Halunke
German edit
Etymology edit
In literary use since ca. 1700. From Silesian East Central German Holomken (“servant”, 15th c.), from Old Czech holomek. Compare modern Czech holomek (“scoundrel”). The also attested sense “heathland warden, messenger” suggests merger with older Upper Sorbian *holank (attested as a name), diminutive of holan (“heathland dweller”), derived from hola (“heath”).
Pronunciation edit
Noun edit
Halunke m (weak, genitive Halunken, plural Halunken)
- scoundrel, thug
- (more mildly) rascal, scalawag
- Synonyms: Schlingel, Schlitzohr, Schlawiner
Declension edit
Declension of Halunke [masculine, weak]