fink

Everyday

1. (US, slang, old-fashioned) A fink is a person who tells on others to the police or people in charge; a snitch or tattletale. tree →
2. (US, slang) A fink is an unpleasant, untrustworthy person. tree →
3. (US, slang) To fink on someone is to tell on them. tree →
4. (old, US) A fink was also a strike-breaker who worked when others were on strike. tree →

In the lessons

Mostly found in old American films, comics and stories, where gangsters or kids call someone a fink. It is a mild insult. Everyday modern words are «snitch», «grass» (UK) or «tattletale» (US). Phrases: «fink on someone», «you rat fink».

Examples

• «Don't be a fink and tell the teacher!» tree →
• He finked on his friends to the police. tree →
• In the old film, the gangster called him a rat fink. tree →
• Nobody trusted him after he was a fink. tree →
• «You little fink!» shouted her brother. tree →
• Telling an adult about bullying is right, not being a fink. tree →

Note

Slang and old-fashioned. Remember: telling a trusted adult when someone is hurt or in danger is the right thing, not snitching.