Arendonk – The Plate Lickers (Telouwerele’ers)
In the border town of Arendonk, an old nickname still echoes through local stories. Once meant as ridicule, it has become a proud symbol cast in bronze.
1 The Origin of the Nickname
In earlier times, villagers often gave each other nicknames — sometimes affectionate, more often mocking. Every region had its own teasing names for neighbouring communities.
In Arendonk, the name “teljoorlekkers” emerged, pronounced more sharply in dialect as “Telouwerele’ers”. Neighbours claimed the people of Arendonk were so frugal that they licked their plates clean to waste not even a crumb. Thus, “plate licker” became a playful jab at both poverty and thrift.
2 The Statue of the Teljoorlekker
On Sunday, 7 May 2000, the nickname took physical form. In the shadow of the Toremansmolen, at the entrance to the Heemhuis in Arendonk, a bronze statue was unveiled.
It depicts an anonymous townsman carefully licking his plate — a tribute to the Telouwerele’er. The artwork was created as a cultural and tourist attraction, a light-hearted nod to local dialect and history.
3 Dialect and Community Identity
Today, the nickname still lives on in conversation. “Teljoorlekker” has become more than an insult; it is part of the town’s heritage.
It recalls hard times, humility and thrift, but also the warm, familiar humour that has always shaped village life.
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