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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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