fink: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, slang, often pejorative
Quick answer
What does “fink” mean?
An informer or betrayer, especially one who gives information to authorities.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An informer or betrayer, especially one who gives information to authorities.
A contemptible or untrustworthy person; a strikebreaker or scab; (verb) to inform on someone, to betray, or to fail to keep a promise.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, it is primarily understood as an Americanism meaning 'informer'. The verb form 'to fink on someone' is recognized but used less frequently than in American English. The phrasal verb 'fink out' (to back out of a commitment) is almost exclusively American.
Connotations
In both varieties, it implies contempt. In American English, it can also imply strikebreaking. In British English, its use can sound somewhat dated or like imported American slang.
Frequency
More frequent and native in American English. In British English, 'grass', 'snitch', or 'informant' are more common equivalents.
Grammar
How to Use “fink” in a Sentence
to fink on [someone] (to inform)to fink out [of something] (to back out)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fink” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- He's a proper fink, that one, always whispering to the boss.
- In the old gangster films, the fink always gets his comeuppance.
American English
- The union called him a fink for crossing the picket line.
- Don't be a fink—just keep your mouth shut.
verb
British English
- He threatened to fink on the whole operation if he didn't get a cut.
American English
- He finked on his partners to get a lighter sentence.
- You promised to help, don't you dare fink out now!
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- It was a fink thing to do.
American English
- He pulled a real fink move by taking credit for my work.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used informally to describe someone who informs management about colleagues' misconduct.
Academic
Very rare, except in historical/sociological studies of labor or criminal slang.
Everyday
Informal, used to express strong disapproval of someone who has betrayed a trust.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fink”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Confusing it with 'pink'.
- Using the verb without the preposition 'on' (e.g., 'He finked me' is incorrect; 'He finked on me' is correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is strongly pejorative and informal. It is an insult implying betrayal and cowardice.
Yes, primarily in American English. 'To fink on someone' means to inform on them. 'To fink out' means to back out of a promise or commitment.
They are near-synonyms in informal use. 'Fink' has historical ties to labor disputes. 'Rat' implies complete betrayal. 'Snitch' is very common and often implies informing for personal gain. All are insults.
It is understood, largely through exposure to American media, but it sounds like an Americanism. British speakers are more likely to use 'grass', 'snitch', or 'tell-tale'.
An informer or betrayer, especially one who gives information to authorities.
Fink is usually informal, slang, often pejorative in register.
Fink: in British English it is pronounced /fɪŋk/, and in American English it is pronounced /fɪŋk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “rat fink (intensifier)”
- “fink out on someone/something”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A 'FINK' FINKs (finks) on his friends to the K-ing (king/authorities). It rhymes with 'stink' – a fink is a person who stinks (is terrible).
Conceptual Metaphor
BETRAYAL IS FILTH (a 'dirty' fink), BETRAYAL IS ANIMAL BEHAVIOR (rat fink).
Practice
Quiz
In American labor history, a 'fink' was often specifically a: