pumpernickel

[scottobear]

Main Entry: pum ·per ·nick ·el
Pronunciation: 'p&m-p&r-"ni-k&l
Function: noun
Etymology: German, from pumpern to break wind + Nickel goblin; from its reputed indigestibility
Date: 1756
: a dark coarse sourdough bread made of unbolted rye flour

The true origin of "pumpernickel" - "Pumpern" was a New High German word similar in meaning to the English "fart" (so chosen because, like the word "achoo," it imitated the sound it described), and "Nickel" was a form of the name Nicholas, an appellation commonly associated with a goblin or devil (e.g., "Old Nick" is a familiar name for Satan). Hence, pumpernickel is the "devil's fart," allegedly a reference to the bread's indigestible qualities and hence the effect it produced on those who consumed it. (www.snopes2.com/language/stories/pumper.htm) 

I dunno... I like it just fine. :)

Comments

[cath555.livejournal.com]

hmmm..... maybe the church lady was right about Ol' Saint Nick

Re:

[scottobear.livejournal.com]

Red suit, distracting from the true reason for
Christmas... Cloven-footed companions....

could be!

Nah.