gotcha

got-cha · interjection

imported

Definitions

interjection

  1. 1.

    I understand; I've got it.

  2. 2.

    An instance of catching someone in a mistake or deception; a trap or trick.

  3. 3.

    I've caught you; I've tricked you.

  4. 4.

    A hidden problem or unexpected drawback.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    gotcha journalism — Reporting that aims to catch public figures in embarrassing moments
  • •
    gotcha question — A question designed to trap or embarrass someone
  • •
    gotcha moment — An instance of catching someone in a mistake

Related words

See also: catch, got, trap
Synonyms: I understand, got you, okay

Etymology

An informal written representation of "got you" as it sounds in rapid speech. This phonetic spelling reflects the reduction of "got you" /ɡɑːt juː/ to /ˈɡɑːtʃə/ in casual pronunciation.