interjection
gotcha
GO-chuh
interjection
1
Casual way of saying "I understand" or "I've got it".
""Meet me at six." "Gotcha.""
"Gotcha, I'll send the file right away."
noun
1
A hidden problem or trap, often in a plan, contract, or piece of software, that catches people out.
"The contract had a gotcha buried in the fine print about renewal fees."
"That function has a nasty gotcha if you pass it an empty list."
2
A trick or surprise played on someone, especially one meant to embarrass them.
"The interview turned out to be a gotcha designed to make the politician stumble."
How to Use Gotcha
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither "understood" (casual reply) or a sneaky trap/trick hidden in something.
When to use it
Very informal — fine in speech and texts, avoid in formal writing.
Common pairings
gotcha moment
gotcha journalism
a real gotcha
Word Forms
gotchas plural
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Etymology
A casual spelling of "got you", first written down this way in the 20th century.