To be truly integrated in Vienna there are certain terms no dictionary or Deutschkurs will properly explain. But you’re no stranger, so here’s this month’s cheat sheet.
HATSCHEN
[ˈhaːʧn̩]
verb to march arduously, to slog, plod or trudge; can also mean to limp and, by extension, to strut (comparable to “pimp walk”). Generally a term for when you don’t feel like walking, but are compelled to do so anyway – like when you miss the last U-Bahn and are forced to walk home. Orig. Arabic, from hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca required from every devout Muslim at least once in their lifetime (if within their means to do so) – a daunting prospect in the days before air travel. Depending on context, may indicate a legitimately strenuous foot march, or simply express the -Viennese disinclination to walking of any kind.
