• @Lileath@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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    98 months ago

    The literal meaning is a really informal “old one” but can also mean “age” in another context. It is used exactly like you described.

    • DreamButt
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      98 months ago

      So Germans colloquially call each other “old man”? That’s kinda hilarious

      • @Lileath@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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        8 months ago

        It is one way to do so, german youth also use several english terms or “Digga” which is a modified form of the word “Dicker” meaning fat. Although I am no linguist I would assume that Alter and Dicker were used in combination with Freund (friend) first since those are valid phrases that still are in use.

      • @Tvkan@feddit.de
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        8 months ago

        As much as English speakers call each other “male sibling” or “canine”.

        Technically correct, but no one makes that association in everyday language.