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
1
An informer, especially one seen as untrustworthy or contemptible.
"Nobody trusted him after he turned out to be a fink."
2
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
1
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 notesIn plain EnglishA slang term for a snitch, informer, or strikebreaker.
When to use it
Informal, mid-20th-century American slang, now somewhat dated.
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Word forms
- Plural
- finks
- Third person singular
- finks
- Past tense
- finked
Fill the gap
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Nobody trusted him after he turned out to be a _____.
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.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for fink
See all rhymes for 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.
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