oogappel

Oogappel is a Dutch noun meaning the apple of the eye. It is used metaphorically to refer to a person or thing that is cherished above others, such as a beloved child or a treasured possession. The expression is most commonly used with possessive determiners, for example mijne oogappel or mijn oogappel.

Origin and usage: The phrase evokes the image of the eye’s pupil as something precious and central. It appears in Dutch literature and speech from at least the early modern period and remains common in contemporary usage. It is an affectionate term and is rarely suitable in formal contexts; it is typically reserved for close relatives, partners, or cherished objects.

Distinctions and notes: The term is not a medical term and should not be confused with parts of the eye such as oogbal (eyeball) or ooglid (eyelid). The noun is usually used in the singular form, often in combinations like mijn oogappel or jouw oogappel to denote a single cherished person or item. The expression is widely recognized in Dutch-speaking regions and is understood across generations.

See also: Apple of my eye; Dutch idioms expressing affection.