Bödeker

A Bödeker (also spelled Boedeker, Boetticher, or Boedicker) is a historical term, primarily found in German-speaking regions, referring to a person who owned or managed a Böde. A Böde was a type of small shop, stall, or booth, often used for selling food, drink, or simple goods. The term often implies a humble social status, associated with petty trade.

The precise meaning and connotations of "Bödeker" could vary depending on the region and time period. In some areas, it simply denoted a shopkeeper. In others, it might have carried a slight pejorative implication, suggesting someone of limited means and low standing within the community. The prevalence of the term decreased significantly in the modern era, as shopkeeping practices evolved. Surnames derived from the profession, such as Bödeker or Boedeker, remain in use today.