Pity
According to the Duden's German dictionary of origins, the word jammer comes from a West Germanic adjective that is probably of onomatopoeic origin and developed from a cry of pain. It has become a noun over time. Other terms in this context are sadness , heartache or painful desire. In the German dictionary by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm , reference is made to the fact that the conceptual level of misery has to do with events such as breakage or damage . Further connections can be made to the terms misery and misery , need and poverty .
Swear words
In German usage, the word "Jammer" is incorporated in various forms of abuse . So the “picture of misery” or the picture of misery stands for a poor, miserable and pitiable person. In addition to this compassionate look at the misfortune that happens to some, there is also the socially derogatory look at the “wailer”, the “wretched figure” or the “wretch”. The whimpering rag, originally actually a cloth to wipe away tears , is the contemptuous swear word for a cowardly, energetic, complacent person. He is also known as a "wretch". The "misery Auntie", however, is a woman who constantly laments and learn about God and the world complains . Its counterpart in Austria is the "Raunzer". The swear word "Jammer-Ossi" comes from the more recent linguistic usage. The word was created from the point of view of the population of the West German federal states and refers mockingly and disparagingly to the residents of the new federal states , who are dissatisfied with their social, political and economic situation.
literature
- Herbert Pfeiffer: The big swear dictionary. Over 10,000 swear words, mockery and teasing words to designate people. 2nd Edition. Eichborn, Frankfurt am Main 1997, ISBN 3-8218-3444-7 .
- German dictionary by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm . Emphasis. Volume 10, dtv, Munich 1984, ISBN 3-423-05945-1 , column 2250-2253.
- Duden. The dictionary of origin. 3. Edition. Dudenverlag, Mannheim 2001 (Volume 7), ISBN 3-411-04073-4 .
- Juliane Stückrad: I don't scold, I just tell the truth. - An ethnography of discontent using the example of the residents of the Elbe-Elster district (Brandenburg) . Ludwig, 2011, ISBN 978-3-86935-046-2 .
