STOOL PIGEON

Definition of STOOL PIGEON

STOOL PIGEON Noun

Stool pigeon is a noun that refers to a person who informs on others, especially to the authorities. It denotes someone who betrays trust by acting as an informant or spy, particularly in criminal or illicit contexts.

Informant or Betrayer: Stool pigeon is commonly used to describe an individual who secretly provides information about others’ illegal activities to law enforcement, often in exchange for personal gain or leniency. This term emphasizes betrayal and treachery. For example, “The gang was taken down when one of its members turned into a stool pigeon and gave information to the police.”

Spy or Decoy: Historically, the term stool pigeon originated from hunting, where a decoy bird was used to attract others. It later evolved to refer to a spy or informant who lures others into a trap or provides crucial information to authorities. For instance, “The thief was caught because a stool pigeon set him up and provided the police with details about the heist.”

Contrast with Loyal Member or Ally: Understanding stool pigeon helps distinguish it from loyal members or allies, who stand by their associates and protect their interests. While a stool pigeon betrays and informs, a loyal person remains trustworthy. For example, “Unlike the stool pigeon who ratted out his partners, the rest of the group stayed loyal to each other.”

Role in Criminal and Legal Contexts: Stool pigeons play significant roles in criminal investigations and legal cases by providing insider information, often leading to arrests or convictions. Their actions are critical in law enforcement but viewed negatively by those they betray. For example, “The prosecution relied heavily on the testimony of a stool pigeon who had infiltrated the crime syndicate.”

Historical and Cultural Usage: The term stool pigeon has deep roots in both criminal slang and pop culture, often portraying individuals who betray their own kind, especially within criminal organizations. It has been a common theme in noir films and crime literature. For instance, “In old gangster movies, the stool pigeon was often depicted as a morally ambiguous figure who double-crossed his associates.”

Negative Social Implications: Being labeled a stool pigeon carries strong negative connotations, as it implies betrayal, dishonor, and disloyalty. In social and criminal circles, such individuals are often ostracized or even endangered due to their actions. For example, “After being exposed as a stool pigeon, he had to flee the city for fear of retribution from the gang.”

In conclusion, stool pigeon is a noun that refers to an individual who acts as an informant, betraying the trust of others by providing information to authorities. Recognizing stool pigeon is important for understanding its role in criminal investigations, its historical context, and its strong negative social implications, especially in relation to loyalty and betrayal.

VIOLATION

Read…

INFRINGEMENT

Read…

TRESSPASS

Read…

BETRAYAL

Read…

Examples of STOOL PIGEON in a sentence

• The detective suspected that there was a stool pigeon within the criminal organization providing information to the police.
• In the undercover operation, they were wary of anyone who might be a stool pigeon trying to gather evidence.
• The criminal’s plan was compromised when he realized there was a stool pigeon among his crew.
• The trial was tense as the stool pigeon was expected to testify against his former associates.
• During the investigation, the authorities identified a stool pigeon who had been leaking confidential details.
• The term stool pigeon is often used in a derogatory manner to describe someone who betrays their group.
• The gang leaders were on high alert, trying to identify the stool pigeon who had been cooperating with the police.
• The stool pigeon was given a reduced sentence in exchange for providing crucial evidence against the gang.

Origin of STOOL PIGEON

The term stool pigeon has its origins in both hunting practices and American slang, evolving from literal use to its current figurative meaning.

• Old Hunting Practice:
  • Stool (decoy seat) + Pigeon (bird)
  • In early hunting practices, a tame or dead pigeon was placed on a stool as a decoy to attract other birds. This practice combined stool, referring to the raised perch or seat, with pigeon, the bird used as bait.
• American Slang (19th Century):
  • Stool Pigeon (informant)
  • By the mid-19th century, stool pigeon had shifted from referring to a decoy bird to describing a person who betrays others by informing on them, akin to the decoy bird leading others into a trap.

The term stool pigeon evolved from its literal use in hunting, where pigeons were used as decoys, to its figurative meaning in American slang, referring to an informant or someone who betrays their peers by providing information to authorities.

BLACK TWITTER

Read…

INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

Read…

COMPLEX DATA

Read…

AFRICAN DESCENT

Read…