German

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Etymology

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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

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  • IPA(key): /haˈlʊŋkə/
  • Audio:(file)
  • Hyphenation: Ha‧lun‧ke

Noun

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Halunke m (weak, genitive Halunken, plural Halunken)

  1. scoundrel, thug
    Synonyms: Schuft, Schurke, Strolch
  2. (more mildly) rascal, scalawag
    Synonyms: Schlingel, Schlitzohr, Schlawiner

Declension

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Further reading

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  • Halunke” in Duden online
  • Halunke” in Digitales Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache