Anstandswauwau

Anstand is the German word for good behavior - the type expected in conservative surroundings. Wauwau, on the other hand, is baby talk for what a dog says. You might be inclined to think that an Anstandswauwau is well-behaved dog. Actually, it refers to a person who makes sure that people are behaving in an orderly manner. In the old days, this was often an older woman chaperoning a boy and a girl on their first date to make sure they didn't kiss. Now, the term is more loosely applied to party poopers, nerds or even spies. So next time you're planning on misbehaving, be sure there's no Anstandswauwau sniffing around… Woof woof!

Author: Helen Whittle
Editor: Kate Bowen