Word of the Week: Aufpudln [ˈaʊ ̯ fˌpuːdl n]

Verb. Aufpudln means to get worked up; to make a mountain out of a molehill; to pump up one’s (probably) already over-inflated ego and exaggerate one’s importance; to make a big deal out of something rather insignificant.

Aufpudln can literally mean to “poodle up”. Anyone who’s seen how stereotypical wealthy Viennese old ladies dote on their poodle sand other lapdogs, spending considerable amounts at the Hundecoiffeur (dog beauty parlor) will immediately grasp the origins of this expression.

No matter how well you speak German, the Word Of The Week will help you impress any Viennese! While learning German is not an easy task in general, learning the language in Austria can come to be twice as complicated.

But Austrians may nod approvingly if you put together a coherent sentence, harmonizing the Akkusativpronomen correctly with the subject. But they’ll loveyou if you enrich your vocabulary with just one word of Wienerisch. 

Strongly linked to local cultural individualities, the slangs change and evolve in all cultures around the world, the words and phrases make sense only when one is familiar with their cultural context. The Word of the Week is here to help you understand those singularities and impress the locals with some real Viennese words and expressions.

The Word of the Week can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Spread the word!

Leave a Comment