pimpelmees

Dutch

Cyanistes caeruleus in Nederlandsche vogelen, 1770-1829

Etymology

Second element from mees (“titmouse, chickadee”), first element uncertain. Presumably from a word describing the bird's small size (compare pimpeltje (“small glass”), from pimpelen (“drink with small sips”)). But, the latter words could have instead come from pimpelmees as they are attested a century later. Also compare southern Dutch pepel (“butterfly”) and Flemish pimpaljoentje (“ladybug”). Or, possibly imitative. Or, less likely, from blauw (“blue”), referring to its crown.