WASHINGTON — A “Jeopardy!” contestant learned the difference between “gangster” and “gangsta” the hard way.

Monday’s episode of the quiz show featured a question referencing the 1995 Coolio hit “Gangsta’s Paradise” from the “Dangerous Minds” soundtrack. Contestant Nick Spicher buzzed in with what he thought was the correct answer.

But later in the show, host Alex Trebek had to break the bad news. The judges had reviewed the tape and, alas, Spicher had flubbed the pronunciation. “You said ‘gangst-er’ instead of ‘gang-sta,'” a solemn Trebek told Spicher, and the contestant’s winnings were depleted by $3,200.

The night ended well for Spicher — he ended up winning anyway. Still, as Coolio might have cautioned him: “You better watch how you talkin.'”