metraai

Metraai is a term in Dutch and Afrikaans that refers to a person who helps another commit wrongdoing; an accomplice or conspirator. The word is used as a noun and appears in everyday speech, journalism, and fiction. In legal and criminology contexts, metraai denotes a co-perpetrator who shares responsibility for a crime; in informal usage, it can simply refer to someone who collaborates with another to achieve a dishonest goal.

In media and literature, metraai typically carries a negative connotation, implying betrayal or criminal complicity rather than ordinary partnership. The term can be applied to a range of situations, from street crime to business or political wrongdoing, whenever someone assists or abets others.

Etymology: Metraai is a term found in both Dutch and Afrikaans, with the exact historical origin not clearly documented in English-language sources. It remains a common word in Dutch- and Afrikaans-speaking communities and appears in crime reporting, journalism, and storytelling.

See also: accomplice, conspiracy, betrayal.