Torschlusspanik

English

WOTD – 9 December 2008    

Etymology

German Torschlußpanik (gate-shut panic), The German meaning is more general.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /ˈtɔː.ʃlʊsˌpæn.ɪk/
• (US) IPA: /ˈtɔɹ.ʃlʊsˌpæn.ɪk/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Noun

Torschlusspanik (uncountable)

1. The fear that time is running out to act, specifically in regards to a border closing.
   • 1988, Croom Helm, Monetary Chaos in Europe^[1], page 251:

     But how effective could such actions be against Torschlusspanik — a flight to the exit by investors convinced that a moratorium and exchange restrictions would soon be imposed?

   • 1989, H. L. Wesseling, British and Dutch Imperialism: A Comparison', in Itinerario, 13(1)61-76:

     It is something very different from the Torschlusspanik or annexation fever of the colonial have not’s that was so typical for most of the other imperialists.

   • 1990, Brigitte H. Schutz, “The Future of German-German Relations”, German Studies Review, volume 13: 

     In a Torschlusspanik waves of GDR citizens sought to leave the country before the dreaded — and fully expected — crackdown by the SED leadership would occur.

   • 2004, Edward W. Plaisted, Terror in Berlin:

     It was Margit who made him aware of Torschlusspanik—the rush to escape East Germany before the authorities took action.

Translations

fear that time is running out to act

• German: Torschlusspanik f, Torschlußpanik f (before writing reform)

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German

Wikipedia ^de

Alternative forms

• Torschlußpanik (old spelling)

Etymology

Literally, “gate-shut panic” — the feeling that medieval peasants had when the castle gates were closing for an upcoming onslaught by enemies.

Pronunciation

• IPA: /toːɐ̯ʃlʊsˈpaːnɪk/

Noun

Torschlusspanik f (singular only)

1. Torschlusspanik

   • Torschlusspanik ist ein schlechter Ratgeber. — Torschlusspanik is a bad advisor.
   • Die Torschlusspanik der Midlife-Krise hat schon manchen gesetzten Herren in die Arme einer Jüngeren getrieben und damit viele Ehen zerstört. — Midlife-crisis-induced Torschlusspanik has driven quite a few middle-aged men into the arms of young women, wrecking countless marriages.
   • Torschlusspanik also refers to the growing panic of a childless woman as she approaches middle age, knowing that she must soon get pregnant or lose the opportunity to conceive...the ticking of the biological clock.

See also

• Midlife-Krise