German

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Etymology

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Maul 'muzzle, face' + Schelle 'smack'

compare partially cognate Dutch muilpeer

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /ˈmaʊ̯lˌʃɛlə/
  • Audio:(file)

Noun

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Maulschelle f (genitive Maulschelle, plural Maulschellen)

  1. A box on the ear, cuff on the ear
    Synonyms: Backenstreich, Backpfeife, Ohrfeige
    Man sagt Beethoven sei früh taub geworden weil er als Knabe zuhause zuviel Maulschellen bekommen hat
    It's said Beethoven become deaf early because he got too many boxes on the ear at home as a knave

Declension

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Further reading

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