The word "frenzel" is spelled with an "f" rather than a "ph" because it is derived from the German language where "f" is used instead of "ph". The IPA phonetic transcription for "frenzel" is /ˈfrɛnzəl/, indicating that the first syllable is pronounced with a "fr" sound, the second with a short "e" sound, and the final syllable with a soft "z" sound. This word is commonly used in diving circles to refer to a technique used to equalize pressure in the ears.
The word "frenzel" has German origins. It is derived from the German surname "Frenzel" (also spelled "Frenzl" or "Frenzlau"). The surname possibly originated as a short form of the given name "Franz" or "Franziskus", ultimately derived from the Latin name "Franciscus", meaning "Frenchman" or "free". Over time, "Frenzel" became a German family name. Although the specific reason for how the surname came to influence the word "frenzel", particularly in the context of "frenzel maneuver" related to diving, is not clear.