noun Uncommon

fink

fihngk

Fink (noun) means an informer, especially one seen as untrustworthy or contemptible. Example: “Nobody trusted him after he turned out to be a fink.”

noun

An informer, especially one seen as untrustworthy or contemptible.

"Nobody trusted him after he turned out to be a fink."

A worker who crosses a picket line or helps break a strike.

"The company brought in finks to keep the factory running during the strike."

verb

To inform on someone, especially to betray a confidence.

"He finked on his friends to avoid getting in trouble himself."

How to Use Fink

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA slang term for a snitch, informer, or strikebreaker.

When to use it

Informal, mid-20th-century American slang, now somewhat dated.

Word Forms

finked past tense, finks plural, finks plural, Finks plural, finks singular

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Etymology

Origin uncertain, first recorded in the 1890s in the US; possibly linked to German Fink ("finch"), since finches were seen as noisy, chattering birds — an image that fits an informer.

Origin: German · First attested 1890

Class of 1890 fink joined the language around 1890.

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Synonyms

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rat sneak confess canary snitch scab squeal sneaker stoolie snitcher blackleg stoolpigeon

Related Words

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Rhymes for fink

ink pink link mink sink wink kink dink rink tink bink drink

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “fink” mean?

The word “fink” means an informer, especially one seen as untrustworthy or contemptible. In plain terms, a slang term for a snitch, informer, or strikebreaker.

How do you pronounce “fink”?

“Fink” is pronounced fihngk (/fɪŋk/ in IPA).

How do you use “fink” in a sentence?

Here is “fink” used in a sentence: “Nobody trusted him after he turned out to be a fink.”

What part of speech is “fink”?

Depending on how it is used, “fink” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “fink” come from?

The word “fink” dates back to around 1890 and comes from German. Origin uncertain, first recorded in the 1890s in the US; possibly linked to German Fink ("finch"), since finches were seen as noisy, chattering birds — an image that fits an informer.

Is “fink” a common word?

“Fink” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “fink” have?

“Fink” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an informer, especially one seen as untrustworthy or contemptible.

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