Meister

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The word Meister originally means "master" in German (as in master craftsman or as an honorific title such as Meister Eckhart; akin to maestro).

It has been borrowed into English slang, where it is used in compound words. It is often used as a suffix added to a noun to demonstrate proficiency in a given area. A person referred to as blank meister is one that has extensive theoretical knowledge and practical skills in their profession, business concerns and training. Typically the blank is filled in with a word that describes the particular skill set the person in question is an expert in, (for example, a puzzle meister would be someone aptly skilled at completing puzzles). Although these neologisms can sometimes have a sarcastic intent (for example, "stubblemeister" for someone with a short neat beard; heard on BBC TV; or concertmeister, leader of a symphony).

In Germany compound words such as Wachtmeister or Polizeimeister, the word meister has also been used as a police rank of Germany with the first usage dating to the 19th century. Many modern day German police forces use variations of the title Meister. During the Second World War, Meister was the highest enlisted rank of the Ordnungspolizei.

Word origin

From the Latin word "Magister" meaning teacher.
Function: noun
Etymology: Yiddish mayster & German Meister master, from Middle High German meister, from Old High German meistar.

Popular Culture

"The Rich-meister," portrayed by Rob Schneider on Saturday Night Live, added meister (among other words) as a suffix to the names of his coworkers for comical effect.

The character Stifler from American Pie referred to himself as "The Stif-meister", in an attempt to portray his high self-confidence. It is also often used in referring to Formula One driver Michael Schumacher as Der Regenmeister (the rain master) due to his highly-rated driving through low-visibility or wet conditions.

Meisters (職人, Shokunin; Literally meaning "craftsman," "mechanic," "worker") are people with exceptional soul wavelengths and are paired with weapons. Use in the anime/manga series Soul Eater

In the 2007 anime Mobile Suit Gundam 00 the protagonist pilots of the titular mobile suits are called Gundam meisters.

Song written by the German music group Rammstein

In 2009 the band Taste the Meisters became popular with the production of their hit single "Sophia". The band was formed when drummer William "Pain Train" Cooper and guitarist Alister Fazio experiamented with a variety of sounds in the band room above the Cafeteria. Some speculate that these lunchtime jam sessions stemmed their first album "Chicken Patty". Others believe that it is a reference to their high school swim coach Patty Conboy. Regardless the album really shows what TTM is about. This band flawlessly blends a mix of freestyle type hip hip, southern rock, fast paced jazz, and jamming. The band got a significant upgrade with the addition of pianist keyboard extroadinare T.J. Lewis. A classically trained pianist, he provided the missing musical core the group needed. As far as the name of this group is concerned is, the original members went by Taste the Rainbow before realizing that the phrase was tradmarked by Mars Company. So to avoid a possible lawsuit they choose the word meisters. The band is currently looking to expand with the addition of a bassist, improv saxiphonist, and possible electric viola player. The band was for a short time under the management of Will Narramore before his incompetence caused the band to become self managed.