- To have a tendency or propensity to steal things, often small items (shoplifting or petty theft).
Explanation
Origin
- This is a metaphor. Imagine someone's fingers are literally sticky, so objects they touch inadvertently 'stick' to their hands and end up in their pockets.
- It suggests a habit or inclination towards theft, rather than necessarily a single planned act.
- The expression dates back to at least the mid-19th century.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Five-finger discount (Humorous/euphemistic term for shoplifting)
- Boost (Slang for steal, especially shoplifting)
- Jack (Slang for steal)
- Filch (To steal something of small value sneakily)
More Direct/Formal:
- Be kleptomanic (Referring to the impulse control disorder)
- Engage in theft.
- Be dishonest.
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal. It's a colloquial and somewhat euphemistic way to talk about stealing. While understood, calling someone a thief directly might be used in more serious or confrontational situations. Avoid using it lightly, as it's a serious accusation.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Can be confusing if taken literally (e.g., someone just ate jam). Context usually involves missing items or warnings about theft.
Examples
- Be careful leaving your wallet out; that guy is known to have sticky fingers.
- The shopkeeper accused the teenager of having sticky fingers.
- We stopped inviting her because she seems to have sticky fingers – things always go missing.
Dialogue
Employee 1: Did you notice the new intern hanging around the supply closet a lot?
Employee 2: Yeah, and some highlighters and good pens have gone missing. I hope he doesn't have sticky fingers.
Employee 1: Hmm, we should probably mention it discreetly to HR, just in case.
Social Media Examples
- Neighborhood Watch Group Post: Warning: Someone with sticky fingers has been reported taking packages from porches on Elm Street. Keep an eye out!
- Tweet (cautionary tale): Lost my favorite pen at the conference. Pretty sure the person next to me had sticky fingers. 😠#lessonlearned
- Forum Discussion (about roommates): My roommate keeps 'borrowing' my stuff and not returning it. Suspect sticky fingers. How to handle?
Response Patterns
- Really? I didn't know that.
- Oh, wow. Thanks for the warning.
- That's terrible.
- Are you sure?
- We should keep an eye on them.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After being warned someone has sticky fingers:
- People might ask for evidence or examples: What makes you say that? or What have they taken?
- They will likely become more vigilant about their belongings around that person.
- Might lead to avoiding the person or taking security measures.
Conversation Starter
- No. Used to describe or warn about someone's behavior.
Intonation
- Stress on sticky and fingers. Have STICKY FINGERS.
- Often said in a cautionary, accusatory, or gossipy tone, usually lowered voice.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood across generations.
Regional Variations
- Common in most English-speaking regions. Regional slang alternatives exist (e.g., nick, pinch).