What are the definitions of “fink on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Give away secrets about someone.
He FINKED ON her to the authorities.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “fink on”?
The phrasal verb fink on is commonly used to mean telling secrets about someone, often to an authority figure. This is usually done in a negative context, where the person 'finking on' someone else is seen as a traitor or snitch.
What are the different verb forms of “fink on”?
| Root Verb | fink on |
| Third Person Singular Present | finks on |
| Present Participle | finking on |
| Simple Past | finked on |
| Past Participle | finked on |
Example
I can't believe you would fink on your own brother.
Example
She always finks on her classmates when they break the rules.
Example
He is finking on his co-worker to the boss.
Example
They finked on their friend to the teacher.
Example
He felt guilty because he had finked on his best friend.
What kind of phrasal verb is “fink on”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“fink on” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She finked on her brother to their parents.
Example
He finked on his friends to the teacher.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“fink on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She finked on her brother to their parents.
Example
He finked on his friends to the teacher.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “fink on”?
Good things to know
Does “fink on” have an informal or formal tone?
Fink on is considered informal and is often used in casual conversations. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional settings. Instead, more formal synonyms such as 'inform on' or 'report' are used.