Street
heel
What does heel mean?
In older cant a 'heel' is a sneak thief who steals quietly and slips away; more broadly the word means a contemptible person.
"Some heel went through the hotel rooms while the guests were at dinner."
Origin
American slang, early 20th century.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'heel' mean in criminal slang?
In older cant a 'heel' is a sneak thief, one who steals quietly and slips away. More broadly the word means a contemptible person.
Where does the slang 'heel' come from?
It is American slang from the early twentieth century, likely from the idea of turning on one's heel to sneak off.
Does 'heel' still mean a bad person?
Yes. The broader sense of 'heel' as a contemptible or dishonourable person is still in general use, even where the specific 'sneak thief' meaning has faded.
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