Fink Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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fink
[fɪŋk ]
Definition
slang term
A 'fink' is often used to describe a person who is considered a rat or a traitor, especially in a context where they betray or inform on others. Typically, it carries a negative connotation and implies deceit or disloyalty. The term can also refer to someone who is sneaky or untrustworthy. It is commonly associated with informants or those who provide information to authorities against their peers.
Synonyms
betrayer, informer, snitch, traitor.
Examples of usage
- He was labeled a fink for telling the police about his friends.
- Nobody trusts a fink in the crew.
- After he finked on them, they cut all ties.
- She accused him of being a fink after he revealed their plans.
- In the world of crime, finks rarely last long.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'fink'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The term 'fink' originated in the early 20th century, with its roots found in American slang. It is speculated to be derived from the dialectal variation of the word 'fink' used in various forms of colloquial English. Several etymologists suggest it may have connections to the word 'fink' used in German, which means 'to stink,' possibly alluding to someone who is considered undesirable or untrustworthy. As the term became popular, it was especially prevalent during the Prohibition era in the United States, where informants and betrayals were rampant in organized crime. Throughout the decades, 'fink' has maintained its negative connotation, being associated with deceit and disloyalty in various social and professional circles.