Hengel

Hengel is a Dutch word with multiple meanings, primarily related to fishing.

• Fishing Rod: The most common meaning of "hengel" is a fishing rod, the long, flexible pole used to cast a fishing line. It can refer to a simple cane pole or a more sophisticated rod made of modern materials. The term encompasses the entire fishing rod apparatus, though sometimes "vishengel" (fish-hengel) is used for clarification.

• Fishing: In some contexts, "hengel" can refer to the act of fishing itself, though more commonly the word "vissen" is used for the activity. It is related to the verb "hengelen," which means "to fish" or "to angle."

• Figurative Usage: Occasionally, "hengel" and "hengelen" can be used figuratively to describe attempting to obtain something indirectly or by artful means, similar to "fishing for compliments" in English. The success of the "hengeling" (fishing) depends on the target taking the "bait."

The word's origin likely stems from the Old Dutch or Middle Dutch languages, related to its purpose as a tool for catching fish.