Figure 1.--Lederhosen are most associated with Germany. This 1979 clothing ad shows a variety of interesting trends. Leerhosen were being made for younger boys and a new development for girls. Proper lederhosen or leather, but they were made in other materials, including denim. The heading reads, "Lederhosen für zünftige Buam und fesche Madl'n!" |
This 1979 clothing ad shows a variety of interesting trends. Leerhosen were being made for younger boys and a new development for girls. Proper lederhosen or leather, but they were made in other materials, including denim.
The heading reads, "Lederhosen für zünftige Buam und fesche Madl'n!" This means something like, "Lederhosen: for sturdy lads and pretty girls!" Translating the ad copy is a fascinating exercize in linguistics. A Dutch reader explains the wording. "Zünftige buam und fesche madl'n," is Austrian dialect, appropriate for describing lederhosen. "Fesche madln" means "pretty girls". "Zünftig buam" would be "flinke jongens" in Dutch. I’m at a loss for a good match in English. "Buam" is the Bavarian/Austrian pronunciation of "Buben" meaning fellows, lad, or chaps. It may also be used for "baby". In Swiss German it would be Bueb. "Zünftig" is everything a good boy that age is supposed to be. Mix sturdy, stout, strapping, and energetic into one word, perhaps "sturdy lads". There's been a lot of work on this page and
a Dutch reader has already provided a good translation of the words
"fesch" and "zünftig". However, I hope, you can use my definition as well. [HBC note: We are in the process of putting thid all together.] The word "flink" is used in Germany, too with the same meaning. You could translate it as lively, fast. Flinke jongens means then lively boys.
The Trachtenlederhosen are from 98-152, The Nappalederhosen 94-153, the Trachten Shorts 92-122. The name of the catalogue firm was Quelle. This can be seen in the left corner of the page. A fuller discussion of the lederhosen shown here are at this link.
A German reader rports, "A closer study of this advertisement revealed that the two boys are wearing the same lederhosen I used to wear! The boy on the left (Trachtenlederhosen) wears my first suit, and that of my sister. The boy on the right (Nappalederhosen) is wearing my second suit.
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