Angsthase

German

Etymology

From Angst (“fear”) +‎ Hase (“hare”). The compound could simply be based on the hare’s flight instinct, but is usually thought to be an alteration of unattested *Angsthose, from Hose (“trousers, pants”); compare German Bangbüxe, Dutch bangebroek, English shit one's pants.

Pronunciation

• Audio:

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Noun

Angsthase m (genitive Angsthasen, plural Angsthasen, female Angsthäsin)

1. coward

   He, Angsthase! Traust dich wohl nicht?

   Hey, coward! Don't you dare?

Synonyms

• Feigling m
• Schisser m, Schisserin f

Further reading

• “Angsthase” in Duden online