gotcha

noun

got·​cha ˈgä-chə 

: an unexpected usually disconcerting challenge, revelation, or catch

The program has a few gotchas for unsuspecting computer users.

also : an attempt to embarrass, expose, or disgrace someone (such as a politician) with a gotcha

… the moderators' claim that … a more or less uninterrupted stream of … gotchas was justified by focusing the debate on 'electability'.

—Josh Marshall

Synonyms of gotcha

• hitch
• risk
• pitfall
• snag
• catch
• land mine
• kicker

Examples of gotcha in a Sentence

The program has a few gotchas in store for unsuspecting computer users.

the gotcha in the low monthly rate quoted by the cable company is that it is a teaser and good for only six months

Recent Examples on the Web

At a Black Bear party, gotcha reporters and leering industry types jockey to meet her. —Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 27 Oct. 2025

But Kirk’s acolytes seem more interested in a game of gotcha than true, honest discourse. —Andrea Williams, Nashville Tennessean, 10 Oct. 2025

There is little doubt that this is a rapidly developing field and that there are tremendous upsides to be had, but at the same time, regrettably, hidden risks and outright gotchas come into these endeavors too. —Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025

Portland artist Sam Pletcher threw the gotcha grenade with a scathing gram. —Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

alteration of got you

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gotcha

• caccia
• dacha