Köbes
Central Franconian
editEtymology
editUltimately from Latin Jacobus. Cognate to English Jacob, James, German Jakob. A common story explaining the second meaning is that it refers to pilgrims returning from travels to the grave of Saint Jacob, however it is more likely that it originally referred to a certain person who has been forgotten over time.
Pronunciation
editNoun
editKöbes m (plural Köbesse)
- A nickname for Jakob
- A waiter, especially the head waiter, in a traditional pub.
- Dä Köbes mäht jään ene Wetz, es mänchmol jet spetz, doch immer aläät, un es et och spät.
- The waiter likes to joke, he’s sometimes a bit sharp, but always lively, even when it is late. (Popular rhyme, given by Adam Wrede)
Usage notes
edit- Köbes as a name is rare, due to the widespread use as a job title; instead the un-umlauted form Kobes is more common.
Further reading
edit- Wikipedia article for Köbes (in German)