paskudnyak

English

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

Noun

paskudnyak (plural paskudnyaks)

  1. (derogatory) A nasty or contemptible person. [20th c.]
  2. (endearing) A young rascal; a boy who makes mischief. [20th c.]

References

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