Are you craving something? You could say you’re a ‘feen’ for a person, a candy bar, a cup of coffee, or a drug. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The expression ‘feen’ means ‘man’ or ‘traveling man’ in Gaelic, the native language of Ireland. The term found its way into slang in Irish in the southwestern regions of the country, in Cork and county. However, this word doesn’t have any use outside of Irish-speaking people.
The more common meaning of ‘feen’ is to refer to a craving or ‘fiending’ for something like a drug or fast food. It describes a feeling or compulsion in which your mind can’t focus on anything but the object of your desire.
You can use ‘feen’ or ‘feening’ when you’re craving another person’s company, when you need a drug or any other stimulus you crave. The phrase doesn’t always refer to drug use, but it’s the most common use of the expression. If someone tells you they’re ‘feening’ for something, it’s usually an illicit substance.
Example Usage
“Man, I’m a feen for a good burger at In-and-Out. Let’s head to the drive-thru for lunch. I’m starving right now.”
“I’m such a candy feen. I have a real sweet tooth, and it’s a problem. I’m picking up too much weight, and I need to see the dentist for a few fillings from all the sugar consumption.”
“Look at that feen over there. You can tell he’s a traveling man. I wonder how he likes the beautiful scenery around Cork?”
Origin
The expression ‘feen’ originates in the Irish language, ‘Gaelic.’ Native Gaelic speakers use the phrase to describe a traveling man, but there is no record of when the term first appears in print. While ‘feen’ is a proper Irish word, it’s also a colloquialism in English, meaning ‘fiend.’
The ‘fiending’ definition of the word is the more commonly used version in modern language. The first appearance of the word in the Urban dictionary was in 2007. However, there is no information on who coined the term.
Most experts believe the ‘fiending’ version of ‘feen’ comes from cannabis culture. Users would say they were ‘fiending’ or acting like a ‘feen’ when craving the drug.
Phrases Similar to Feen
- Fiend
- Cravings
- Traveling man.
Phrases Opposite to Feen
- In control.
- No craving.
What is the Correct Saying?
- Feen
Ways People May Say Feen Incorrectly
The original meaning of ‘feen’ is a Gaelic word describing a traveling man. While the Irish communities still use this word, it’s not the common meaning. Most people use the phrase in verbal and text communications to describe the feeling of ‘fiending’ for something.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Feen
You can use the expression ‘feen’ when describing the sensation of fiending for something like a drug, a snack, or a person. The phrase suits social use between friends. You can use it when you miss your girlfriend or boyfriend. Or when you miss having sex with them, and you’re feeling horny.
You can use it when you’re craving a drug or wish you had your favorite fast food meal in front of you. ‘Feen’ is a slang term, and it’s a common phrase used in younger demographics. Most adults won’t understand its meaning.