This site uses cookies. Some of these cookies are essential to the operation of the site, while others help to improve your experience by providing insights into how the site is being used. For more information, please see the ProZ.com privacy policy.
Cookie settings
  1. KudoZ™ Top
  2. German to English
  3. Idioms / Maxims / Sayings

eierlegende Wollmilchsau

19:50 May 11, 2012
This question was closed without grading. Reason: Other

German to English translations [PRO]
Idioms / Maxims / Sayings / colloquialism, slang
German term or phrase: eierlegende Wollmilchsau
The translations offered e.g. by dict.cc and linguee.de, such as "allrounder" [all-in-one device suitable for every purpose] for 'eierlegende Wollmilchsau' {f} [ugs.] [hum.] "jack of all trades" device [coll.] don't seem to cut the mustard, as it were...
Then there are (in dict.leo.org) •Swiss Army knife - die eierlegende Wollmilchsau (I have a few of those) •eierlegende Wollmilchsau "all singing and dancing"; and in another context "the pig of ... [subject field]".
Back in 2003 KudoZ has the "egg-laying jack-rabbit mule" and some others (incl. the above), but at the rate modern language is evolving, surely there must be something new about...

For a private (and certainly tongue in cheek) research project I would appreciate some input as to innovative, certainly weird or funny "translations" of the concept, or idea with the same dash of sarcasm and squirt of irony.
There must be somebody out there with a new and cool idea...

Also, for those colleagues conversant in Latin and Greek, maybe the "scientific" name (similar to the infamous "petrophagus loriotii") would come in handy.
Tom Feise
Germany
Local time: 04:22


Summary of answers provided
3chimera
Michael Martin, MA
3the egg-laying, wool-producing dairy pig
Nicole Schnell


Discussion entries: 6





  

Answers


15 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
chimera


Explanation:
3. meaning: a wild and unrealistic dream or notion

"A city that's a chimera of all the memories of the cities you have loved. But that city doesn't exist."

Typical exclamation: "But that"s a chimera!"


    Reference: http://www.multilingualliving.com/2012/02/12/the-eternal-tra...
Michael Martin, MA
United States
Local time: 22:22
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: Native in GermanGerman, Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 63

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
neutral  Helen Shiner: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chimera_(mythology) - unfortunately, a chimera has a known form - of sorts./I disagree; if it conveys a given image which is at odds to the GER, then it does not do its job as a translation.
14 mins
  -> not sure that this is crucial here..
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

10 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
the egg-laying, wool-producing dairy pig


Explanation:
I don't see any why the farm animal concept should be abandoned. That's what this term is all about, the all-rounder miracle animal that can be used for just about anything. You might also opt for a car metaphor: the 8-seater, 4WD, 150 mpg fuel-sipper Formula One race car that is also great for farm work.

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 10 hrs (2012-05-12 06:34:02 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

@ Tom: Harvester is even cooler! I love it. :-)

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 11 hrs (2012-05-12 07:40:33 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

Shorter and snappier:
egg-laying Cashmere dairy pig

Nicole Schnell
United States
Local time: 19:22
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: Native in GermanGerman
PRO pts in category: 64
Notes to answerer
Asker: nice one, after formula 1 I would add harvester, as that would make it shorter and snappier :-)

Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)



Login or register (free and only takes a few minutes) to participate in this question.

You will also have access to many other tools and opportunities designed for those who have language-related jobs (or are passionate about them). Participation is free and the site has a strict confidentiality policy.

Return to KudoZ list

KudoZ™ translation help

The KudoZ network provides a framework for translators and others to assist each other with translations or explanations of terms and short phrases.

See also:
ProZ.com term search
Search millions of term translations
Close search
Term search
  • All of ProZ.com
  • Term search
  • Jobs
  • Forums
  • Multiple search