Vader

/ˈveɪdər/ noun

Definition

A proper name, most famously associated with the fictional character Darth Vader from the Star Wars universe.

Etymology

Dutch/Flemish word meaning 'father,' from Middle Dutch vader, cognate with German Vater and English father, all from Proto-Germanic *fadēr. George Lucas chose this name deliberately to foreshadow the character's paternal relationship to Luke Skywalker.

Kelly Says

George Lucas has claimed he derived 'Vader' from 'invader,' but the Dutch word for 'father' creates a brilliant multilingual pun that spoils the trilogy's biggest plot twist for Dutch speakers from the very first film. The name perfectly embodies the character's role as both destroyer and patriarch.

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