supergrass
Police's prized tipster
Supergrass is British slang for an informer who provides police with extensive information about criminal associates, typically in exchange for immunity or reduced sentences.
The term emerged in the 1970s and 1980s during prosecutions of IRA members and organized crime figures, where a single informant's testimony could bring down entire networks: The supergrass trials collapsed when witnesses recanted. (Capitalized Supergrass is also a British rock band.)
One who tells authorities
- ratRodent or informer
- informerOne who reveals secrets
- narkPolice tipster, slang
- squealerOne who betrays secrets
stoolie · fink · tattletale · whistleblower · tipster · source · canary · blabbermouth
Judicial examination of claims
- testimonySworn statement as evidence
- witnessOne who attests
- prosecutionPursuing legal charges
- convictionFirmly held belief
evidence · plea bargain · immunity · sentencing · verdict · courtroom · cross-examination · defendant
One who betrays allegiance
- turncoatOne who betrays allegiance
- JudasArchetypal betrayer name
- betrayerOne who breaks allegiance
- selloutCompromiser of integrity
backstabber · defector · quisling · renegade · double-cross · treachery · disloyalty · perfidy
Covert information gatherer
- moleSubterranean insectivore
- infiltratorOne who enters covertly
- agentOne who acts independently
- double agentSpy betraying their side
covert · deep cover · sleeper · surveillance · intelligence · espionage · clandestine · handler
Disgraceful public affair
- revelationSurprising disclosed truth
- exposéInvestigative journalism piece
- disclosureAct of revealing information
- unmaskingRevealing what's hidden
leak · scoop · secrets · confession · testimony · whistleblowing · investigation · cover-up
snitch
One who tells authorities
squealer · stoolie · fink · tattletale · whistleblower · tipster · source · canary · blabbermouth · leak
trial
Judicial examination of claims
- testimonySworn statement as evidence
- witnessOne who attests
- prosecutionPursuing legal charges
conviction · evidence · plea bargain · immunity · sentencing · verdict · courtroom · cross-examination · defendant · deposition
traitor
One who betrays allegiance
sellout · backstabber · defector · quisling · renegade · double-cross · treachery · disloyalty · perfidy · treason
spy
Covert information gatherer
- moleSubterranean insectivore
- infiltratorOne who enters covertly
- agentOne who acts independently
double agent · covert · deep cover · sleeper · surveillance · intelligence · espionage · clandestine · handler · planted
scandal
Disgraceful public affair
- revelationSurprising disclosed truth
- exposéInvestigative journalism piece
- disclosureAct of revealing information
unmasking · leak · scoop · secrets · confession · testimony · whistleblowing · investigation · cover-up
supergrassstand-up guy
Dependable, honorable person
omertà · code of silence · true believer · die-hard · stalwart
supergrasssolid
Firm matter state
stand-up · true believer · loyal · ride-or-die · trustworthy