Janusz
a cheap/tacky middle-aged Polish man (meme archetype)
Pronunciation
/ˈjanuʂ/
Cultural Note
'Janusz' is Poland's most iconic internet meme archetype — the stereotypical middle-aged Polish man who is cheap, wears socks with sandals, grills kiełbasa at every opportunity, complains about everything, and has strong opinions about politics. The meme exploded around 2014-2016 with the 'Janusz Nosacz' (proboscis monkey) meme where the monkey face represented this character. His wife is 'Grażyna' and his son is 'Seba.' Calling someone a 'Janusz' means they're being cheap, tacky, or acting like a stereotypical boomer. Every Pole under 40 knows exactly what you mean.
📝 Example Sentences
Typowy Janusz na wakacjach — skarpetki w sandałach i niemieckie piwo w torbie.
A typical Janusz on vacation — socks in sandals and German beer in his bag.
Nie bądź Januszem, zostaw porządny napiwek.
Don't be a Janusz, leave a decent tip.