|
|
The word über comes from the German language. During the late 1990's, über became a hip, trendy synonym for super; i.e. übercool - supercool.
Uses in German
In German, über is used as a prefix as well as a separate word. In the latter case, it may be a preposition or an adverb depending on context. Eg. sprechen über - speak about, über die Brücke - over the bridge, übernehmen - take over (nehmen = take).
Über also translates to over, above and superior. The actual translation depends on context. One example would be the term Übermensch from Friedrich Nietzsche, which translates to superior human or superman (literally "overman"). It is assumed that it is via this translation that the word über entered the English vocabulary (cf. calque).
Non-German Uses
Online Gaming
"Uber" (also "über" or "00ber") is an online gaming term for a player or object that is considered superior. For example, a player who has accumulated the most points or rare and advanced weapons, tools, clothing, or spells available in the online game could be referred to as uber. Rare or powerful items themselves are also frequently called uber. Something does not even have to be a real object to be considered uber, for example a player could use an "uber strategy". See also leet.