Fink: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'fink' originated in the early 20th century, likely deriving from a variant of the German term for 'to stink' or 'fink', which referred to someone sneaky.
• In the 1930s, it became associated with informing on organized crime figures, partly due to its use in early American slang.
• Its usage expanded in the 1950s and 60s, appearing in many cultural references as a term for a traitor or informer.

Pop Culture

• In the classic 1975 film 'Dog Day Afternoon', the term is used to describe characters who are seen as untrustworthy.
• The 1981 song 'Fink' by the punk rock band 'The Dead Kennedys' critiques societal betrayal and injustice.
• Television shows like 'The Sopranos' used the term to characterize characters who were disloyal or acted as informants.

Psychology

• Betrayal can lead to feelings of anger, sadness, and confusion, influencing interpersonal relationships significantly.
• The act of informing can be seen as a protective mechanism in certain scenarios, revealing the complex motivations behind human behavior.
• Research suggests that individuals labeled as 'finks' often experience social ostracism, affecting their mental well-being.

Historical Context

• During the Prohibition era in the United States, a number of individuals, labeled as finks, informed on speakeasies and illegal liquor operations.
• In World War II, some people acted as finks, exposing traitors and spies, often leading to severe consequences.
• The Cold War saw an increase in accusations of being a fink among political dissidents, causing significant fear and paranoia.

Literature

• The character of the fink appears in various crime novels, often portrayed as deeply untrustworthy and driven by greed.
• In George Orwell's '1984', the concept of betrayal is integral to the totalitarian regime, resonating with the notion of a fink.
• Finks are often illustrated in modern literature as cautionary tales, warning against betrayal and disloyalty.

Ranking #35,821, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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