Re: The term 'mook.'

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From: epweissengruber <epweissengruber_at_...>
Date: Thu, 15 Apr 2004 16:15:25 -0000

In HeroQuest-rules_at_yahoogroups.com, "epweissengruber" <epweissengruber_at_h...> wrote:
> Old New York put down.
>
> First time I heard it was in Scorcese's "Mean Streets." Mr. DeNiro
> objects to being called a mook. Mayhem ensues.

http://www.word-detective.com/121597.html

"As to the origin of "mook," HDAS ventures that it is probably a variation on "moke," a slang term dating back to the middle of the 19th century. "Moke" means several things: originally, it was a slang and dialect term in England for a donkey, but it has also been used as a term of contempt for a Black person or any dark-skinned person. But "moke" has also been used since at least 1855 to mean "a foolish or inconsequential person," which certainly ties it to "mook." Unfortunately, no one has any clear idea of where "moke" came from. So I guess we'll both just have to keep digging."