palooka

[ puh-loo-kuh ]

noun

, Slang.

1. an athlete, especially a boxer, lacking in ability, experience, or competitive spirit.
2. a stupid, clumsy person.

palooka

/ pəˈluːkə /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of palooka¹

An Americanism dating back to 1920–25; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of palooka¹

C20: origin uncertain

Example Sentences

“Stop being the palookas of the Pac-10,” Murray wrote of the admonition he kept to himself.

From Los Angeles Times

“I am the luckiest palooka,” he said, and gave a shout-out to both mentor David Mamet and his wife, Felicity Huffman, in the audience.

From Los Angeles Times

John G. Avildsen directs in a modest, unaffected style that underlines the palooka’s solitude.

From New York Times

Beating Sharks twice in Europe is what boxers do with palookas to inflate records.

From Seattle Times

But the palooka turns on the percussion pitch, sending it whistling out of the stadium for what looks like a game-winning homer.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• boxer
• clodhopper
• fighter
• lummox