Gotcha
contraction, intj, noun, slang ·Common ·High school level
Definitions
- 1 A potential problem or source of trouble. colloquial
"Review the work thoroughly and make sure there are no gotchas."
- 2 A potential problem or source of trouble.; A feature of a system or a program that works in the way it is documented but is counter-intuitive and almost invites mistake or non-function. colloquial
- 3 An instance of publicly tricking someone or exposing them to ridicule, especially by means of an elaborate deception. colloquial
"gotcha question"
- 4 An attempt to disprove or refute someone's argument, usually (but not necessarily) in a deceptive or disingenuous way. colloquial
"You're asking me a ridiculous hypothetical question that no one can reasonably answer. You need to stop with your gotchas."
- 5 An instance of accomplishing a tricky idea or overcoming a difficult obstacle. colloquial
"Now here's another few gotchas that you can do to implement it."
- 1 Pronunciation spelling of got you. alt-of, colloquial, contraction, pronunciation-spelling
"I gotcha now, ya little twerp."
- 1 I have got you covered, I've got your back (said by a speaker who has an advantage or responsibility over someone). colloquial
"Gotcha! Go on in..."
- 2 I caught you (as when successfully bringing someone to reckoning or effecting some form of retribution). colloquial
"Gotcha! And don't ever do that to me again."
- 3 I got you by surprise (indicating a successful trick or prank). colloquial
"Gotcha! You never noticed the whoopie cushion!"
- 4 I understand you or what you said. colloquial
"Gotcha! You just want me to stay here for now."
Example
More examples""Dad, come play tag with the two of us. You're it." "Grrr, where are the naughty kids? I'm gonna catch them and eat them up. Aha, gotcha!" "Ahh! Don't eat me, I'm too skinny! Mary tastes better!" "Tom, you traitor!""
Etymology
From got + -cha.
Related phrases
More for "gotcha"
Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.