What visions pop into your mind when you hear the word Snickelfritz? Do you see a little wiener dog? Do you feel like going to the Oktoberfest and have a beer or two? Would parents go to church with this name embroidered on their baby’s christening outfits? To add to the confusion, this unconventional word has been spelled Schnicklefritz or Snicklefritz.

Here is some history to explain this phenomenal name. Pennsylvania Germans settled in the counties northwest of Philadelphia. Those hearty people came to be known as the Pennsylvania Dutch. Dutch is slang for Deutsch which means German.

The term Snickelfritz came from the Pennsylvania Dutch culture with no direct German origin. I grew up in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country. My parents and grandparents lovingly called me by that name. I think it was embroidered on my receiving blanket when I was born. When I asked them what it meant, they told me I was a little clown. I found out later that this affectionate term refers to a mischievous or talkative child.

When I looked up the term Snickelfritz online at Urban Dictionary, I read the definition provided by Snitzer on December 15, 2008: Mischievous child; A child who does things which should require correction but the correction is often surpassed with laughter at what they have done. Being the perfect child, that definition could not pertain to me, could it? I do have visions of my birth announcements being carefully hand written by my German Grandmother with that name. She loved that name…enough to name a baby store.

When I lived in Germany in the 1970’s, I asked my German friends if they had ever heard of this odd term of affection. They told me the literal German translation was rooster pecker. I think they were pulling my leg. I certainly hope so. If that translation was true, you could summarize my childhood by saying I was a mischievous, talkative clown who could have also been mistaken for a rooster pecker that made everyone laugh. I missed my calling…I should have been a comedian!

I continued the tradition calling my children and grandchildren by this colorful, loving nickname. It is more of an emotional tradition versus matching their personality to the definition. My youngest granddaughter continues to argue the point that she is NOT a Snickelfritz even though I have tried to explain the meaning. Not having a Webster definition makes it hard to explain its usage to a 21st century child. I think she would rather be called an avatar.

Let’s explore how Snickelfritz can be used by others? For some, it has been the choice as a name for their pet. I cannot imagine having to shout that word in a commanding way and not have your pet look at you as if to say, why couldn’t you have named me Spot or Tabby like everyone else? Another option is to write it on your baby shower favors as a possible baby name. That would get the attention of the new mother-to-be.

The Schnicklefritz Band was a comedy band in the 1930s that appeared in the 1938 movie, Gold Diggers in Paris. This spelling supposedly is German slang for silly fellow. I certainly like that translation better than rooster pecker. This band was marketed as America’s Most Unsophisticated Band! Do you think their name had anything to do with that?

You have to admit, Snickelfritz, however you spell it, is an unusual and charismatic term. I rather like it. Not because that was the pet name I was given as a child, but because it’s meaning and its pronunciation brings a smile to a person’s face and a look that tells you to explain more. That brings on communication between two people. What better way to create a bond between your child, your dog or cat, or even your friends.

I challenge you to take this information to your next dinner party and be the laughing stock, I mean, life of the party. Take turns trying to pronounce it correctly with food in your mouth. See how much food you can share with others. Remember, this loving term reflects happiness and a fun mischievous nature. As an adult, strive to be a Snickelfritz at all times.