Betrayal, a theme as old as time, has its own set of slang terms that capture the essence of deception and disloyalty in modern language. Whether you’ve been “stabbed in the back” or “thrown under the bus,” our team has compiled a list of the top slang expressions that perfectly encapsulate the feeling of being betrayed. Get ready to dive into this listicle and discover the words that define the experience of betrayal in today’s world.
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1. Two-faced
This term refers to someone who presents one face or persona to others while hiding their true intentions or feelings. It implies that the person is not to be trusted.
- For example, “I thought she was my friend, but she turned out to be two-faced and spread rumors about me.”
- In a workplace setting, someone might say, “Watch out for that coworker, they’re known for being two-faced.”
- A person reflecting on a past relationship might say, “I should have realized he was two-faced when he started talking badly about his friends behind their backs.”
2. Snake in the grass
This phrase refers to someone who appears harmless or friendly but is actually deceitful or treacherous. It implies that the person is a hidden danger.
- For instance, “He seemed like a nice guy, but he turned out to be a snake in the grass and stole my money.”
- In a discussion about trust, someone might say, “You never know who might be a snake in the grass, so be cautious.”
- A person warning others about a manipulative individual might say, “Don’t trust him, he’s a snake in the grass.”
3. Judas
This term refers to someone who betrays another person’s trust or loyalty, often for personal gain. It is derived from the biblical figure Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus.
- For example, “He’s a total Judas, he sold us out to the competition.”
- In a conversation about backstabbing, someone might say, “I can’t believe she would pull a Judas on her best friend.”
- A person reflecting on a past betrayal might say, “I never expected him to be a Judas and reveal my secrets to everyone.”
4. Traitor
This term refers to someone who betrays their allegiance, whether it be to a person, group, or cause. It implies that the person has turned against those who trusted them.
- For instance, “He was once a trusted member of the team, but he became a traitor and leaked confidential information.”
- In a discussion about loyalty, someone might say, “A true friend would never be a traitor.”
- A person reflecting on a political betrayal might say, “The traitors who sold out their country should be held accountable.”
5. Rat
This term refers to someone who provides information or betrays others, often for personal gain or to avoid punishment. It implies that the person is willing to sacrifice others for their own benefit.
- For example, “He ratted out his partners to the police in exchange for a lighter sentence.”
- In a conversation about trustworthiness, someone might say, “You can’t trust a rat, they’ll stab you in the back.”
- A person warning others about a manipulative individual might say, “Stay away from him, he’s a rat who will sell you out in an instant.”
6. Benedict Arnold
This term refers to someone who betrays their country or cause. It originates from the American Revolutionary War, where Benedict Arnold famously switched sides and joined the British forces.
- For example, “He was hailed as a hero before he revealed himself to be a Benedict Arnold.”
- In a political discussion, someone might accuse a politician of being a Benedict Arnold for switching parties.
- A friend might say, “I trusted her completely, but she turned out to be a total Benedict Arnold.”
7. Deceive
To deceive means to intentionally mislead or trick someone into believing something that is not true.
- For instance, “He deceived his friends into thinking he had a successful business.”
- In a relationship, one person might say, “I can’t believe he deceived me about his past.”
- A detective might say, “The suspect tried to deceive us with a false alibi.”
8. Cheat
To cheat means to act dishonestly or unfairly in order to gain an advantage or deceive someone.
- For example, “He cheated on the exam by looking at his neighbor’s paper.”
- In a game, someone might say, “You can’t cheat and expect to win.”
- A person discussing relationships might say, “If you cheat on your partner, you’re betraying their trust.”
9. Mislead
To mislead means to give someone the wrong impression or information, leading them to believe something that is not true.
- For instance, “The advertisement was designed to mislead consumers into thinking the product was all-natural.”
- In a business context, someone might say, “Don’t mislead potential investors with inflated numbers.”
- A parent might warn their child, “Don’t let strangers mislead you with promises of candy or toys.”
10. Betrayer
A betrayer is someone who betrays the trust or loyalty of another person, often by revealing secrets or acting against them.
- For example, “He was shocked to discover that his closest friend was the betrayer all along.”
- In a story, a character might say, “Beware of the betrayer lurking in the shadows.”
- A person discussing friendship might say, “A true friend would never be a betrayer.”
11. Snitch
A snitch is someone who provides information to authorities or other people in authority, often in exchange for leniency or personal gain. The term is commonly used in criminal contexts.
- For example, in a gangster movie, a character might say, “I can’t trust him, he’s a snitch.”
- In a discussion about police investigations, someone might comment, “Snitches play a crucial role in providing leads.”
- Another might warn, “Watch out for snitches, they can turn on you in an instant.”
12. Con
To con someone is to deceive or trick them, often for personal gain. The term is short for “confidence,” and refers to gaining another person’s trust in order to exploit them.
- For instance, a person might say, “He conned me out of my life savings.”
- In a conversation about online scams, someone might warn, “Be careful not to fall for any cons.”
- Another might recount, “I was the victim of a con artist who pretended to be a wealthy investor.”
13. Schemer
A schemer is someone who devises or plans a secret or underhanded scheme or plot, often for personal gain or to deceive others. The term implies cunning and manipulation.
- For example, in a political drama, a character might be described as a “master schemer.”
- In a discussion about workplace politics, someone might say, “She’s always scheming to get ahead.”
- Another might comment, “Beware of schemers, they’ll do anything to achieve their goals.”
14. Turn on
To turn on someone is to betray their trust or loyalty. It can also refer to cooperating with authorities or revealing incriminating information about someone.
- For instance, in a crime novel, a character might say, “He turned on his partners and became an informant.”
- In a conversation about friendship, someone might lament, “I can’t believe he turned on me like that.”
- Another might caution, “Be careful who you trust, anyone can turn on you.”
15. Defector
A defector is someone who abandons their allegiance or loyalty to a group, organization, or cause, often joining the opposing side. The term is commonly used in political or military contexts.
- For example, in a spy thriller, a character might be described as a “high-ranking defector.”
- In a discussion about historical events, someone might say, “The defector provided valuable intelligence to the enemy.”
- Another might comment, “Defectors are often seen as traitors, but their motives can be complex.”
16. Traitorous
This word describes someone who betrays the trust or loyalty of others. It implies a deliberate act of betrayal.
- For example, “He was labeled as traitorous for leaking confidential information.”
- In a political context, one might say, “The senator’s actions were seen as traitorous to their party.”
- A friend might express their disappointment by saying, “I can’t believe you would do something so traitorous.”
17. Forsake
To forsake someone means to abandon or desert them, often in a time of need or loyalty. It implies a deliberate act of betrayal or neglect.
- For instance, “He felt forsaken by his friends when they didn’t support him.”
- In a relationship context, one might say, “She decided to forsake her partner and pursue someone else.”
- A person might reflect on their past actions and say, “I regret forsaking my family for my own selfish desires.”
18. Devious
This word describes someone who is cunning, crafty, or manipulative in their actions. It implies a sense of betrayal through clever and deceitful means.
- For example, “He came up with a devious plan to trick his business partner.”
- In a game of strategy, one might say, “She made a devious move to gain an advantage over her opponent.”
- A person might warn others by saying, “Be careful of his devious tactics; he can’t be trusted.”
19. False-hearted
This term describes someone who is not genuine or true in their intentions or feelings. It implies a betrayal of trust or emotions.
- For instance, “She was hurt by his false-hearted promises.”
- In a friendship context, one might say, “He revealed his true false-hearted nature by spreading rumors.”
- A person might describe a deceptive individual by saying, “Beware of her false-hearted charm; she’s only out for herself.”
20. Double-crossing
To double-cross someone means to betray them, often by going against an agreement or breaking trust. It implies a deliberate act of betrayal or treachery.
- For example, “He felt the sting of double-crossing when his best friend revealed his secrets.”
- In a spy movie, one might say, “The protagonist must navigate a world of double-crossing agents.”
- A person might express their anger by saying, “I can’t believe you would stoop so low as to double-cross me.”