der Anschiss, -e
telling-off
Definition & meaning
Anschiss is an informal, somewhat blunt German noun meaning a sharp reprimand, telling-off, or dressing-down. It commonly refers either to the reprimand itself or to receiving one.
- Er bekam einen Anschiss von seinem Chef. — “He got a telling-off from his boss.”
- Sie verpasste ihm einen Anschiss. — “She gave him a dressing-down.”
Grammar & Word origin
Anschiss is a masculine noun: der Anschiss. Its plural is die Anschisse, though the word is often used in the singular.
It is related to the colloquial, vulgar verb anscheißen , which can mean “to tell someone off” or, in some contexts, “to get someone in trouble.” The noun is informal and may sound coarse, so it is best avoided in formal situations.
Synonyms & antonyms
There is no exact opposite of a reprimand; praise or recognition can serve as contextual opposites.
- Rüffel — an informal rebuke, generally milder than Anschiss.
- Rüge — a reprimand, often more formal or official.
- Verweis — a formal warning or reprimand, especially in a workplace or school.
- Standpauke — a long, forceful lecture or scolding.
- Lob — praise; a contextual opposite.
- Anerkennung — recognition or appreciation; also an opposite in context.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
Nach dem Fehler bekam er einen Anschiss.noun
After the mistake, he got a telling-off.
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