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

Middle English

Etymology 1

From Old English wæġn.

Noun

wayne

  1. Alternative form of wayn (“wagon”)

Etymology 2

From Old Northern French waigne.

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”)
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