bukfenc

== Hungarian == === Alternative forms === bukhenc, bukvenc (archaic) === Etymology === Of internal origin, but its formation is uncertain. Possibly related to bukik (“to fall, tumble”). Numerous archaic and dialectal variants exist. The bak- variants (e.g., bakfinc) were possibly folk-etymologically influenced by bak (“goat buck”), referencing the similarity between a buck's jumping and doing a somersault (see also bakfitty, bakfincál, bakfincoz). For a similar semantic connection, compare the dialectal synonyms kecskebuk, kecskebuka (see kecske (“goat”)) and German Purzelbock (from purzeln (“to tumble”) +‎ Bock (“buck”)). First attested in 1574. The alternative theory that it is a euphemistic and jocular compound of bukik (“to fall, tumble”) +‎ segg (“arse, buttocks”) is considered less likely. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): [ˈbukfɛnt͡s] Hyphenation: buk‧fenc Rhymes: -ɛnt͡s === Noun === bukfenc (plural bukfencek) somersault (an instance of rotating one's body 360 degrees while airborne or on the ground, with one's feet passing over one's head) (chiefly gymnastics) a somersault performed in the air; a salto Synonyms: szaltó, halálugrás (figurative) a complete and unexpected change or overturn (of opinion, thought, behaviour, etc.) ==== Declension ==== ==== Derived terms ==== === References === === Further reading === bukfenc in Géza Bárczi, László Országh, et al., editors, A magyar nyelv értelmező szótára [The Explanatory Dictionary of the Hungarian Language] (ÉrtSz.), Budapest: Akadémiai Kiadó, 1959–1962. Fifth ed., 1992: →ISBN. bukfenc and (with subscription) bukfenc in Ferenc Pusztai, editor, Magyar értelmező kéziszótár [A Concise Explanatory Dictionary of Hungarian] (ÉKsz.2), 2nd, expanded and revised edition, Budapest: Akadémiai Kiadó, 2003 (online searchable version under development). bukfenc in Nóra Ittzés, editor, A magyar nyelv nagyszótára [A Comprehensive Dictionary of the Hungarian Language] (Nszt.), Budapest: Akadémiai Kiadó, 2006–2031 (work in progress; published a–ez as of 2024).