German word of the day: Der Spaßvogel
Looking to describe someone who is the life of the party? This fun German compound noun will come in handy.
Quite popular in Austria, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein, this term describes someone who enlivens the mood, amuses those around her with momentary joy, and lives for jokes and laughter.
A Spaßvogel enjoys spreading fun, often with the express intention of cheering up those around her. This word can be broken down into “Spaß” (fun) and “Vogel” (bird).
While the term has nothing to do with any actual bird or animal specimen, the image of someone flying in to make a joke, only to fly away again to find her next audience, is a fitting image.
The fun friend who makes a few silly jokes and undoubtedly cheers you up is a Spaßvogel.
In English we may call her a jester, jokester, or, “the life of the party.”
The word Spaß was integrated into the German language in the late 1600s and originates from the Italian “spasso.” Originally, “spasso” best translated to the German words der Zeitvertreib (pastime), die Zerstreuung (distraction), or das Vergnügen (pleasure).
READ ALSO: 10 German words which come from Italian
That the origins of Spaß in German are linked to the concept of passing the time, distraction, and pleasure, makes our understanding of Spaßvogel even more rich.
A Spaßvogel, then, can be understood as someone who distracts and spends time with glee and enjoyment, or at least tries to.
While the term Spaßvogel is generally used in a light-hearted manner, it does not always have a sunny connotation.
When calling someone a Spaßvogel, it could have a more cynical undertone, and be used to call out a person for taking things lightly, perhaps even a bit too lightly.
To some, a Spaßvogel is someone who is not to be taken seriously, someone who lives just for the sake of the joke.
Therefore, it is important to understand the surrounding context of this word, especially if using it to describe someone you do not know very well!
READ ALSO: Nerdy flowers to alcoholic birds: The 12 most colourful German insults
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Quite popular in Austria, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein, this term describes someone who enlivens the mood, amuses those around her with momentary joy, and lives for jokes and laughter.
A Spaßvogel enjoys spreading fun, often with the express intention of cheering up those around her. This word can be broken down into “Spaß” (fun) and “Vogel” (bird).
While the term has nothing to do with any actual bird or animal specimen, the image of someone flying in to make a joke, only to fly away again to find her next audience, is a fitting image.
The fun friend who makes a few silly jokes and undoubtedly cheers you up is a Spaßvogel.
In English we may call her a jester, jokester, or, “the life of the party.”
The word Spaß was integrated into the German language in the late 1600s and originates from the Italian “spasso.” Originally, “spasso” best translated to the German words der Zeitvertreib (pastime), die Zerstreuung (distraction), or das Vergnügen (pleasure).
READ ALSO: 10 German words which come from Italian
That the origins of Spaß in German are linked to the concept of passing the time, distraction, and pleasure, makes our understanding of Spaßvogel even more rich.
A Spaßvogel, then, can be understood as someone who distracts and spends time with glee and enjoyment, or at least tries to.
While the term Spaßvogel is generally used in a light-hearted manner, it does not always have a sunny connotation.
When calling someone a Spaßvogel, it could have a more cynical undertone, and be used to call out a person for taking things lightly, perhaps even a bit too lightly.
To some, a Spaßvogel is someone who is not to be taken seriously, someone who lives just for the sake of the joke.
Therefore, it is important to understand the surrounding context of this word, especially if using it to describe someone you do not know very well!
READ ALSO: Nerdy flowers to alcoholic birds: The 12 most colourful German insults
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