Definitions

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun United States A minute biting fly of the genus Ceratopogon or allied genus of the family Chironomidæ, found in swarms in various densely wooded or mountaneous regions.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun US A small two-winged fly or midge of the family Ceratopogonidae, which bites and then sucks the blood of mammals; the biting midge.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun minute two-winged insect that sucks the blood of mammals and birds and other insects

Etymologies

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition

[Of North American Dutch origin, from Munsee pónkwəs.]

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

Entered English via (New Amsterdam) Dutch; originally from an Munsee word like *pónkwes (the latter part of which is a diminutive suffix), to which the Dutch applied the diminutive suffix -je.

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Examples

  • (And this is why your friends are lovers are doomed to fail; it has to come from you, punkie.) 2.

    Vegetables For People Who Hate Vegetables 2005

  • HERO: Whatever, punkie. * smashes him, conflict over*

    The Worst LJ Commenting 2005

  • If you're counting superhero movies, it counts, punkie.

    In Which The Ferrett Imitates Larry King 2004

  • I got news for ya, punkie; you're in the minority.

    Hear That Sound? shadesong 2003

  • She smoked her cigarette and scratched at a punkie bite on her ankle.

    You Live Once MacDonald, John D. 1956

  • The midge, again, or punkie, or "no-see-'um," just as you please, swarms down upon you suddenly and with commendable vigour, so that you feel as though red-hot pepper were being sprinkled on your bare skin; and his invisibility and intangibility are such that you can never tell whether you have killed him or not; but he doesn't last long, and dope routs him totally.

    The Forest Stewart Edward White 1909

  • Jean gave in and varnished his pelt thoroughly with my "punkie dope," as he called it; but, too late: the mischief was done.

    Woodcraft George Washington Sears 1855

  • "A self-conscious, punkie, indie, black guy who's quite vehement he should be able to wear his hair anyway he likes" - she already has a voice for him.

    The Guardian World News Tom Lamont 2010

  • Then we stopped at this little more punkie store and i bought a shirt that is so cool!

    TravelPod.com Recent Updates 2008

  • Then we stopped at this little more punkie store and i bought a shirt that is so cool!

    TravelPod.com Recent Updates 2008

Comments

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  • A South Somerset term for a lantern made from a hollowed-out mangelwurzel or swede. Punkie Night is celebrated on the last Thursday in October.

    June 11, 2014

  • Night of the Glowing Swedes...innit just Tuesday up north?

    June 12, 2014

  • *trying to think of a reply but giggling too much*

    June 12, 2014