גנבֿ

Yiddish

Etymology

Borrowed from Hebrew גנב (ganāv, “thief”).

Noun

גנבֿ (ganef) m, plural גנבֿים (ganovim)

1. thief, fraudster
   • 1969, Philip Roth, Portnoy's Complaint

     Well, what do you know about that, Gentile America? Supergoy, a gonif! Steals money. Covets money. Wants money, will do anything for it. Goodness gracious me, almost as bad as Jews - you sanctimonious WASPs!

Descendants

• Dutch: gannef
• English: ganef
• German: Ganove, Ganeff