yslik

Afrikaans

Etymology

From Dutch ijselijk, from Middle Dutch iselijc, from older eiselijc, from Old Dutch egislīk. Derived from a word meaning “fear”, but later associated with ys by folk etymology.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈəi̯s.lək/

Adjective

yslik (attributive yslike, comparative ysliker, superlative yslikste)

1. enormous, huge
2. (dated) terrifying, horrific, fearsome
   • 1924, F. E. J. Malherbe, Humor in die algemeen en sy uiting in die Afrikaanse letterkunde, page 110:

     Die yslikste visioen van hierdie klas van ongelukkiges is vir alle tye opgeteken in Dante's Hel.

     (please add an English translation of this quotation)

   • 1932, Eugène Marais, "Sterfgevalle by Bobbejane", Burgers van die Berge, in Versamelde werke, 1981, page 161.

     Sy wou die yslike en onverbiddelike toestand wat sy in haar omgewing as die dood leer ken het, verander hê.

     (please add an English translation of this quotation)