Weib

Weib is a German noun that historically designated a woman or female person. In older and some dialectal uses, it was a normal, non-pejorative term. In contemporary standard German, however, it is largely considered archaic or pejorative and is not commonly used to refer to a woman in everyday speech. The standard terms today are Frau for an adult woman and Mädchen or Fräulein for younger females, with Weib appearing mainly in literary or ironic contexts.

Etymology and cognates: The word derives from Old High German wib, related to Proto-Germanic *wībō, and is a cognate of the English word wife in its older sense of “woman.” Over time, the German usage shifted toward Frau, while Weib retained a sense of gender category in historical texts.

Usage in culture and language: In classical German literature, legal codes, and proverbs, “Weib” appears as a neutral noun in many contexts but has become stigmatized in modern prose or speech. It may convey a brusque or old-fashioned tone and is sometimes found in phrases that emphasize gender roles. In some regional varieties or historical writing, the term remains readable as a period marker.

Surname and other uses: Weib also exists as a surname in German-speaking areas. Beyond German, the word appears in discussions of historic language or gender terminology and is commonly contrasted with “Frau” to illustrate shifts in how adult women are addressed.