Literally: “spin worm” / meaning: the state of feeling dizzy
Germany is a very Drehwurm-inducing nation. After all, our world-famous engineering skills can be found not only on international highways but also at fun fairs and amusement parks.
You are probably not familiar with brands like Mack Rides, Huss, Sunkid, Gerstlauer, or Zierer. But if you have had to throw up after riding a Breakdance, Frisbee, or Top Spin, chances are high that it was a German company that caused your nausea.
Drehwurm may sound like one of these jolly modern neologisms. However, the word has quite an old and sinister backstory. A species that is popularly called Drehwurm actually exists. The “taenia multiceps” is a parasite that infests various animals. When a sheep catches this tapeworm, its brain functions are severely affected. In the worst case, movement disorders or the usually fatal spinning disease (“coenurosis”) can occur. In comparison to that, the dizziness you feel after a carousel ride is surely not a big deal. This is, of course, unless you take a ride after your fourth “stein” at the Oktoberfest.
References:
https://www1.wdr.de/radio/wdr2/themen/frag-doch-mal-die-maus/drehwurm-102.html
