fink
13 synonyms for fink, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An informer, especially one seen as untrustworthy or contemptible.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
An informer, especially one seen as untrustworthy or contemptible.
“Nobody trusted him after he turned out to be a fink.”
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.
Full origin of fink →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.
