Definition & Meaning of "palooka"in English

Palooka

NOUN

a clumsy, stupid, or incompetent person

Dialect

American

Informal

What is the origin of the term "palooka" and how is it used?

"Palooka" appeared in American slang in the early 20th century, possibly from boxing jargon for an unskilled fighter. It came to describe a clumsy, stupid, or incompetent person. The term appears in older slang, comics, and humor. It is derogatory but mild and somewhat dated.

Examples

The big palooka tripped over his own feet trying to dance.

a second-rate prize fighter

Grammatical Information

Animacy status

Human

Composition

Simple

Countable

Plural form

palookas