Untermensch

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈʉntÉ™mÉ›nʃ/

Origin

From German Untermensch, from unter ("under, below") + Mensch ("person, human").

Full definition of Untermensch

Noun

1. (derogatory) An inferior person; a subhuman.
• 2009, John Sadler, Glencoe, Amberley 2009, p. 19:His orders are clear and concise – the Scots are viewed as untermenschen and are to be treated accordingly.

Usage notes

As the races whom the Nazis persecuted were often collectively referred to as Untermenschen, this term is consequently strongly associated with the Nazis and their ideology.

Antonyms

• Ãœbermensch