Interesting German words: May I use your handy...

Ok guys, what is the first thought that comes into your mind when I mention "handy"?

From the "English" point of view, your thoughts could evolve around "something useful".

In Germany, a "Handy" is a cell phone (mobile phone).

Don't ask me why we Germans do use the term Handy for a cell phone. Honestly, no one really knows how this was created. Maybe because it was said to be a "hand phone". Or some English speaking person said "Oh, this is a handy phone." - I don't know.

But it can be confusing if you are abroad and don't know that you have to say "cell phone" or "mobile phone" lol

While searching for a picture, I found the following interesting article about what to think about when coming to Germany - with your "Handy" lol :
http://www.german-way.com/handy.html

Are there any words in your language that seem to be from a different language but do have a different meaning? I'd love to hear your stories happy

Comments: 19

Diane Huizenga May 14, 2011, 11:10am UTC

I do know we have words that have more than one meaning, spelled the same possibly pronounced differently to have different meanings.

♥ Christine aka stine1 ♥ May 15, 2011, 5:40am UTC

Thank you :-)

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Dennis Gilman May 16, 2011, 3:42pm UTC

Here are a few:

Das: Sounds German. It means 'in order that'
Posse: Sounds American. It means 'gang'
Swarty: Sounds like it comes from both German & English. It means fat and stupid.
Quashi: Definitely African (Ewe I think). It means 'simpleton'.

♥ Christine aka stine1 ♥ May 17, 2011, 7:20am UTC

Great examples, thanks!

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DarkBeauty 73 (Melanie) May 21, 2011, 12:35pm UTC

OMG these posts are making me think to hard. I am sure there is a strange word but I can't think of any right now sorry. thanks for sharing.

♥ Christine aka stine1 ♥ May 21, 2011, 1:41pm UTC

And thanks for stopping by :-)

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Beth J. May 22, 2011, 7:22pm UTC

Thanks for sharing on Getting to 3000 Together

♥ Christine aka stine1 ♥ May 23, 2011, 10:43am UTC

Thank you :-)

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Renita P. Sep 1, 2011, 9:06pm UTC

This comment is to let you know that your content has reached 50 views and has been removed from "Let’s Get To Know Each Other." Thanks for posting.

♥ Christine aka stine1 ♥ Sep 2, 2011, 6:34am UTC

Cool, thanks :-)

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Sweet S. Oct 7, 2011, 10:39am UTC

My friend from the UK says that when they hear the word 'fanny' (from American TV) it sends her kids into fits of giggles.. I didn't understand that until she explained 'their' use of that word... Ummm, the front lower part of a female... (delicate explanation)..

♥ Christine aka stine1 ♥ Oct 8, 2011, 4:02am UTC

Oh yeah, we have something similar with a German word that is almost normal to use in Bavaria in another contest... When my dad said it the first time, my husband almost fell off the chair *lol*

Sweet S. Oct 8, 2011, 11:16am UTC

Do tell, what was the word and it's meaning!!??

Sweet S. Oct 8, 2011, 11:18am UTC

OH, BTW I just ABSOLUTELY LOVE the youtube videos in German of how to crochet!!! YES!! The medium they use is awesome and I'd like to know how to get it!! It's smaller than yard, but bigger than thread and I have no idea what it is called, the colors are fantastic too!!! I will sit for hours on end deciphering the language!!! It's a blast!!!

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Kasey Klein Oct 7, 2011, 2:10pm UTC

Thanks for posting to Short Story and More!

♥ Christine aka stine1 ♥ Oct 8, 2011, 4:01am UTC

Thanks for hopping over :-)

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Shannon R. Oct 9, 2011, 10:15pm UTC

I was thinking a handkercheif never would have thought it meant a cell phone

♥ Christine aka stine1 ♥ Oct 10, 2011, 4:33am UTC

Thank you :-)

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Joy Blessing Oct 14, 2011, 12:19am UTC

Hmm-All I can think of are these phrases
"Don't fall in the crick" (crick meaning creek)
"she walked a fur piece" ("fur piece" meaning far way, or long way)

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Interesting German words: May I use your handy Handy, please?

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