Fagin (n)
fey-gin
A person who teaches crime to others.
An example of eponymous etymology, Fagin is taken directly from Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist (published in 1838).
As a general description for ‘shady types’ fagin was in regular use by 1842.
Example sentences
“I don’t want to see you round there again, he’s a fagin and he’ll get you in trouble”
“Oh he’s a proper fagin; got a coterie of little thieves around him.”
May 6, 2024
Word of the Day – Dendroglyph
Dendroglyph (noun) den-dro-glif an image, message, or symbol carved into a tree, especially by Indigenous…
May 5, 2024
Word of the Day – Nimble
Nimble (adj) nim-bl Agile, quick in movement. / Alert, acute. Old English nǣmel quick to…
May 4, 2024
Word of the Day – Petiole
Petiole (noun) pet-ee-ohl (Botany) the slender stalk by which a leaf is attached to the…
May 3, 2024
Word of the Day – Preponderant
Preponderant (adj) pree-pon-duh-rant superior in weight, force, influence, numbers, etc.; prevailing. Preponderant was first recorded…
May 2, 2024
Word of the Day – Nebulous
Nebulous (adj) neb-yu-lus Hazy, vague, indistinct, or confused. First recorded in 1375–1425 and comes via…
May 1, 2024
Word of the Day – Impediment
Impediment (noun) im-ped-im-ent An obstruction, hindrance or obstacle. / any physical impairment or condition that…