Low-German Word of the Day

Schlawp....hope I spelled that correctly. Is there really a correct way to spell low-german words? Has anyone actually seen a low-german dictionary? I'm not sure something like that exists. I think of a low-german dictionary kind of like the Loch Ness monster......there have been sightings but does anyone actually have legitimate proof? If anybody knows of one, let me know. I'd like to get my hands on it.

From growing up in a mostly Mennonite community in southern Manitoba, we often used the word schlawp to describe things, and sometimes people, when you didn't want to waste too much breath. This one word can shorten a sentence immensely. Instead of saying "My boss doesn't answer his phone calls, doesn't help his employees and sits in his office all day doing nothing" you can just say "My boss is schlawp."  Anyone that understands the meaning of the word will know exactly what you are trying to say. It generally means weak, lazy, disorganized or describes someone who just doesn't care or has no idea what their doing. I've had schlawp bosses and co-workers. I've bought small appliances, clothes and other items that don't work properly or fall apart easily so I don't like to use them because they're schlawp.

So go ahead...use the word. It's quite funny when it comes spouting out of your mouth at the opportune time. When you're trying to get your toddler's arms into their jacket sleeves and your beautiful cherub is just laying on the floor pretending like he/she is a wet noodle, tell them to quit being schlawp. It's not a bad word so kids can blurt it out in class the next day and can't get into trouble!