palooka

[ puh-loo-kuh ]
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nounSlang.
  1. an athlete, especially a boxer, lacking in ability, experience, or competitive spirit.

  2. a stupid, clumsy person.

Origin of palooka

1
An Americanism dating back to 1920–25; origin uncertain

Words Nearby palooka

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How to use palooka in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for palooka

palooka

/ (pəˈluːkə) /


noun
  1. US slang a stupid or clumsy boxer or other person

Origin of palooka

1
C20: origin uncertain

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012