der Bock
Translation
buck, ram, desire, blunder
Examples
Der Bock hat große Hörner.
The buck has large horns.
Ich habe heute keinen Bock auf Hausaufgaben.
I don't feel like doing homework today.
Mit dieser Antwort hat er einen Bock geschossen.
He made a real blunder with that answer.
Grammar Patterns
Bock auf ((et4)) haben to be in the mood for (sth.), to feel like (sth.) I'm in the mood for pizza.
einen Bock schießen to make a blunder, to screw up He really screwed up with that decision.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Geißbock (billy goat), Lust (desire), Fehler (mistake); Antonyms: Unlust (unwillingness)
Etymology
From Old High German 'boc' (male goat), cognate with English 'buck'.
Memory Tips
Picture a stubborn 'buck' (a goat) who only does what he has 'Bock' (desire) for. This connects the animal to the colloquial meaning.