English edit

Etymology edit

From Yiddish פּאַסקודניאַק (paskudnyak), traceable to Polish and Ukrainian.

Noun edit

paskudnyak (plural paskudnyaks)

  1. (derogatory) A nasty or contemptible person.
  2. (endearing) A young rascal; a boy who makes mischief.

References edit

  • Leo Rosten, The Joys of Yiddish; applied to "a man or woman."