Logo
dictionary thesaurus

nudnik

noun
nud·​nik | \ ˈnu̇d-nik How to pronounce nudnik (audio) \
variants: or less commonly nudnick

Definition of nudnik

: a person who is a bore or nuisance
Synonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about nudnik

Keep scrolling for more

Did You Know?

The suffix -nik came to English through Yiddish (and ultimately from Polish and Ukrainian). It means "one connected with or characterized by being." You might be familiar with "beatnik," "computernik," or "neatnik," but what about "no-goodnik" or "allrightnik"? The suffix -nik is frequently used in English to create nonce words that are often jocular or slightly derogatory. Some theorize that the popularity of the suffix was enhanced by Russian "Sputnik," as well as Al Capp's frequent use of "-nik" words in his "L'il Abner" cartoons. The "nud-" of the Yiddish borrowing "nudnik" ultimately comes from the Polish word nuda, meaning "boredom."

Examples of nudnik in a Sentence

dreads family gatherings, as that nudnik of a brother-in-law is always sure to be there nobody wants to hang around with that nudnik—all he wants to do is talk shop

Recent Examples on the Web

 The Word Mavens, are the authors of a new book, The Whole Spiel: Funny essays about digital nudniks, seder selfies and chicken soup memories. Connect with them at www.thewordmavens.com. — Philly.com, "Rosh Hashanah: Not your bubbe's honey cake," 13 Sep. 2017

First Known Use of nudnik

1916, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for nudnik

Yiddish nudnik, from nudyen to bore, from Polish nudzić, from nuda boredom

Keep scrolling for more

WORD OF THE DAY

rambunctious

play

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!