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punkie

[puhng-kee]
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noun
  1. any of the minute biting gnats of the family Ceratopogonidae.
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Origin of punkie

1760–70, Americanism; < New York Dutch *punkje, alteration of Munsee Delaware pónkwəs (equivalent to Proto-Algonquian *penkw- dust, ashes + *-ehs- diminutive suffix) + Dutch -je diminutive suffix
Also called biting midge, no-see-um.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for punkie

Historical Examples

  • Jean gave in and varnished his pelt thoroughly with my "punkie dope," as he called it; but, too late; the mischief was done.

    Woodcraft and Camping

    George Washington Sears (Nessmuk)