Abstract
To call Germans “Huns”, or collectively, “the Hun”, in Britain today counts as an offensive utterance, and the specific lexical item Hun in this meaning a dysphemism. In current usage, it only occasionally resurfaces in tongue-in-
cheek statements, often related to football. The term Hun also features as a
citation (and often as a good punning opportunity for headlines) in articles that discuss anti-German incidents and statements and relate them to lingering resentments from World Wars I and II. What gives the Hun nickname such an enduring appeal as an anti-German invective, even if it is used mainly mockingly these days? Should it be regarded as a metaphor, given that its nonfigurative
reference to an ancient Asian people is transparent to most users?
cheek statements, often related to football. The term Hun also features as a
citation (and often as a good punning opportunity for headlines) in articles that discuss anti-German incidents and statements and relate them to lingering resentments from World Wars I and II. What gives the Hun nickname such an enduring appeal as an anti-German invective, even if it is used mainly mockingly these days? Should it be regarded as a metaphor, given that its nonfigurative
reference to an ancient Asian people is transparent to most users?
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 75-89 |
| Number of pages | 14 |
| Journal | Angermion |
| Volume | 7 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Early online date | 16 Dec 2014 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2014 |
Keywords
- Intercultural Communication
- German History
- World War I
- Dysphemism
- Metaphor