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)

1. (Ripuarian) pig

Synonyms

• Schwein; Sau (both Moselle Franconian)