Discover a comprehensive list of slang words for detective, including examples of how to use them in sentences. From “sleuth” to “gumshoe,” expand your vocabulary with these popular detective slang terms.
1. Sleuth
Meaning – Slang term that refers to a person who investigates and solves crimes.
Example sentences:
- He’s a real sleuth, he always gets to the bottom of things.
- Sleuthing is his passion, he can’t get enough of it.
- She’s always been a natural sleuth, even as a child.
- Sleuths have to be patient and observant.
- Being a sleuth is not just about solving crimes, it’s also about helping people.
2. Gumshoe
Meaning – Slang term that refers to a detective or private investigator.
Example sentences:
- He’s been a gumshoe for over 20 years, and he’s seen it all.
- Gumshoes have to be quick on their feet and able to think on their toes.
- She’s the best gumshoe in town, no one can compete with her.
- Gumshoes work behind the scenes to gather information and solve cases.
- Being a gumshoe is not a glamorous job, but it’s an important one.
3. Private eye
Meaning – Slang term that refers to a private detective.
Example sentences:
- He’s a private eye, he works on cases that the police can’t.
- Private eyes have to be discreet and professional.
- She’s always wanted to be a private eye, and now she finally is.
- Private eyes work for individuals or companies to solve problems.
- Being a private eye is not for everyone, it takes a certain set of skills and personality traits.
4. Shadow
Meaning – Slang term that refers to a person who follows someone else to gather information.
Example sentences:
- He’s been shadowing her for weeks, trying to find out what she’s up to.
- Shadows have to be careful not to be noticed, or they’ll blow their cover.
- She hired a shadow to follow her husband, and found out he was cheating on her.
- Shadows work in the background to gather intelligence.
- Being a shadow is not a glamorous job, but it’s an important one.
5. Snoop
Meaning – Slang term that refers to a person who pries into the private affairs of others.
Example sentences:
- He’s always been a snoop, he can’t help but stick his nose where it doesn’t belong.
- Snoops have to be careful not to get caught, or they’ll lose their credibility.
- She’s a notorious snoop, everyone in the neighborhood knows it.
- Snoops are often motivated by curiosity or a desire for gossip.
- Being a snoop is not a respectable job, but some people are good at it.
6. Eye
Meaning – Slang term that refers to a person who watches or observes others.
Example sentences:
- He’s got an eye on everything that goes on in the neighborhood.
- Eyes have to be patient and unobtrusive to gather information.
- She’s always been a keen eye, she notices things that other people miss.
- Eyes are often used for surveillance or intelligence gathering.
- Being an eye is a solitary job, but it can be rewarding.
7. Tracker
Meaning – Slang term that refers to a person who follows or traces the movements of others.
Example sentences:
- He’s a tracker, he can find anyone anywhere.
- Trackers have to be skilled at reading clues and predicting movements.
- She hired a tracker to find her missing dog, and he found it in no time.
- Trackers often work with animals or specialized equipment.
- Being a tracker is not an easy job, but it’s a valuable one.
8. Investigator
Meaning – Slang term used to refer to someone who investigates or conducts an inquiry into a matter or event.
Example sentences:
- The investigator arrived at the scene of the crime to gather evidence.
- He’s a private investigator who specializes in cheating spouses.
- The investigator found new evidence that could lead to the killer’s arrest.
- She’s an investigator for a big law firm in the city.
- The investigator is working hard to uncover the truth.
9. Inquirer
Meaning – Slang term used to refer to someone who asks questions or conducts an investigation.
Example sentences:
- She’s an inquirer for the local newspaper, always looking for a good story.
- The inquirer asked a lot of questions during the press conference.
- He’s an inquirer for the police department, helping to solve cases.
- The inquirer is trying to get to the bottom of the mystery.
- The inquirer isn’t afraid to ask the tough questions.
10. Examiner
Meaning – Slang term used to refer to someone who examines or inspects something carefully.
Example sentences:
- The examiner looked closely at the evidence to find any clues.
- He’s an examiner for the insurance company, investigating claims.
- The examiner found a flaw in the plan that could cause problems.
- She’s an examiner for the government, making sure businesses are following the rules.
- The examiner is very thorough in her work.
11. Sleuth hound
Meaning – Slang term used to refer to someone who is a skilled and persistent detective.
Example sentences:
- He’s a real sleuth hound, always on the trail of the next big case.
- The sleuth hound followed the suspect through the streets.
- She’s a sleuth hound for the FBI, tracking down dangerous criminals.
- The sleuth hound found the missing piece of evidence that cracked the case.
- Being a sleuth hound requires patience, intelligence, and dedication.
12. Sherlock
Meaning – Slang term used to refer to someone who is an expert detective or investigator, named after the famous fictional detective Sherlock Holmes.
Example sentences:
- He’s a real Sherlock, always one step ahead of the criminals.
- The Sherlock of the police department solved the case in record time.
- She’s a Sherlock for the insurance company, spotting fraud and saving money.
- The Sherlock of the office found the missing file that everyone else had given up on.
- Being a Sherlock requires attention to detail and a sharp mind.
13. Spook
Meaning – Slang term used to refer to a detective who is working undercover or using stealth.
Example sentences:
- The spook blended in perfectly with the crowd to gather information.
- He’s a spook for the government, working in secret to stop terrorism.
- The spook snuck into the building undetected to plant a bug.
- She’s a spook for the CIA, gathering intel on foreign countries.
- Being a spook requires courage and the ability to work alone.
14. Shadow
Meaning – Slang term used to refer to someone who follows or observes someone else secretly, often as part of an investigation.
Example sentences:
- The shadow watched the suspect from a distance, waiting for the right moment to strike.
- He’s a shadow for the private detective agency, keeping tabs on a cheating spouse.
- The shadow followed the target through the city, trying to find out where he was going.
- She’s a shadow for the government, tracking down spies and traitors.
- Being a shadow requires stealth and the ability to stay unnoticed.
15. Sniffer
Meaing – Slang term for a person or animal that has a heightened sense of smell and can detect things that others may miss. This term is sometimes used to refer to a detective who is good at sniffing out clues.
Example sentences:
- The sniffer dog helped the detectives find the hidden drugs.
- He’s a great sniffer, he can tell when something is off.
- She has a sniffer for good deals at the thrift store.
- Sniffers are often used to find things that people can’t see.
- He’s a sniffer for trouble, always knows when something’s not right.
16. Sleuth
Meaning – Slang term that refers to a detective or someone who is skilled at uncovering secrets.
Example sentences:
- The sleuth uncovered the truth about the crime.
- He’s a great sleuth, he always knows what’s going on.
- The mystery writer used a sleuth as the main character in her book.
- The sleuth found the missing person in record time.
- Sleuthing is all about asking the right questions and following the clues.
17. Snoop
Meaning – Slang term that refers to a person who likes to pry into other people’s affairs or who is good at uncovering secrets.
Example sentences:
- He’s a bit of a snoop, always poking around where he shouldn’t be.
- She’s a great snoop, she found out about the surprise party before it happened.
- The detective had to snoop around to find the clues.
- Snoopers often get into trouble for being too nosy.
- He’s not a snoop, he’s just naturally curious.
18. Gumshoe
Meaning – Slang term that refers to a detective, often used in old movies and detective novels.
Example sentences:
- The gumshoe solved the mystery in the end.
- He’s always wanted to be a gumshoe, ever since he was a kid.
- The gumshoe followed the clues to the suspect’s hideout.
- Gumshoes often have to work alone and under the radar.
- He loves reading detective novels featuring gumshoes.
19. Eye
Meaning – Slang term that refers to a detective, often used in old movies and novels. The term comes from the idea that a detective has a sharp eye for detail.
Example sentences:
- The eye was the best in the business.
- He’s always had a good eye for finding things that are hidden.
- The detective used his eye to find the clues in the room.
- Eyes have to be observant and quick-thinking to solve mysteries.
- He likes dressing up as an eye for Halloween.
Wrap Up
I hope you find the article “Slang Words for Detective [With Sentence]” helpful.