luftmensch
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
A person who is highly intellectual or contemplative but detached from practical affairs, especially the need to earn a living.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
My wife is such a luftmensch she missed our anniversary dinner because she was too busy reading her books!
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
A beggar, a petty trader, a peddler, and various types of paupers.
Register: slang
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “luftmensch” mean?
A person who is highly intellectual or contemplative but detached from practical affairs, especially the need to earn a living.
Is “luftmensch” formal or informal?
luftmensch is generally slang.