alaaf

Dutch

FWOTD – 8 February 2013

Etymology

Originally from the carnival tradition of Cologne: either from Kölsch ellef (“eleven”) or all af (“all gone”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /aːˈlaːf/, /ɑˈlaːf/

• Audio:

  (file)

• Hyphenation: alaaf
• Rhymes: -aːf

Interjection

alaaf

1. (Brabant, Limburg) A greeting used during carnaval.

   Synonym: (Eindhoven) salaai

   • 2000, Harrie Rook, “CARNAVAL”, in nl.onderwijs.algemeen (Usenet):

     Over carnaval moet je geen les geven. Carnaval moet je vieren. Alaaf.

     You shouldn't teach about Carnaval in class. Carnaval should be celebrated. Alaaf.