Word of the Day: Gotcha
The word “gotcha” isn’t a real word. It’s the combination of two words–”got” and “you.” The “ch” sound is a result of the “t” sound gliding into the “y” sound (which happens a lot in English). There are a few different ways of using this word:
1. “gotcha” = This first example is a response. It’s very similar to “Okay, I understand.”
- A: We need to move this machine away from the wall to reach the outlet.
- B: Okay, gotcha.
- A: There’s isn’t any ink left in the toner. Can you get me a new toner cartridge, please?
- B: Gotcha.
2. “gotcha” = Adults sometimes use this with children. A little boy or girl is running around the room and then suddenly an adult or a parent reaches down, grabs the child, and says “Gotcha!”
3. “gotcha” = You can use this as an adjective to describe an unfair question or a question that makes a person look foolish or uncomfortable in answering it.
- The reporter asked the woman running for office a few “gotcha” questions.
- The students tried to ask the teacher a few “gotcha” questions, but she answered them without any problem.
Essential English Dictionary
Visit the Popular English Words Beginning with G page to see the list of all words starting with letter G. For seeing the HiCafe dictionary, visit the Popular English Words with Meaning page.
