wayne

German

Etymology

From English Wayne, which sounds somewhat similar to German wen (“whom”, pronounced [veːn] or [ʋeːn]). The sense is derived from trick questions of the sort: „Kennst du Wayne?“ – ? – „Wayne interessiert’s.“, that is: wen interessiert's. (“Do you know Wayne?” – ? – “Wayne cares.” [= “Who cares.”]).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /wɛɪ̯n/, /weːn/

Interjection

wayne

1. (youth slang) who cares

   Synonyms: mir doch egal, wen interessiert's

   Helmut Schmidt ist tot. — Ach, wayne.

   Helmut Schmidt is dead. — Ah, who cares.

Middle English

Etymology 1

Noun

wayne

1. alternative form of wayn (“wagon”)

Etymology 2

Noun

wayne

1. alternative form of wayn (“gain”)

Etymology 3

Verb

wayne

1. alternative form of waynen (“move by wagon”)

Etymology 4

Verb

wayne

1. alternative form of waynen (“depart”)