gink

Gink is a slang noun used in American English to refer to a man or fellow. It typically carries a nuance of odd, foolish, or unscrupulous behavior, but the precise shade of meaning varies with context. The term is most common in earlier 20th-century speech and writing and is now regarded as dated or humorous; contemporary usage is limited and may appear in period pieces or light-hearted dialogue.

Etymology and history: The origin of gink is uncertain. It appears in American slang from the early 1900s, but there is no broad consensus on its derivation. It is distinct from ginkgo, the tree, and the two forms are not etymologically related.

Usage: As a noun, it is used without a plural change: “a gink” or “that gink.” It can be insulting or playful depending on tone and relationship; in some contexts it may simply refer to a male person without strong judgment. It is rarely used in formal writing and is more commonly encountered in noir fiction, humor, or dialog intended to evoke a particular era.

See also: ginkgo (the tree), fellow, chap, slang terms for men.