An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Laffe

by Friedrich Kluge

Laffe, m., ‘puppy, dandy,’ from MidHG. lape, lappe, m., ‘simpleton, dandy.’ The relation of ModHG. Lump to Lumpen makes the existence of MidHG. lappe, ‘dandy,’ as well as *lappe, ‘rags,’ conceivable; yet the ModHG. form has ff compared with the MidHG. pp; comp. läppich. Others refer Laffe to Du. and LG. laf, ‘stale, insipid.’