German Word of the Day: Das Backpfeifengesicht
Let's admit it: Everybody knows somebody with a Backpfeifengesicht.
Whether it’s your inconsiderate neighbour, your friend’s rude boyfriend, or your patronising aunt, everybody knows somebody they’d really like to just slap in the face.
Constructed from Backe (cheek), Pfeife (whistle) and Gesicht (face), the literal translation of ‘cheek whistle face’ seems a little hard to decode. But a Backpfeife is actually a slap in the face, so a Backpfeifengesicht is a face that really deserves to be slapped.
It’s not generally used for people who are unfortunate to be so ugly that their face can be slapped. Instead, it’s applied to people who are annoying and irksome.
Examples:
Er hat ein richtiges Backpfeifengesicht; er ist total lästig.
He has a really slappable face; he’s so annoying
Das freche Fräulein hat ein Backpfeifengesicht.
The cheeky young lady has a slappable face.
--
Do you have a favourite word you'd like to see us cover? If so, please email our editor Rachel Stern with your suggestion.
Comments
See Also
Whether it’s your inconsiderate neighbour, your friend’s rude boyfriend, or your patronising aunt, everybody knows somebody they’d really like to just slap in the face.
Constructed from Backe (cheek), Pfeife (whistle) and Gesicht (face), the literal translation of ‘cheek whistle face’ seems a little hard to decode. But a Backpfeife is actually a slap in the face, so a Backpfeifengesicht is a face that really deserves to be slapped.
It’s not generally used for people who are unfortunate to be so ugly that their face can be slapped. Instead, it’s applied to people who are annoying and irksome.
Examples:
Er hat ein richtiges Backpfeifengesicht; er ist total lästig.
He has a really slappable face; he’s so annoying
Das freche Fräulein hat ein Backpfeifengesicht.
The cheeky young lady has a slappable face.
Do you have a favourite word you'd like to see us cover? If so, please email our editor Rachel Stern with your suggestion.
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.