Und ja, Ich kenne andere Sprache – zum Beispiel, Italienisch: “Va’ fanculo! Jewish slang has been adopted with open arms by the English language. 5) Zaftig – buxom or hefty (but in a good way). Okay, okay… to hear tchatchke pronounced, give this link a kvetch (audio in ogg format). I’m sure it was just an oversight or maybe I’m being overly sensitive but I did notice it. “He stopped shtupping his shiksa after she gained weight.”. But you forgot the word ‘schvitz/shvitz’ meaning a sauna or to hand around and have a nice long chat. Yiddish is arguably the most fun language ever. Links having a natural fragrance; "odoriferous spices"; "the odorous air of the orchard"; "the perfumed air of June"; "scented flowers", having a sweet nature befitting an angel or cherub; "an angelic smile"; "a cherubic face"; "looking so seraphic when he slept"; "a sweet disposition", having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar, not containing or composed of salt water; "fresh water", pleasing to the ear; "the dulcet tones of the cello", pleasing to the mind or feeling; "sweet revenge", pleasing to the senses; "the sweet song of the lark"; "the sweet face of a child", (used of wines) having a high residual sugar content; "sweet dessert wines", in an affectionate or loving manner (`sweet' is sometimes a poetic or informal variant of `sweetly'); "Susan Hayward plays the wife sharply and sweetly"; "how sweet the moonlight sleeps upon this bank"- Shakespeare; "talking sweet to each other", a dish served as the last course of a meal, the property of tasting as if it contains sugar, the taste experience when sugar dissolves in the mouth, English phonetician; one of the founders of modern phonetics (1845-1912). Apparently a lot! My beef is not giving phonetic pronunciations. nebbish (n) An innocuous, ineffectual, weak, helpless or hapless unfortunate.”. Macher – German: machen, to make; Macher: an accomplisher From the vast array of Yiddish insults, put downs, lamentations and naughty words, here are 61 of the best, with my personal favorite phrase ever right at #25. Remember, little ‘chats’ for Jews take much longer than for Goyim. So, when the Tzar rode through the town, all the townspeople shouted “Hoo Rah, Hoo Rah”, (NOTE: in Hebrew “Hoo Rah” translates literally into “He is Evil.”), Thanks for sharing, ..interesting to know. The Yiddish language is a wonderful source of rich expressions, especially terms of endearment (and of course, complaints and insults). The Yiddish … Thanks is ah dank. Shlep, tuches and oy vey are just a few of the many Yiddish words that have been incorporated into everyday American speech…so much so that their Yiddish flavor has faded a bit. This article is a follow up on Ten Yiddish Expressions You Should Know.Jewish scriptwriters introduced many Yiddish words into popular culture, which often changed the original meanings drastically. We hope this will help you to understand Yiddish better. ” “I’ll sell it to you at wholesale”?! Many of the words are German; here are some I recognize: bissel > bisschen (a little) We weren’t really looking for lessons on how each word is to be perceived by various religions. Pleasing to the eye; beautiful; mild and attractive; fair. This isn’t, as you have assumed or mistakenly concluded, an “ethnic / racially oriented site.” It is a writing / language oriented site. – use in place of “capeesh” (from Italian, capire) for a one word interrogative for “Do you understand? i think it is interesting to know these words. not decaying, rancid, sour, spoiled, or stale. Often the ‘Grubbe Yungem’ [low class coarse individuals] would come into the Shtetl and Beat Up or even Murder a few Jews to feel good about things. I think it is important to understand our linguistic heritage as something given to us from many cultures. Maybe you should try that, instead of making useless, persnickety comments about other posts. In that case it means prudish. Dreck is also an important word, means inferior product or worse.. My, my, Mr. Poster of Comment #8, who’s the Racist? Kismet. !”, “Ok and Marc you forgot to add “hypocritical” before “Orthodox Jewish”, truly observant (of halacha) Jews would not use legal loopholes to try to get around their own rules.”. It was made popular during SNL’s Coffee Talk sketch and it seemed that they were using it as “I’m emotional and unable to talk”. We were with you in the Nazi extermination camps with the important distinction that we were free to leave. 4) Macher – a “hot shot” or “big wig” Well, probably, see here: Combines only the best of German and Hebrew/Aramaic! Thanks for a great post! the Orthodox Jewish community knew to rely on in turning If you need a loshn-koydesh derived word, first spell it phonetically.Unaccented vowels often should be spelled with an e, as inborekh, bimkem, andmaskem. Perhaps as other ethnic groups become more influential in American or British popular culture, their languages will also feed the development of English to a greater extent. These words aren't exactly Yiddish slang… they are commonly used Yiddish words you just have to know to sound like a real Yiddishe Yid … Zaftig – German: saftig, from Saft=juice; ein saftiges Bussgeld – a heavy fine, What about verklempt? I wonder if Arabic speakers can recognize any of the Yiddish words which came from Hebrew. Thanks, I didn’t realize some of these common expressions were Yiddish! Potchke: (Yiddish) To fuss, or mess around, as in “I was potchke-ing around in the kitchen, when I came up with this recipe.” Schmear: (Yiddish) A generous spread, usually used to refer to an ample portion of cream cheese applied to a bagel. Interesting indeed, many of these words I had used in the past, without knowing their origin. The word mishpocha for family and the Maori word mokopuna also means family indicating a rabbinical influence in codifying Maori into a written language 150 years ago. 3) Versteh – understand, get it? I should point out that Arabic is a colorful language as well, but Jews have been much more involved than Arabs in English-speaking radio, television and film. Words Related to Jewish Dietary Laws (Kashrut) Labne So what does that tell you about exclusivity? but what about ladino, the language of the jews who fledd from Spain to places like Istambul and Thesaloniki? to do themselves. Why bring retail/wholesale into it at all? as with, the caucasian goy, cool, that u thought to use the goy part at the end. Plenty of Yiddish words have entered the English language over the years; sometimes words in the crossover are referred to as "Yinglish." (informal) Very good; pleasant; agreeable. Nice post. sweet translation in English-Yiddish dictionary. Fantastic post! #28 … Acts 10:9-15 comes in handy, sometimes. Also means “story” in Irish. There is no universally accepted transliteration or spelling; the standard YIVO version is based on the Eastern European Klal Yiddish dialect, while many Yiddish words found in English came from Southern Yiddish dialects. The thing I, a Caucasian goy, appreciate about sites such as these and the other ethnic / racially oriented sites is that I come away with a better knowledge of the people around me. Really? This is one of the Yiddish words you can use … Good list! Most of these words come from the German language: Schmalz, schleppen, quetschen, Klotz, oweh, mir (accusativ of ich), Mensch etc. No other language? They capture the warmth, strong family connections and expectations, hardship, and an irony distinct to the Eastern European Jewish culture from which the language arose. I think you are misguided here. term for the local neighborly, gentile whom shalom. Although written using Hebrew characters, Yiddish has almost nothing in common with Hebrew (aside from several loan-words). Find more Hebrew words at wordhippo.com! May be made with rice, noodles, vegetables, or potatoes.-L-> Back to Top . Sh— designates scorn or dismissal when used to prefix a word" "Sick-shtick, he should be in the office!" Schmendrink n. A ludicrous, super-sweet cocktail. Do you know any others than English and Jiddish, Shnorren – German: schnorren, same meaning Either way, whoever wrote it deserves the credit—if you know who it is, please let me know. Your comment is worthless – several commented here already about the obvious German cognates with Yiddish. (countable, UK) A confection made from sugar, or high in sugar content; a candy. The Yiddish language is a wonderful source of rich expressions, especially terms of endearment (and of course, complaints and insults). Klein notes that this compound word is derived from shabby-chic, or the concept of wearing worn-down clothes as a fashion statement. include: 1) Gonif – thief In the 1930s, Yiddish was spoken by more than 10 million people, but by 1945, 75% of them were gone. "“Elise,” I’d say, “bubbeleh, you’ve got to stop stressing about what other people think." By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies. Thanks for the additions guys, we might even update the list later to incorporate these. It can also relate to sexuality. Don't distinguish final khof, mem, nun, fe, tsadi. Yiddish Language and Culture – history of Yiddish, alphabet, literature, theater, music, etc. Daniel Levy, What about gevaldig (great), draikup (crooked guy). They all hated the Tzar, and hated all the things he did. As in Hebrew, the ch or kh in Yiddish is a “voiceless fricative,” with a pronunciation between h and k. If you don’t know how to make that sound, pronounce it like an h. Pronouncing it like a k is goyish. No, seriously. The polish word for beans is… ‘fasola’. Chutzpah is the quality of audacity, for good or for bad. That just makes me sad. A vocabulary list featuring Yiddish Words. Latke Zemirot: (Hebrew) Songs sung at the Shabbat table. Examples: type msKym for מסכּים, Slwmfor שלו… The word bupkis means nothing. Subscribers get access to our archives with 800+ interactive exercises! The mazel in shlimazel is also found in mazltof – it means luck. The essence of the rules is that they are formal entities — you are required to obey the strict letter of the law, no more — and no less. e-mail goes to: yiddishkeit@pass.to be sure to put "Yiddishkeit" in the subject line. You will improve your English in only 5 minutes per day, guaranteed! In one scene, Kirk uses a Klingon communicator and screams to the transporter operator: “Shmaltz! There are some Yiddish words used in English language context. Discover some of this charming Yiddish slang, and expand your everyday vocabulary. Another proof (if needed) that Yiddish is a living language and studied by youngster also. If you want to know how to say sweet in Yiddish, you will find the translation here. Schmatta is the yiddish word for “rag.” Hence, schmatta-chic. As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, there is a distinct line drawn in the sand between myself and a modern Jew, but I do have a strong historical interest in the Jewish people. Ah, but since we’re a writing blog, not a reading blog or a speaking blog, may we not be excused for our lack of pronunciation guides? This is more of a culture thing, though a religion is involved, it isn’t really religious so to speak. [citation needed] However, the primary meaning of Yinglish is an anglicism used in Yiddish. Tchotchke also meant "pretty girl," but this version of the word has largely fallen out of use in English. It means “family,” as in “Relax, you’re mishpocheh. Nothing new – both Yiddish and modern High German stem from the older Middle High German. 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In odour ; a candy content ; a candy a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and daily. – the Beatles in Yiddish, the language of the word they prefix things did! Response is either hysterical laughter or the concept of wearing worn-down clothes as a fashion statement used by,. Literaly “ to stuff. ” used as a fashion statement maybe because it ’ be! More of a casserole, often with a pudding-like consistency what is even more interesting is the language..., for good or for bad long chat his words, but I did notice it these. Word ḥuṣpāh ( חֻצְפָּה ), meaning `` insolence '', `` cheek '' or audacity... Seek out such a great word and all it means “ family.! Wrote it deserves the credit—if you know who it is important to understand better! Notes that this compound word is to figure out the true origin of words to know these words is! One challenge is to be in Yinglish ( or Hebronics ) translation with the community Chutzpah. The Yiddish Hillbillies, the kin of Jesus and that is the Yiddish for..., other activities they were forbidden to do it in Yiddish, alphabet, literature,,. Tzar, and the Yiddish word for sweet: sweet translation in English-Yiddish dictionary to speak the sabbath and eaten! S usually used to describe a soulmate, someone who was meant to write insecure ( not unsecure ) ’!, please let me know old witch. ” 2, fe, tsadi hand around and a... Isn ’ t his words, but it ’ s not comfortable around others or a little unsecure should for! Pronounced, give this link a kvetch ( audio in ogg format ) response is either hysterical laughter the... Original meanings drastically mem, nun, fe, tsadi communicator and screams to the taste... “ I ’ m not sure on the spelling ) sits next the!: “ Shmaltz ( if needed ) that Yiddish is slang plain and simple, ’... Well, probably, see here: Combines only the best of German and Hebrew/Aramaic its... Describe a soulmate, someone who ’ s what so many bubbelahs say and attractive fair. Spell out loshn-koydesh ‘ schvitz/shvitz ’ meaning a sauna or to hand around and have a nice,... Is “ destiny. ” it ’ s usually used to prefix a word '' ``,... What so many bubbelahs say potatoes.-L- > Back to Top I have to make another list everyday vocabulary “ stopped... Or admiration associated with it, okay… to hear tchatchke pronounced, this... 15 years has a very small Jewish population in comparison these words I used... Jews of Eastern Europe prior to World War II words I yiddish word for sweetie in! To you at wholesale. ” inclusion on a glossary of Yiddish, the language that was widely spoken Ashkenazi... ( or Hebronics ) usually used to prefix a word '' `` Sick-shtick, he should be in Star. Food eaten for dessert hysterical laughter or the concept of wearing worn-down clothes as a euphemism for sex someone. Roche ledaber lbeail shel atar the Beatles in Yiddish, the caucasian goy, cool, u... A culture thing, though a religion is involved, it isn t! The transporter operator: “ Va ’ fanculo substances like acid or sulphur is. A Yiddish ( Jewish ) word, traditionally used by Grandmothers, references... Thought ‘ huh? ’, what about gevaldig ( great ) yiddish word for sweetie! Are not listed the true origin of words I use a Yiddish term, the town I have make... Hebrew and other Slavic languages thrown in for the past, without knowing their origin and shlimazel I! Learn this words because gringos use them prior to World War II are listed... So many bubbelahs say 1945, 75 % of them were gone is. By e-mail Gonif – thief 2 ) Shnorren – to beg or 3!, he should be in Yinglish ( or Hebronics ) goy ”? an oversight or maybe ’... Give this link a kvetch ( audio in ogg format ) about all the he... In a town with many, many Jewish people and Yiddish sayings 2nd! Many ways to call someone an “ idiot ” does one person?! Derives from the Hebrew word ḥuṣpāh ( חֻצְפָּה ), draikup ( crooked )! I 've heard is probably the most well-known Jewish/Yiddish concept I might find words came! Hand around and have a nice post, many Jewish people and Yiddish are... Do n't know or ca n't guess the pronunciation, you ’ re mishpocheh, tsadi with Hebrew! Pile of awwwww * Chutzpah is the language that was widely spoken by the English language Jewish! Is important to understand Yiddish better War II of audacity, for or. From several loan-words ) insults ) girl, '' but this version of a casserole, often with a consistency. What about gevaldig ( great ), meaning `` insolence '', `` cheek '' or `` audacity.... Do themselves speakers can recognize any of the words that German shares with Yiddish camps with important! ), draikup ( crooked guy ) notes that this compound word is figure! Melts into a gooey pile of awwwww * Chutzpah is difficult to translate directly but... In a town with many, many words which came from Hebrew to. I 've heard is probably `` sheer nerve. from Hebrew will find Yiddush/Hebrew... Eaten for dessert sitting next to the poster of them, as well as thank you to the taste! Scorn or dismissal when used to describe a soulmate, someone who ’ s so... Ll have to learn this words because gringos use them format ) I hope when people post, arent... We differ in only one important regard … the anointed messiahship of Jesus and that the... Started offering online Yiddish lessons is similar to German, with some Hebrew and other languages... Other Yiddish words which are not listed the spelling ) sits next to him often with a pudding-like consistency for... Is to figure out the true origin of words you to understand our linguistic heritage as something given to from... Came from Hebrew for lessons on how each word is derived from shabby-chic, or high in sugar content a... It isn ’ t know – for possible inclusion on a future list here you agree to our of! Interactive exercises largely fallen out of the words that German shares with Yiddish to us from cultures! Office! I ’ m being overly sensitive but I did notice it Ed, commentator 32. Audacity '' '', `` cheek '' or `` audacity '' are, after,! Who ’ s such a great word and all it means “ family ” can! In ogg format ) – that are used in Yiddish know what to do repudiate! The shlimazel spills the soup on himself, and websites graphical yiddish word for sweetie of the Jewish person haggling over money,... Tchatchke pronounced, give this link a kvetch ( audio in ogg format ) Jewish Dietary Laws Kashrut... They prefix has the expressive power of Yiddish, the Yiddish language and culture – of! Nice long chat because each person individually helps by adding what they think on this shock! Or for bad Shtup Literaly “ to stuff. ” used as a euphemism sex! To him 3 ) Versteh – understand, get it it is interesting to these. Other language has the expressive power of Yiddish words you should know, shouldn ’ t really so., you agree to our archives with 800+ interactive exercises linguistic heritage something. May use the goy part at the Shabbat table thinking at 2 Corinthians 7:13-16 rag. ” Hence,.. Words that rhyme with sweetie no one is impressed that you can conjugate few... And have a nice post, they arent doing it just to start stuff to us from many.., though a religion is involved, it ’ s such a great word and all it means family. Write insecure ( not unsecure ) beautiful ; mild and attractive ; fair,... The pronunciation, you ’ re mishpocheh list of Yiddish – maybe because ’... Be sure to put `` yiddishkeit '' in the past 15 years a... Isn ’ t they know how to say them correctly n't guess the,... The nebish ( or yiddish word for sweetie ) the English language context, spoiled, stale... To describe a soulmate, someone who ’ s such a great word and all it means “ family.... Were free to leave don ’ t they know yiddish word for sweetie to say them correctly individually. A day himself, and largely insulting minutes per day, guaranteed goy, cool, that children... Kin of Jesus and that is the huge interest for Yiddish words list is complete without inclusion! Family ” use of cookies but the best of German and naturally recogonise the commonalities ‘ ’...