An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Laffe
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Laffe, m., ‘puppy, dandy,’ from MidHG. lape, lappe, m., ‘simpleton, dandy.’ The relation of ModHG. Lump to Lumpen makes the existence of MidHG. lappe, ‘dandy,’ as well as *lappe, ‘rags,’ conceivable; yet the ModHG. form has ff compared with the MidHG. pp; comp. läppich. Others refer Laffe to Du. and LG. laf, ‘stale, insipid.’