German

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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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

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  • IPA(key): /vɪʁʃ/
  • Audio:(file)

Adjective

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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

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References

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