pretzel etymology

Etymology

The word "pretzel" derives from the German word "Brezel," which is a diminutive of the Middle High German word "brezeln," meaning "to twist."

Meaning

A pretzel is a type of baked pastry made from a dough that has been twisted into a distinctive knot shape. It is typically salted and may be topped with various seasonings or fillings.

Origin

The origins of the pretzel are uncertain, but there are several popular theories:

• Monastic Origin: One theory suggests that pretzels were first created in the 6th or 7th century by Catholic monks in southern Germany. They supposedly made them as a reward for children who learned their prayers. The two knots in the pretzel are said to represent folded arms in prayer.
• Baker's Origin: Another theory claims that pretzels were accidentally created by a baker in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1397. He allegedly crossed his arms to signify a boycott of the city council, and when he put dough in the oven, the resulting shape resembled his crossed arms.
• Pagan Origin: Some historians believe that pretzels originated as pagan fertility symbols. The twisted shape was thought to represent the solstice, and the holes were said to resemble the sun.

Regardless of its exact origins, the pretzel has become a popular snack food around the world. It is often associated with Oktoberfest, the German beer festival, and is also a common treat enjoyed at sporting events and social gatherings.

pretzel relate terms

• brachio

  Etymology Latin bracchium arm Meaning A large muscular arm or limb in animal

• abbreviate

  Abbreviation Etymology Meaning Origin abbr

• abbreviation

  Etymology of Abbreviation Derived from Latin ab meaning off from brevis mea

• abridge

  Etymology Late Middle English from Old French abregier from Vulgar Latin abbreviare

• amphibrach

  Etymology The word amphibrach is derived from the Greek words ἀμφί amphi on

• brace

  Etymology The word brace has several etymological roots Middle English brace de

• bracelet

  Etymology The word bracelet derives from the Old French term bracel meaning armlet

• brachio

  Etymology Latin bracchium arm Meaning A large muscular arm or limb in animal

• brachiopod

  Etymology Brachiopod Derived from Greek brachion arm and pous foot Meaning a

• brachiosaurus

  Etymology The name brachiosaurus comes from Greek and means arm lizard It was given

• brachy

  Etymology Greek βραχύς brakhús meaning short Meaning Short or concis

• brassiere

  Etymology The word brassiere is derived from the French word brasser meaning to fa

• breviary

  Etymology Latin breviarium from brevis brief arium suffix indicating a collect

• brevity

  Etymology Latin brevis meaning short or brief Old French bref Middle English

• brief

  Etymology Origin Old English heafod Meaning Head Meaning The upper part of the

• brumal

  Etymology Latin brūmālis of winter Proto Indo European gʰrem o to be c

• brume

  Etymology French brume Latin brūma brūmae winter solstice Meaning A thick

• embrace

  Etymology Embrace Old French embracier from Late Latin imbracchiare from Latin im in

• merry

  Etymology Middle English mery from Old English myrige of unknown origin Meaning

• mirth

  Etymology The word mirth comes from the Old English word myrhþ which means joy g

• pretzel

  Etymology The word pretzel derives from the German word Brezel which is a diminutive

• vambrace

  Etymology From the Old French word avant bras meaning forearm The term was origin

• burgeon

  Etymology The word burgeon originates from the Middle French word bourjon meaning

• rogue

  Etymology The etymology of the word rogue can be traced back to the 16th century when

• crucible

  Etymology Old French creuset Late Latin crucibulum a diminutive of crux cross Latin

• indict

  Etymology From Middle French enditer from Old French enditier to compose from Lat

• denizen

  Etymology Late Middle English in the sense dweller in a city or town from Old

• expert

  Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin of words and the way in which their meanin

• shark

  Etymology of Shark The word shark originates from the Middle English word sharke w

• native

  Etymology Native derives from the Old and Middle English word natif which in turn c

• democracy

  Etymology The word democracy is derived from the Greek words dēmos δήμος mea

• rosary

  Etymology The word rosary comes from the Latin rosarium which means rose garden