LL-L "Etymology" 2002.10.25 (07) [E]

[Lowlands-L]

======================================================================
 L O W L A N D S - L * 25.OCT.2002 (07) * ISSN 189-5582 * LCSN 96-4226
 Web Site: <http://www.lowlands-l.net>  Email: admin at lowlands-l.net
 Rules & Guidelines: <http://www.lowlands-l.net/rules.htm>
 Posting Address: <lowlands-l at listserv.linguistlist.org>
 Server Manual: <http://www.lsoft.com/manuals/1.8c/userindex.html>
 Archive: <http://listserv.linguistlist.org/archives/lowlands-l.html>
=======================================================================
 You have received this because you have been subscribed upon request.
 To unsubscribe, please send the command "signoff lowlands-l" as message
 text from the same account to <listserv at listserv.linguistlist.org> or
 sign off at <http://linguistlist.org/subscribing/sub-lowlands-l.html>.
=======================================================================
 A=Afrikaans Ap=Appalachian B=Brabantish D=Dutch E=English F=Frisian
 L=Limburgish LS=Lowlands Saxon (Low German) S=Scots Sh=Shetlandic
               V=(West)Flemish Z=Zeelandic (Zeêuws)
=======================================================================

From: R. F. Hahn <sassisch at yahoo.com>
Subject: Etymology

Dear Lowlanders,

Can any of you help me with the etymology of the Dutch word _makker_ and the
Lowlands Saxon (Low German) word _Macker_ ['mak3`], both meaning 'friend',
'chum', 'buddy', 'mate'?  (_Macker_ is also used in Missingsch, a sort of
shibboleth and to many people's minds a low-class flag.)  LS _Macker_ can
also mean 'ringleader'.  And then there is Scots _mak(e)_ for 'close
friend', 'mate'?  Any relation?  Perhaps a permutation of _mate_?  And then
there is _makkar_ referring to the Scots poets of the 15th and 16th
centuries, apparently derived from the verb _mak_ 'make', 'create'.

The suffix _-er_ ought to derive an agent/actor from a verb, but *_mak-_?
There is, however, the LS adjective _mack_ 'easy to handle', 'harmless',
'tame' (as of an animal), thus masculine _mack+er_.  There is also
_mackelig_ ~ _macklig_ ~ _makelk_ 'easy', 'cosy', 'slowly and relaxed', cf.
Dutch _(ge)makelijk_ 'easily', German _gemächlich_ 'slowly and relaxed'.

Any input would be appreciated.

Regards,
Reinhard/Ron

==================================END===================================
* Please submit postings to <lowlands-l at listserv.linguistlist.org>.
* Postings will be displayed unedited in digest form.
* Please display only the relevant parts of quotes in your replies.
* Commands for automated functions (including "signoff lowlands-l") are
  to be sent to <listserv at listserv.linguistlist.org> or at
  <http://linguistlist.org/subscribing/sub-lowlands-l.html>.
=======================================================================