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Help[Facts] The Meaning of Snickelfritz
In the 1960's, my Great Aunt Frances would call my brothers, my sister and myself "Snickelfritz". I saw that name again tonight (August 3, 2016) while I was playing a game on a game site and it reminded me of my great aunt and I wondered what it meant, so I did a little research online:
"Snicklefritz or Schnickelfritz is a Pennsylvania Dutch term of affection usually for young mischievous or talkative children. Considering similar German terms, many larger bilingual German–English dictionaries include the word Schnickschnack, which is defined as chit-chat or tittle-tattle and nonsense."
It seems odd to me that she would use that word as she and my Grandmother and that side of the family were a French/Canadian mix, but on my Dad's father's side, they were descended from the Pennsylvania Dutch and were also German. Odd I guess, because my grandparents on my Father's side split in a bitter divorce and I can't imagine my aunt would use a word that might've reminded my Grandmother of him! ;)
"Snicklefritz or Schnickelfritz is a Pennsylvania Dutch term of affection usually for young mischievous or talkative children. Considering similar German terms, many larger bilingual German–English dictionaries include the word Schnickschnack, which is defined as chit-chat or tittle-tattle and nonsense."
It seems odd to me that she would use that word as she and my Grandmother and that side of the family were a French/Canadian mix, but on my Dad's father's side, they were descended from the Pennsylvania Dutch and were also German. Odd I guess, because my grandparents on my Father's side split in a bitter divorce and I can't imagine my aunt would use a word that might've reminded my Grandmother of him! ;)
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Replies
I have called my granddaughter this since I don't remember when.
I didn't realize that it actually was a word and that it has a definition.
I didn't realize that it actually was a word and that it has a definition.
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Yes!! I was really fascinated when I saw the term online... For me, it was a term of endearment that my grandparents often used with me, and my dad as well, when they were in a good mood or feeling affectionate. So of course I associate that term with memories of the warm-fuzzy variety.
My grandfather's ancestors were German and French, and my grandmother's mainly Welsh, Irish, and- you guessed it- Pennsylvania Dutch.
My grandfather's ancestors were German and French, and my grandmother's mainly Welsh, Irish, and- you guessed it- Pennsylvania Dutch.
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