Pronunciation: [lˈuːɡə] (IPA) 
The word "luger" is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈluːɡər/. The first syllable is pronounced as "loo" with a long "oo" sound, followed by the "g" sound which is pronounced with a hard "g" as in "go". The last syllable is pronounced with a short "u" sound and the "er" sound at the end is pronounced as a schwa sound. The word generally refers to a type of gun or a person who participates in the sport of luge.
A luger refers to a type of semi-automatic handgun, characterized by its sleek design, straight recoil mechanism, and short barrel. The name "luger" originated from the inventor, Georg Luger, a German entrepreneur and firearms designer. The luger gained recognition due to its implementation as the standard-issue sidearm for the German Army during both World Wars.
Typically chambered for 9mm ammunition, the luger boasts a distinctive toggle-lock action, in which the barrel and breechblock are linked by a jointed arm. This mechanism, when fired, generates a unique toggle recoil that assists in reducing muzzle rise and enhancing overall accuracy. The luger's magazine capacity usually holds eight rounds, although variations with larger capacities exist.
Visually, the luger exhibits a characteristic grip angle, resembling that of a straight line, which sets it apart from other pistols. It often includes ergonomic features, such as checkered grips and textured surfaces, to improve handling and control. The luger's sleek form and fine craftsmanship have made it a coveted choice among firearm collectors and enthusiasts.
Due to its historical significance and distinctive design, the term "luger" has transcended its original definition and is occasionally used colloquially to refer to any semi-automatic handgun with a similar visual style. Luger remains an icon in the world of firearms, representing a powerful symbol of engineering and innovation in the pursuit of firearm development.
The word "Luger" comes from the name of its Austrian inventor, Georg Luger (1866–1923). Georg Luger, an Austrian engineer, designed and developed the Luger pistol, also known as the Parabellum pistol. The term "Luger" is mainly used to refer to this specific semi-automatic pistol, which gained immense popularity during the early 20th century. The pistol was adopted by the German military and became associated with German armed forces during World War I and World War II. Consequently, the name of its inventor, Georg Luger, became permanently linked with the firearm, giving rise to the word "Luger" as a widely recognized term for this type of pistol.
