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sticheln

to make snide remarks, to needle someone verbally

verb SHTIKH-eln Rare
Communication Speech

Usage Note

sticheln means to make pointed, provocative jabs at someone — verbal needling through sharp or sarcastic remarks rather than open confrontation. 'Sie stichelt ständig gegen ihn' (She constantly takes digs at him). The image is of a needle (Stich) — small but sharp and repeated.

Examples

"Er stichelte die ganze Zeit mit kleinen Bemerkungen gegen seinen Kollegen."

Natural Translation

He needled his colleague the whole time with little remarks.

Literal Translation

He needled the whole time with little remarks against his colleague.

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