- Refers to close friends or associates, often implying they engage in playful mischief, adventures, or collaborative activities together.
- It emphasizes a fun, sometimes conspiratorial bond, not necessarily actual illegal activity.
Explanation
Origin
- Literally means people who commit crimes together.
- Its figurative use for close, often mischievous friends became popular in the mid-to-late 20th century.
- Plays on the idea of two people being so close they'd back each other up in 'nefarious' (but usually harmless) plans.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Ride or die (stronger loyalty)
- My ace / My main (close friend, AAVE influence)
- Bestie / BFF
- Thick as thieves
- My cohort in chaos (playful, less common)
Milder/Standard:
- Close friend / Best friend
- Collaborator (if about a specific activity)
- Teammate
- Companion
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal and playful.
- Generally has a positive and affectionate connotation when used figuratively.
- Avoid in formal contexts (legal, serious business) where the literal meaning of crime could cause confusion or seem inappropriate.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The most significant risk is learners taking the word crime literally.
- Context is crucial – it's almost always used playfully among friends or family.
Examples
- My sister has always been my partner in crime for pulling pranks.
- He called his dog his 'partner in crime' for stealing snacks from the kitchen.
- Looking for a partner in crime to explore the city with this weekend!
Dialogue
Chris: Look at Maya and Sam whispering over there.
Dana: Haha! Partners in crime, no doubt. Probably planning their next escape room attempt.
Chris: They do make a good team for that sort of thing!
Social Media Examples
- Instagram Caption: Weekend adventures with my favorite partner in crime! @[Friend's Handle] #partnerincrime #weekendvibes #friendshipgoals
- Tweet: Happy Birthday to my partner in crime! Ready for another year of fun and maybe a little trouble 😉
- Facebook Post: My toddler and the cat are partners in crime when it comes to making messes.
Response Patterns
- Often met with amusement or affection.
- Responses might include agreement (Haha, you two are always up to something!), sharing a related anecdote (I remember when you both...), or playful warning (Uh oh, what are you two planning now?).
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- Asking about their shared activities or 'mischief': What kind of trouble do you two get into?, What's the latest adventure?.
Conversation Starter
- No.
- Describes an existing relationship or seeks someone for such a relationship.
Intonation
- Emphasis often on partners and crime.
- My favorite PARTNER in CRIME.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used across generations, particularly popular among younger adults (20s-40s) on social media.
Regional Variations
- Common in most English-speaking regions.