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Fink
01
a contemptible or treacherous person, especially an informer
Dialect
American
American
Offensive
Slang
Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Human
Composition
Simple
Countable
Plural form
finks
What is the origin of the term "fink" and how is it used?
"Fink" is American slang that appeared in the early 20th century, likely derived from German Fink (meaning "finch"), which in Yiddish slang came to mean a contemptible or lowly person. It came to specifically describe someone treacherous, disloyal, or an informer who betrays others. The term appears in informal speech, crime reporting, and popular culture. It is derogatory but not vulgar.
Examples
The mob boss put a hit on the fink who testified against him.
to fink
01
confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure
Grammatical Information
Composition
Simple
Action verb
Regular
Present tense
fink
3rd person singular
finks
Present participle
finking
Past simple
finked
Past participle
finked
02
take the place of work of someone on strike
