ijzervreter
Dutch
Etymology
From ijzer (“iron”) + vreter (“devourer”).
Pronunciation
Audio (file)
Noun
ijzervreter m (plural ijzervreters, diminutive ijzervretertje n, feminine ijzervreetster)
- a stout-hearted warrior
Usage notes
Initially the word only meant a "fierce and experienced warrior". Nowadays it is often used in a figurative meaning: a hard worker; a tough guy.