buckeln

Buckeln refers to a posture or action characterized by bending the upper body forward at the waist, often causing the back to curve. This can be a voluntary movement, such as when performing tasks that require reaching down or lifting, or it can be an involuntary posture adopted due to fatigue, pain, or certain medical conditions. In some contexts, "buckeln" can also describe the act of bowing or curtsying, particularly in a subservient or deferential manner. The term is commonly used in German and can have both literal and figurative meanings. For example, it might describe the physical act of a person stooping to pick something up, or it could be used metaphorically to indicate someone acting in an overly submissive or obsequious way. The specific connotation of "buckeln" can vary depending on the situation and cultural understanding of the word.