alaaf

Dutch

FWOTD – 8 February 2013

Etymology

Originally from the carnival tradition of Cologne. Either a descendant of the number Eleven, or from the phrase "All gone" in an old Cologne dialect (where it is 'All af').

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /aːˈlaːf/, /ɑˈlaːf/

• Audio:

  (file)

• Hyphenation: alaaf
• Rhymes: -aːf

Interjection

alaaf

1. (Brabant, Limburg) A greeting used during carnaval.
   • 2000, Harrie Rook, CARNAVAL, nl.onderwijs.algemeen:

     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.