köter
Köter is a German noun used primarily as a pejorative insult for a person, roughly translating to “you dog” or “you mutt” in English. It denotes contempt and is considered vulgar or coarse in most contexts, and should be avoided in formal speech. The term is common in colloquial German across Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland, though its intensity and acceptability vary by region and generation. It is typically used to express anger or contempt toward someone perceived as dishonorable or contemptible, rather than to refer to a real dog.
Etymology: The origin of Köter is not definitively established. It is generally tied to the animal name
Usage notes: In spoken language, tone, context, and relationship between speakers strongly influence offensiveness. Among friends
Related terms: Hund is the neutral term for dog; other German insults addressing a person include terms