Street
pinched
What does pinched mean?
To be pinched is to be arrested or caught by the police or federal agents.
"He got pinched coming out of the bank with the bag still in his hand."
Origin
American/British slang, 19th century; from 'pinch,' to seize.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'pinched' mean?
To be pinched is to be arrested or caught by the police or federal agents.
Where does 'pinched' come from?
It is 19th-century American and British slang, from 'pinch,' meaning to seize or grab.
Can 'pinched' mean stolen?
In British usage, 'pinch' can also mean to steal, but in this criminal-slang sense it means to be arrested.
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