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.

German

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /aːˈlaːf/

• Audio:

  (file)

  Audio (Germany (Berlin)):

  (file)

Interjection

alaaf

1. (chiefly Cologne and Northern Germany) A greeting used during Carnival.

Synonyms

• (chiefly Dusseldorf, Mainz and Southern Germany) helau