hänseln

German

Etymology

17th century, from Hanse (“guild”), from the hazing rituals performed on new members of guilds. Secondarily associated with the name Hans, which is sometimes used pejoratively (compare Hanswurst).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈhɛnzəln/

• Audio:

  (file)

• Hyphenation: hän‧seln

Verb

1. to tease
2. (obsolete) to initiate

Derived terms

• Hänselei

Further reading

• “hänseln” in Duden online