1 C1 idiomatic slang
To back out of a commitment, plan, or promise, especially at the last minute, letting others down.
"We were counting on him to drive us, but he finked out at the last second."
inseparable
fink out
C1 slang inseparable intransitive
To fail to honour a commitment or promise, especially by backing out at the last moment; or to inform on someone to an authority.
In plain English
To suddenly decide not to do something you promised, or to tell on someone.
What does "fink out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic slang
To inform on someone, especially to a figure of authority.
"He was afraid his roommate would fink out on him if the police came asking questions."
inseparable
Usage tip
Chiefly American slang, associated with mid-20th century usage. 'Fink' as a noun refers to an informer or strikebreaker. 'Fink out' is informal and slightly dated. Not commonly heard in modern speech; younger speakers are more likely to say 'bail out' or 'chicken out'.
Words that pair with "fink out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
deal promise plan commitment agreement
How to conjugate "fink out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
fink out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
finks out
he/she/it
Past simple
finked out
yesterday
Past participle
finked out
have + pp
-ing form
finking out
continuous
Hear "fink out" in the wild
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