Calque Formation (Noun)
Meaning
An expression introduced into one language by translating it from another language; "`superman' is a calque for the German `Ubermensch'".
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The word "skyscraper" was adopted as a calque in many languages to describe tall buildings.
- "Superman" is a calque for the German "Ubermensch" as coined by philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche.
- The phrase "flea market" is a calque from the French phrase "marché aux puces".
- "Guerilla warfare" is an example of a calque from the Spanish phrase "guerra de guerrilla".
- "Self-made man" is a calque of the German phrase "Selbstgestandener Mann".