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

   Helmut Schmidt ist tot. — Ach, wayne.

   Helmut Schmidt is dead. — Ah, who cares.

Synonyms

• mir doch egal
• wen interessiert's

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Middle English

Etymology 1

From Old English wæġn.

Noun

wayne

1. Alternative form of wayn (“wagon”)

Etymology 2

From .

Noun

wayne

1. Alternative form of wayn (“gain”)

Etymology 3

From wayn.

Verb

wayne

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

Etymology 4

From Old Norse vegna.

Verb

wayne

1. Alternative form of waynen (“depart”)