etymology.today
03.05.2025 | see previous words
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"kummerspeck"
German
> DEFINITION:
Excess weight gained from emotional overeating.
> ETYMOLOGY:
Origin: The word 'Kummerspeck' originates from the German language, combining 'Kummer' meaning 'grief' or 'sorrow' and 'Speck' meaning 'bacon' or 'fat'. The term metaphorically refers to the weight gained by eating as a response to emotional distress.
Historical and Cultural Context: The term has been used in German-speaking regions since the late 20th century to describe the phenomenon where individuals gain weight due to comfort eating, often in response to emotional events such as breakups or stress.
Evolution: While 'Kummer' and 'Speck' have maintained their meanings in German, the compound word has no direct equivalent in English, making it a unique cultural expression of the emotional relationship with food.
Modern Relevance: Today, 'Kummerspeck' is used both humorously and seriously to discuss the emotional aspects of eating. It highlights a common human experience and is sometimes adopted into other languages to describe similar situations.
Historical and Cultural Context: The term has been used in German-speaking regions since the late 20th century to describe the phenomenon where individuals gain weight due to comfort eating, often in response to emotional events such as breakups or stress.
Evolution: While 'Kummer' and 'Speck' have maintained their meanings in German, the compound word has no direct equivalent in English, making it a unique cultural expression of the emotional relationship with food.
Modern Relevance: Today, 'Kummerspeck' is used both humorously and seriously to discuss the emotional aspects of eating. It highlights a common human experience and is sometimes adopted into other languages to describe similar situations.
> FUN_FACT:
Despite its somewhat humorous connotation, 'Kummerspeck' reflects a real psychological phenomenon where people use food as a coping mechanism during times of stress or sadness.
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