Cienki Bolek
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What it means
Literally “Thin Bolek.” Refers to someone weak, spineless, or of poor quality — a wimp, a pushover, or something substandard.
Vocabulary
- cienki — thin / weak / poor quality
- Bolek — a common Polish male name (diminutive of Bolesław)
Grammar note
Used as a predicate: 'jesteś cienkim Bolkiem' (you're a real weakling). Also used as a standalone noun phrase.
Cultural context
The name Bolek is associated with ordinariness. The phrase gained extra resonance as a nickname for Lech Wałęsa in alleged secret service files.
Intermediate
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