nark

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A police spy or informer.

Register: slang

Examples

So I went and laid down on the grass. While laying there I piped a reeler whom I knew. He had a nark (a policeman's spy) with him. So I went and looked about for my two pals, and told them to look out for F. and his nark.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

An unpleasant person, especially one who makes things difficult for others.

Register: slang

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “nark” mean?

A police spy or informer.

Is “nark” formal or informal?

nark is generally slang.