01
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 both derogatory words for people who are seen as not strong or brave enough. 'Feigling' mainly refers to a lack of courage: someone does not dare to do something or avoids a difficult situation. 'Weichei' is more colloquial and often means that someone is oversensitive, whiny, or unable to cope with pressure. The words can be confused because both make a person seem weak. In practice: when it is about fear or a lack of courage, 'Feigling' is more precise. When it is about complaining, sensitivity, or low resilience, 'Weichei' fits better.
Weichei
Nach fünf Minuten Joggen jammerte Max so sehr, dass sein Bruder ihn ein Weichei nannte.
After five minutes of jogging, Max complained so much that his brother called him a wimp.
Feigling
In der Pause nennt ihn niemand einen Feigling, nur weil er den Streit vermeiden will.
During the break, no one calls him a coward just because he wants to avoid the argument.
In real life
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