SSC: Steppenwolf

[muckefuck]

It had never occurred to me before today to try to parse this as if it were an ordinary German word. Obviously, it's the wolf (Wolf) from the steppes (Steppen). But it took finding out that the Spanish translation of Hesse's novel is called El lobo estepario for me to realise that. I have only two things to say in my defence:

1. It had never occurred to monshu either. When I asked him about it, he confessed he thought it had something to do with steps. [In German, (Treppen)Stufen.]
2. I grew up in a time and place where classic rock was king. So I knew about the band for many years before I discovered where they'd gotten their name from.

Comments

[innerdoggie.livejournal.com]

Get yer motor running
nuhnuhnuhnuhnuh

[innerdoggie.livejournal.com]

But I read the book before I knew about the band.

[itchwoot.livejournal.com]

That reminds me of an experience I had when I was participating in a student exchange program with a town in France. There were signs like "Halle des Sports" and I kept wondering why they have German names for stuff like that and why they keep using the Genitive. ;)

[gorkabear.livejournal.com]

Well, now you will understand why Spaniards laugh at "Put a word..."

[anicca-anicca.livejournal.com]

Halle des Sports.
Love it.