Zwille

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German

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Etymology

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Sporadically since the 16th century, regular use since the later 20th century. From Low German Twill, Twille, Twele, from Middle Low German twil (crotch), from Proto-Germanic *twizlaz, *twizlō, whence also Dutch twil (kind of lath used in shipbuilding). Alongside Proto-Germanic *twislaz, *twislō, whence the German doublet Zwiesel and Old English twisla (bifurcation of a river). The form Zwille, Zwele exists in a few High German dialects of the Low German borderland. It may have entered standard German thence or directly from Low German. In all these cases the zw- is due to secondary adaptation, perhaps by (etymologically correct) association with zwie-, zwei, Zweig.

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /ˈtsvɪlə/, [ˈt͡sʋɪlə]
  • Audio:(file)

Noun

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Zwille f (genitive Zwille, plural Zwillen)

  1. slingshot
    Synonyms: Schleuder, Steinschleuder
  2. (regional) Alternative form of Zwiesel (crotch of a tree)
    Synonym: Astgabel

Usage notes

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  • Zwille (slingshot) is often met with in the context of demonstrations and riots, especially by left-wing and right-wing extremists. For similar tools used by children the commoner word is Steinschleuder, at least outside of Low German areas.

Declension

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