Ferke

Central Franconian

Alternative forms

Firke (Kölsch)

Etymology

Cognate with Dutch varken. This is generally regarded an original diminutive, in which case we expect Central Franconian *Ferche. However, if the word had been contracted early on, the cluster -rk- would have remained unshifted. Compare German Ferkel, whose -k- has been considered secondary and irregular, but might be due to the same reason. Alternatively, the Ripuarian form could be an unshifted relict (compare söke, etc.).

Pronunciation

IPA^(key): /ˈfɛʀ(ə)kə/

Noun

Ferke n (plural Ferke, diminutive Ferkelche)

(Ripuarian) pig

Synonyms

Schwein; Sau (both Moselle Franconian)

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