13 August 2009

Brickspace Dictionary: Grüschteling

Grüschteling (n.) (Grü·schtell·ing)
The word 'Grüschteling' is a German word used by German Lego fans. It is used to describe the distinctive sound made when you sift through a large bucket of Lego, trying to find the right piece.

The word has no English equivalent, but it is meant to be onomatopoeia, hence the sound of the word is the sound it describes (the 'rüsh' part sounds the most like it). It is pronounced 'Groo-shtel-ing' (without the umlaut). For the most accurate pronunciation, make a growly sound in the back of your throat for the R, and try to make an small O shape with your mouth for the Ü.

Grüschteling can also be used as a verb. For example, a family member might politely tell you to shut up by saying 'Quit grüschteling around!'.

Note: Does anyone know who made up grüschteling? I have something that says Ralph Hempel... is this correct?

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I'm German and have never heard of the word "grüschteling". There's the word "gruschteln", which means something like "rummaging". That word originally comes from Bavaria and is rarely used in other parts of Germany. The first time I heard that this is a term particularly used by German AFOLS is when I read this comic:
http://www.brickjournal.com/attachment/download/9750.gif

But I've never heard of "sinnesendlosschraube" either.