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Word of the Week

Hanna Grimm / lfoJune 11, 2013

Watch your mouth!

https://p.dw.com/p/18nh5
Blue tape is placed over a young man's mouth
Image: Fotolia/Markus Bormann

"You are an A. . .!" Oops, watch your mouth! Anything to avoid using a certain swear word beginning with A.... Fortunately, the German language has a loophole. Try Armleuchter.

Literally, it's a candelabra. With its many arms it's more than practical during black-outs. But it serves an alternative function as well: It can also help you save face in front of impressionable young children if you don't want to be caught swearing.

Adults, however, are fully aware of the double meaning, so use this word of the week with care!