An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Schnack

by Friedrich Kluge

Schnack, m., ‘chit-chat, talk,’ ModHG. only, formed from MidG., LG., and Du. snakken, ‘to chatter, babble’; to this is allied ModHG. Schnake, ‘merry tale,’ from LG., also ‘merry fellow.’ Comp. Du. snaak, ‘buffoon.’