This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: emrys54 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.wisconsin.counties.shawano/14402.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: It depends somewhat on the region of Germany that the speaker comes from. In its very proper pronounciation in 'Hochdeutsch' or 'high German' the word is pronounced bockig, the 'ig sound at the end of the word is very similarto the ending in the English word 'colic'. If the speaker is from, fro example, the Frankfurt area of Germany, then the word will be pronounced 'bokish'- the 'bok' part of the word like in bok choy, the 'ish' part of the word like in 'fish'. To a listener not too familiar with German, the word could sound like 'bookish'. Hopefully my explanation makes sense to you. I've always found it difficult to describe what a word sounds like, because like everywhere else in the world, there are many different dialects in Germany and each region has its own quirky pronounciations of words. BTW, since I am German I can definitely agree with your dad's sign. It is so true. :-) Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.