From late Middle High German plotzlich, from Plotz (“clap, slap”) (onomatopoeic), originally adverb, since Luther also in adjectival use. By synchronic analysis, from an onomatopoeic element plotz (“sound of a quick impact or blow”) + -lich (“-like”). Cognate with Hunsrik pletzlich. Compare also Middle Low German plutzlik (> Danish pludselig, Swedish plötslig). Related to Early New High German plözling, whence Yiddish פּלוצלינג (plutsling). Compare also a similar development in Dutch plotseling, which replaced earlier plotzelijk.

From late Middle High German plotzlich, from Plotz (“clap, slap”) (onomatopoeic), originally adverb, since Luther also in adjectival use. By synchronic analysis, from an onomatopoeic element plotz (“sound of a quick impact or blow”) + -lich (“-like”). Cognate with Hunsrik pletzlich. Compare also Middle Low German plutzlik (> Danish pludselig, Swedish plötslig). Related to Early New High German plözling, whence Yiddish פּלוצלינג (plutsling). Compare also a similar development in Dutch plotseling, which replaced earlier plotzelijk.