An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Lümmel

by Friedrich Kluge

Lümmel, m., ‘lubber, scoundrel,’ first occurs in ModHG.; probably derived from the antiquated adj. lumm, ‘relaxed, loose,’ which is based on MidHG. lüeme, OHG. luomi, ‘mild, languid’ (MidHG. lüemen, ‘to slacken, relax, be wearied’), and connected with lahm.