How to Say “Punchable Face” in German

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Backpfeifengesicht
The German phrase for 'punchable face' is Backpfeifengesicht.
A Backpfeifengesicht describes someone whose demeanor, expression or general appearance is perceived as extremely irritating or provocative, making one feel a strong urge to hit them.

What does it mean word for word?

The word is a compound of Backpfeife (meaning a slap or blow to the cheek), -gesicht (meaning face) and the connecting element -en.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

Backpfeifengesicht is a colloquial and highly insulting term. It is not suitable for formal or polite conversation.

Did you know?

  • The German Backpfeifengesicht is part of a wider European linguistic pattern, sharing a direct conceptual equivalent with the French 'tête à claques' and the Italian 'faccia da schiaffi'.
  • The word Backpfeife is used in the phrase eine Backpfeife verdienen, meaning that someone's behavior has earned them a slap.
  • The construction of Backpfeifengesicht allows German speakers to describe a state of being as a permanent facial feature rather than a temporary expression.

Examples in context

  • Tom hat ein richtiges Backpfeifengesicht.
    Tom has a very punchable face.
    This sentence is useful for saying that someone has a very punchable face.
    Tatoeba #10351796 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #9859780 by soliloquist
  • Ich kann nicht anders, aber er hat wirklich ein Gesicht zum Hineinschlagen.
    I can't help it, but he really has a face to punch.
  • Das ist ein Gesicht, das Schläge provoziert – Ich kann verstehen, warum man es am liebsten vermöbeln würde!
    That's a face that provokes punches – I can understand why one would want to pummel it!
  • Er hat ein absolut unerträgliches Backpfeifengesicht.
    He has an absolutely unbearable punchable face.
  • Vorsicht, sie hat ein regelrechtes Backpfeifengesicht.
    Watch out, she has a real punchable face.

Example conversation

Two friends are watching a villain in a movie.

  1. Sarah

    Dieser Bösewicht hat so ein Backpfeifengesicht!
    This villain has such a punchable face!
  2. Maximilian

    Stimmt, ich möchte ihn am liebsten sofort schlagen.
    True, I want to hit him right now.
  3. Sarah

    Er ist einfach so unglaublich nervig.
    He is just so incredibly annoying.
  4. Maximilian

    Das ist definitiv das Problem bei ihm.
    That is definitely the problem with him.

Sources

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Frederick Jayden
Frederick JaydenHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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