An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Annotated/Schaukel

by Friedrich Kluge

Schaukel, feminine, ‘swing,’ Modern High German only, derived, however, under Low German influence, from Middle High German schoc (genitive -ckes), masculine, and schoke, feminine; compare Low German schuckel, feminine, ‘swing’; Middle High German schoc, Old High German scoc, ‘rocking motion’ (whence French choc, ‘shock’). In East Thuringian ‘swing’ is Schunkel, in Suabian Gautsche, in Swiss Gireitz, Gigereitze.