doppich

English

Etymology

Originated in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, from Pennsylvania German doppich (“clumsy”), related to German täppisch (“clumsy”).

Adjective

doppich (comparative more doppich, superlative most doppich)

1. (US, especially Pennsylvania, slang) Clumsy; lacking dexterity; not skilled.

   Synonyms: doplicc, doplich

   • 2011, Henry A. Fischer, Emigrants and Exiles: book three, volume one, Author House, →ISBN, page 44:

     “I'm so sorry, I'm just so doppich,” she commiserated unable to look him in the eye. He chuckled in response. “Now my boots match the rest of me,” he replied with laughter in his voice. He pointed to his tight trousers that were smudged ...

   • 2011, Lorilee Craker, Money Secrets of the Amish, Thomas Nelson, →ISBN, page 17:

     We bought it new a few years ago, and since then it's been dropped a few times by overzealous kids and doppich (clumsy) Mom.

   • 2015, Beverly Lewis, The Love Letters, Baker Books, →ISBN:

     Don't be so doppich, he'd told himself. Now, struggling with the painful ache in his throat, he looked over at Sassy. She was taking dainty steps as she stalked over to the dresser and rubbed against first its wooden legs, then the chair's.

Further reading

• 2012, H.L. Mencken, American Language Supplement 2 (Knopf, →ISBN): Doppich. Awkward (Ger. täppisch).

Pennsylvania German

Adjective

doppich

1. Alternative form of dappich (“clumsy”)
   • 1962, Harry Hess Reichard, Albert F. Buffington, The Reichard collection of early Pennsylvania German dialogues and plays:

     Dame: Un now, Alice, gaisht mit meer, for ich will sana wass'd gadu husht mit de kinner, for mer con sich net maner uf dich ferlussa [verlosse] os uf selly doppich [dappich] (is retiring on R.) shill-krut.
     Rip: Shill-krut! Oh, well, olty, go ahead ...

     (please add an English translation of this quotation)