" is slang for a narcotics officer or an informant, especially in drug-related contexts.

What can I say instead of "narc"?

You can use alternatives like "undercover agent", "informant", or "narcotics officer" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use the term "narc" in formal writing?

No, it's generally not appropriate. Use more formal terms like "undercover officer" or "narcotics agent" in formal writing.

What is the origin of the term "narc"?

The term "narc" is a shortened form of "narcotics agent" or "narcotics officer".