Gemeinling
The English word "meanie" translates to German as Gemeinling.
The term is used to describe an unkind person.
Meaning: unkind person (noun)
Which one should you use?
You might use Fiesling if you want to imply the person is being particularly nasty or malicious. If you want to say "mean guy" specifically, you can use the informal phrase Gemeiner Kerl.
Did you know?
- The word Gemein has evolved from meaning 'common' or 'shared' to meaning 'mean' or 'vile'.
- While Gemeinling sounds like a direct insult, it is quite old-fashioned and can sound almost like a villain from a fairy tale.
- The suffix -ling in Gemeinling is often used in German to create diminutive or derogatory terms for people, similar to how it appears in 'underling' or 'weakling'.
Examples in context
- Sie war sehr unfreundlich zu mirShe was very mean to me
- Er ist ein richtig fieser KerlHe is a real meanie
- Was für ein gemeiner Kerl!What a meanie!
- Mein Bruder ist immer unfreundlich zu mirMy brother is always mean to me
- Warum bist du so ein fieser Kerl?Why are you such a meanie?
- Ich kann ihn nicht ausstehen, er ist ein gemeiner KerlI can't stand him, he's a meanie
Example conversation
Felix takes the last piece of cake.
- FelixDas letzte Stück gehört mir!The last piece is mine!
- LauraDu bist so ein Gemeinling, Felix.You are such a meanie, Felix.
- FelixIch hatte einfach Hunger.I was just hungry.
- LauraGib mir bitte ein Stück ab.Please give me a piece.
