Pfaffe

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German

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Etymology

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From Middle High German pfaffe, from Old High German pfaffo, phaffo, an early borrowing from Gothic 𐍀𐌰𐍀𐌰 (papa) demonstrating the effects of the High German consonant shift, from Ancient Greek πάπας (pápas).[1] Cognate to Dutch paap. Doublet of Papst.

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /ˈp͡fafə/
  • Audio:(file)

Noun

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Pfaffe m (weak, genitive Pfaffen, plural Pfaffen)

  1. (now derogatory) cleric, clergyman
    Synonyms: Geistlicher, Kleriker

Usage notes

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The term was originally neutral, but since about the time of the Reformation it ceased to be used with any positive tone; usage today is derogatory.

Declension

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Derived terms

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References

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  1. ^ Dennis Green, Language and History in the Early Germanic World (Cambridge 1998) p. 309

Further reading

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  • Pfaffe” in Digitales Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache
  • Pfaffe” in Duden online