Schnapszahl ('shnop-tzahl) n. German word for
palindrome, specifically referring to numeric palindromes. German culture applies a special significance to Schnapszahl-birthday celebrations (11, 22,
111, etc.) similar to the significance other cultures attach to decade-birthdays and "
sweet sixteens," or "
Quinceañeras"
Certain palindromic times, dates and years also have special significance, such as the recent "20/02/2002, 20:02" email that was sent around.
There are only 1999 palindromic numbers between zero and one million.
A specific sub-culture in Germany also has a different meaning for Schnapszahl. It means a submissive person who enjoys being used by individuals of either sex (regardless of their own personal sexuality).