gotcha

Gotcha is an informal English expression that can function as an interjection, a noun, or, less commonly, a verb form in casual speech. It derives from the contraction of "got you" and is used to indicate understanding, capture, or trickery. In everyday language, people say "Gotcha!" to acknowledge a clue or to signal that someone has been caught or trapped.

The term's history is tied to American slang in the 20th century, where "got you" and its contracted form gained popularity in conversation, media, and entertainment. As a noun, gotcha can refer to a trap, a trick, or a situation that catches someone unaware. The phrase also appears in compound forms such as "gotcha moment" or "gotcha question."

Usage notes: In casual contexts, "Gotcha" is versatile but may carry a tone of playfulness or aggression depending on intonation and circumstance. It is generally inappropriate in formal writing or professional communications. In journalism and online discourse, "gotcha" is linked to "gotcha journalism" and "gotcha questions," which describe attempts to trap a respondent or reveal a flaw through a pointed question.

Related terms include catch, trap, and surprise. Overall, the term remains common in informal speech and popular culture, where it signals acknowledgment, exposure, or a successful trap.