Ferke

Central Franconian

Alternative forms

  • Firke (Kölsch)

Etymology

From Middle High German verhelīn, from Old High German farhilī, farhilīn, diminutive of farah (“pig”).

Cognate with Dutch varken. This is generally regarded an original diminutive, in which case we expect Central Franconian *Ferche. However, if the word had been contracted early on, the cluster -rk- would have remained unshifted. Compare German Ferkel, whose -k- has been considered secondary and irregular, but might be due to the same reason. Alternatively, the Ripuarian form could be an unshifted relict (compare söke, etc.).

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈfɛʀ(ə)kə/

Noun

Ferke n (plural Ferke, diminutive Ferkelche)

  1. (Ripuarian) pig

Synonyms

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