das Weichei
wimp
A colloquial, derogatory term for a person who is seen as oversensitive, fearful, whiny, or unable to cope with pressure.
EXAMPLE
Fahr doch mit dem Fahrrad, sei doch nicht so ein Weichei!
Go by bike, don't be such a wimp!
das Weichei
wimp
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is made up of 'weich' (soft) and 'das Ei' (egg). The image of a soft, fragile egg is transferred here to a person considered not resilient or fearful.
EXAMPLE
Die Vorstellung eines weichen Eis hilft, die Bedeutung des Schimpfworts zu verstehen.
The idea of a soft egg helps you understand the meaning of the insult.
Register and style
'Weichei' (wimp) is a colloquial and derogatory word. It is used as an insult or as a joking provocation among friends and is inappropriate in formal contexts.
EXAMPLE
Er nannte seinen Freund aus Spaß ein Weichei, weil dieser nicht im kalten See schwimmen wollte.
He jokingly called his friend a wimp because he didn't want to swim in the cold lake.
Grammar note
Although the word usually refers to men or boys, it is grammatically neuter: 'das Weichei' (the wimp). So you say 'Er ist ein Weichei' (He is a wimp), not 'einer Weichei'.
EXAMPLE
Er will nicht mit der Achterbahn fahren? So ein Weichei!
He doesn't want to ride the roller coaster? What a wimp!
Compare with
Weichei vs Feigling
coward
Feigling and Weichei are derogatory terms. Feigling particularly condemns a lack of courage and avoiding a difficult or dangerous situation. Weichei is colloquial and more generally mocks someone considered fearful, oversensitive, whiny, or unable to cope with much.
Weichei
Die anderen nennen Paul ein Weichei, weil ihm das Wasser im Schwimmbad zu kühl ist.
The others call Paul a wimp because the water in the swimming pool is too cold for him.
Feigling
Die anderen nennen Paul einen Feigling, weil er aus Angst nicht vom Dreimeterbrett springt.
The others call Paul a coward because he is too afraid to jump from the three-meter diving board.
In real life
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