reinwerfen

Definition & meaning

The verb reinwerfen is a colloquial German term that is a contraction of "hineinwerfen". It has two primary meanings:

1. To throw something into something else: This refers to the physical act of tossing an object into a container, a hole, or a specific space. For example, throwing a letter into a mailbox or throwing trash into a bin.
2. To quickly consume or ingest something: In a very informal, slang context, it is used to describe eating or drinking something quickly, often without much preparation (similar to "shoveling" food in). It can also be used to refer to taking pills or medication.

Grammar & Word origin

• Grammar: It is a separable verb. In a sentence, the prefix "rein-" moves to the end of the clause. (e.g., "Ich werfe den Brief rein.")
• Word origin: It is a combination of "rein" (a colloquial/shortened form of "hinein," meaning "into" or "in") and "werfen" (meaning "to throw"). The usage of "rein" instead of "hinein" is standard in spoken German and informal written communication, but should be avoided in formal writing.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

• hineinwerfen ↗ (the standard, formal version)
• einwerfen ↗ (often used for letters into a mailbox or coins into a machine)
• hineintun ↗ (more general, meaning to put something inside)
• verschlingen ↗ (specifically for the slang meaning of eating quickly)

Antonyms:

• herauswerfen ↗ (to throw something out)
• rauswerfen ↗ (the colloquial form of "to throw out" or "to fire/dismiss someone")