How Do You Spell STOOLPIGEONS?

Pronunciation: [stˈuːlpɪd͡ʒənz] (IPA)

The word "stoolpigeons" is spelled s-t-o-l-p-i-g-e-o-n-s. Its pronunciation is [stuːlˈpɪdʒənz]. The word refers to people who act as informants for the police or other authorities. It is thought to have originated from the practice of tying a live pigeon to a stool as a lure in hunting. The spelling of "stoolpigeons" can be challenging because it includes a combination of double vowels, consonants that are pronounced differently from their written form, and silent letters.

STOOLPIGEONS Meaning and Definition

1. Stoolpigeons, also known as informants or snitches, are individuals who provide information or act as spies for law enforcement agencies, authorities, or criminal organizations. This term is typically used in the context of criminal investigations, where stoolpigeons typically assist law enforcement in gathering evidence or intelligence to aid in the apprehension or prosecution of criminals.

   Stoolpigeons may infiltrate criminal organizations, cultivating trust and gaining access to confidential information, which they then report back to their handlers. They may also cooperate with law enforcement voluntarily or as part of a negotiated deal to reduce their own criminal charges or sentences. These individuals often have firsthand knowledge of criminal activities, as they are either involved in criminal operations themselves or are close associates of those involved.

   The term "stoolpigeon" originated in the early 20th century and is believed to have evolved from the practice of using live pigeons tied to stools as targets for training shooting skills, particularly homing pigeons. Over time, it took on a metaphorical meaning as individuals who were used as bait or decoys to catch criminals. The term has since become widely used to describe individuals who provide information to authorities, often seen as betraying their criminal associates.

   While stoolpigeons can play a crucial role in law enforcement efforts to combat crime and maintain public safety, their actions can also be met with disdain or hostility from criminal organizations and some members of society who view them as traitors or unreliable sources of information.

Common Misspellings for STOOLPIGEONS

• atoolpigeons
• ztoolpigeons
• xtoolpigeons
• dtoolpigeons
• etoolpigeons
• wtoolpigeons
• sroolpigeons
• sfoolpigeons
• sgoolpigeons
• syoolpigeons
• s6oolpigeons
• s5oolpigeons
• stiolpigeons
• stkolpigeons
• stlolpigeons
• stpolpigeons
• st0olpigeons
• st9olpigeons
• stoilpigeons
• stoklpigeons

Etymology of STOOLPIGEONS

The word "stoolpigeons" originated in the criminal underworld of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is derived from two separate terms: "stool" and "pigeons".

The term "stool" originally referred to a seat or chair, but in criminal jargon, it came to mean a hidden spot or place from which someone could observe or spy on others. This could be a vantage point for a lookout or an informer who would help authorities catch criminals in the act.

"Pigeons", on the other hand, refers to the bird species Pigeon. Pigeons were once used as decoys in hunting, where they would serve as a bait to attract other birds. Eventually, the term expanded to include people who were used as decoys or bait to trap criminals.