How to Speak Oktoberfest

Did you just challenge me to an oabischwoam? You, sir, have quite the wampn. Please, please don't tell me you just ordered a quartl. Ugh, that is some nasty gschwoabats.

Among other things -- a useful place to download sudsy apps for your iPhone or shop for lederhosen and dirndls -- Oktoberfest.de, the official website of Oktoberfest, provides a useful dictionary of Bavarian words, terms, and phrases to help you successfully navigate the sloshy fall festival.

Below is a small selection of notable Oktoberfest words and their definitions:

aufmandeln (v.) to aggrandise oneself, especially when you do not find any free seats in the beer tents.

aufstöin (v.) to donate a beer

bieseln (v.) term for "to take a leak"; unfortunately too many want to save a couple of Cents and use the option "wild bieseln"

fingahackln (n.) Bavarian sport. Two men hook their middle fingers and try to pull the opponent over the table. Popular activity at the Oktoberfest.

gschwoabats, gsöff (n.) undefined alcoholic brew, causing headaches – to be avoided. Quickly order an Oktoberfest Maß, which tastes exquisite and has been brewed according to the Bavarian purity requirements.

maßkruagstemma (n.) a contest, where the contestant must hold one maß beer with straight arms. The one who can carry the beer longest, wins.

Noagerlzuzla (n.) person who drinks the last remainders from abandoned glasses, also used as a cuss.

oabischwoam (n.): To solve a fight through drinking, a much better alternative than letting the fist do the talking, at the Oktoberfest as well as elsewhere.

quartl (n.): Quarter of a litre beer. Is considered absurd and ludicrous at the Oktoberfest."

wampn (n.): Patronising expression for a oversized oft hanging belly. Caused either through a large consumption of foods with a high fat content or beer.

weißwurscht (n.) White sausage, eaten with sweet mustard. Please note that the skin must by no means be eaten.