The Latin root theodiscus is actually just the latinised form of the Old High German thiutisk from Indo-European teuta and means "people". Similarly, Alemanni means "all men". The Saxons were named after their typical sword or fighting knive, the Seax or Sax. It's still discussed where the term "German" originates from.

[–] barsoap@lemm.ee 21 points 3 months ago (1 children)

The Saxons were named after their typical sword or fighting knive, the Seax or Sax.

There's also a possibility the name is related to "settling", and the knife then probably named after the tribe.

[–] Bumblefumble@lemm.ee 23 points 3 months ago (1 children)

That's a common misconception, they are actually named after the famous jazz instrument the saxophone.

[–] SorteKanin@feddit.dk 6 points 3 months ago

Wow, language truly is amazing

[–] paschko_mato@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 3 months ago (2 children)

I thought German means spearman. Because some tribes fighted with the „Ger“, a spear or some special spear(?). Or is this only a theory?

[–] barsoap@lemm.ee 12 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

Lots of things are possible, fewer are likely, even fewer attested, even fewer attested without doubt.

Though it'd have a special irony to it: Some Roman asking a bunch of probably Austro-Bavarian or Alemanic warriors "who are you" and getting the answer "Germannen" -- "spear men". Were Italy an Island they would've said "sailors".

Probably more likely than Romans observing those tribes, noting more or less bog-standard javelins, not exactly a rare or particularly notable technology, and saying "hey let's ask them what they call javelins and add a -man after that for no apparent reason". Even if they specialised their tactics etc. around those spears would you call Greeks "Phalanx people"?

[–] Successful_Try543 4 points 3 months ago (1 children)

According to German Wikipedia, this theory, Germans are men with a Ger, is longer up to date.

[–] paschko_mato@lemmy.dbzer0.com 4 points 3 months ago

Hah, man lernt nie aus!