German edit

Alternative forms edit

Etymology edit

Attested since ca. 1600. Precise origin disputed:

  • Back-formation from unwirsch (gruff, indignant), in which the prefix un- was seen as superfluous. Secondarily associated with wirr.[1]
  • Derived from wirren (to be or make confused, agitated) +‎ -isch. Secondarily associated with unwirsch.[2]

Pronunciation edit

  • IPA(key): /vɪʁʃ/
  • (file)

Adjective edit

wirsch (strong nominative masculine singular wirscher, comparative wirscher, superlative am wirschesten or am wirschsten)

  1. (rare or regional) surly, gruff, testy
    Synonyms: unwirsch, unfreundlich, pampig
  2. (rare or regional) impatient, agitated, wild
    Synonyms: ungeduldig, aufgeregt, wild

Declension edit

References edit

  1. ^ wirsch” in Deutsches Wörterbuch von Jacob und Wilhelm Grimm, 16 vols., Leipzig 1854–1961.
  2. ^ wirsch” in Digitales Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache