Fluh

Central Franconian

Alternative forms

• Floh (southern Moselle Franconian)

Etymology

From Middle High German vlō(ch), from Proto-Germanic *flauhaz.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /fluː/

Noun

Fluh f or m (plural Flüh or Flieh)

1. (Ripuarian, most of Moselle Franconian) flea (parasitic insect)

   Wä kann de jrütste Kält verdrage? – De Fluh. Die sprengk noch em Wenter em Hemb eröm!

   Who can bear the greatest cold? – A flea. It jumps around in a shirt even during the winter!

   (A humorous riddle.)

Usage notes

• Originally feminine throughout the area, the masculine being restricted to a few local dialects. It may now occur more often under Standard German influence.