„Pferdediebstahl“ – Versionsunterschied

A Horse thief historically is a person who steals horses and it carries negative connotations of guile and depredation. Today, it is not often used except in a fecetious context, but then when used it carries the same weight as kidnapper or swindler.

History

Horse thief originated in the Great Plains of the United States of America during the 19th century. During that time these states were sparsely populated and policed. As farmers tilled the land and migrants headed west through the Great Plains their horses became subject to theft from the bandits called horse thieves. Since these farmers and migrants depended on their horses, horse thieves garnered a particularly reputation because they left their victims helpless. Such depredation led to the use of the term horse thief as an insult, one that conveys the impression that the insulted person is one lacking in any shred of moral decency.

Present Day

Horse thief is no longer in common usage and may in fact contain humorous connotations when used because it is so out of date.

See also

Anti Horse Thief Association