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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
There is another thread on Snicklefritz here: https://www.behindthename.com/bb/fact/3668380 an I wrote there:
It reminds of the regional German word schnäkelig¹ "dainty, fastidious, fussy (when eating)", and the region (Palatinate) fits to the origins of Pennsylvania Dutch. Of course, when your child is like that, you may have a lot of conflicts.
--elbowin
¹ Look here for a map of schnäkelig in the German speaking countries: https://www.atlas-alltagssprache.de/runde-3/f09b/
It reminds of the regional German word schnäkelig¹ "dainty, fastidious, fussy (when eating)", and the region (Palatinate) fits to the origins of Pennsylvania Dutch. Of course, when your child is like that, you may have a lot of conflicts.
--elbowin
¹ Look here for a map of schnäkelig in the German speaking countries: https://www.atlas-alltagssprache.de/runde-3/f09b/
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My Grandfather, Robert "Bob" Ufland called me this for as long as I can remember As soon as I came through the door he would really draw it out...
"Well, it's ole snickillyfritz didihoof didi fritz" and usually follow up by asking "you didn't take any wooden nickles, did you ole Snickillyfritz?" Lord I miss that man!!
"Well, it's ole snickillyfritz didihoof didi fritz" and usually follow up by asking "you didn't take any wooden nickles, did you ole Snickillyfritz?" Lord I miss that man!!
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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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