Vollidiot
The German word for jackass is Vollidiot.
Vollidiot is used to describe a foolish or stupid person.
Meaning: foolish or stupid person (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of voll, meaning full or complete and Idiot, meaning idiot.
Which one should you use?
While Dummkopf is a relatively mild way to call someone a fool or a dummy, Vollidiot is much more aggressive and insulting.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Vollidiot is highly informal and is used as a direct insult.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Vollidiot is Vollidioten. Because the word is masculine, it takes the ending -en in the accusative case when used as a direct object, such as in einen Vollidioten.
Did you know?
- In Germany, calling a stranger a Vollidiot in public can actually lead to a legal fine for 'Beleidigung' or insult.
- German speakers often use the prefix Voll- to intensify other nouns, creating terms like Vollpfosten 'full post' to describe someone as stubborn or stupid.
- The word Idiot in Vollidiot is a loanword that entered German via Latin, originally meaning a 'private person' who does not hold public office.
Examples in context
- Du bist ein IdiotYou are an idiot
- Was für ein Depp!What a jackass!
- Er ist ein VollidiotHe is a complete idiot
- Du bist ein totaler Vollidiot!You are a total complete idiot!
- Er ist ein absoluter Vollidiot.He is an absolute jackass.
- Dieser Vollidiot hat mein Auto kaputt gemacht.That jackass damaged my car.
Example conversation
Felix and Sarah are talking about a rude driver.
- FelixDer Fahrer war ein totaler Vollidiot.The driver was a total jackass.
- SarahJa, er ist wirklich sehr dumm.Yes, he is really very stupid.
- FelixIch hasse solche Leute.I hate people like that.
- SarahDu hast recht, Felix.You are right, Felix.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Vollidiot, CC BY-SA 4.0.
