Götz von Berlichingen (historical figure)
Gottfried "Götz" von Berlichingen (c. 1480 – 23 July 1562), sometimes recorded Berlingen and also known as Götz of the Iron Hand, was a German Imperial Knight (Reichsritter), and mercenary. He was born around 1480 at Berlichingen in Württemberg to a noble family and earned his reputation by fighting in a number of wars over an impressive 47 year career. At the age of 24 he lost his right hand to cannonfire and wore a metal prosthetic for the rest of his life, which became his calling card.
He is perhaps best remembered for the vulgar expression "Er kann mich im Arsche lecken"[1], attributed to him by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in a play based on his life. Götz's name is now used as a euphamism for the expression.
- ↑ Loosely, "He can kiss my ass".