Definition

A person, often an adult, who teaches or encourages others, especially children, to commit crimes.

Example

In the story, the fagin led the group of young thieves.

Conversation

Have you ever read about the character Fagin in Oliver Twist?

Yeah, he’s such a fascinating yet villainous figure.

It's interesting how he influences the kids in the story, right?

Absolutely, he really represents the darker side of society.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'fagin' originates from the name of the character Fagin in Charles Dickens' novel 'Oliver Twist', where he is depicted as a criminal who trains children to pickpocket. The name itself is believed to be derived from the Yiddish word 'faygele', meaning 'little bird', which is a term of endearment. Thus, 'fagin' refers to a person who exploits or manipulates others, particularly children, for criminal purposes.

Memory Tip

Think of Fagin as a character who 'trains' ('faygele' meaning little bird) children to engage in theft, helping you remember that a 'fagin' is someone who exploits others.

Visually Confused Words