der Waschlappen
washcloth
A small, usually square cloth made of terry cloth or a similar fabric that is used for washing the body.
EXAMPLE
Gib mir bitte mal den Waschlappen und die Seife.
Please pass me the washcloth and the soap.
der Waschlappen
washcloth / wimp
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Meanings
der Waschlappen
wimp
A colloquial, derogatory term for a person who is perceived as weak, cowardly, or lacking willpower.
EXAMPLE
Sei doch kein Waschlappen und sag ihm endlich deine Meinung!
Don't be such a wimp and finally tell him what you think!
Usage tips
Word composition
'Waschlappen' is made up of the verb 'waschen' (to wash) and the noun 'der Lappen' (a piece of fabric, cloth). So it is literally a cloth for washing.
EXAMPLE
Für Babys benutzt man oft besonders weiche Waschlappen.
For babies, people often use especially soft washcloths.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from context. If someone is talking about a person and their character (e.g., cowardly, weak), the insulting meaning is meant. If it is about an object in the bathroom, the cloth is meant.
EXAMPLE
Er traut sich nicht, vom Sprungbrett zu springen. So ein Waschlappen!
He doesn't dare jump off the diving board. What a wimp!
Register and style
When 'Waschlappen' (wimp) describes a person, it is a colloquial and derogatory insult. It should only be used in very informal situations.
EXAMPLE
Er hat mich angelogen, dieser Waschlappen!
He lied to me, that wimp!
Compare with
Waschlappen vs Würstchen
sausage
Both words can be used colloquially and derogatorily to describe a weak person. „Das Würstchen“ focuses more on a lack of strength or importance, or on being whiny, whereas „der Waschlappen“ emphasizes cowardice or a lack of willpower more strongly. Choose according to the quality being criticized.
Waschlappen
Er ließ sich von allen herumkommandieren und galt deshalb als Waschlappen.
He let everyone order him around and was therefore considered a wimp.
Würstchen
Nach dem kleinen Sturz jammerte er wie ein Würstchen und wollte sofort nach Hause.
After the minor fall, he whined like a wimp and wanted to go home immediately.
In real life
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