Yiddish

It’s come to me on a number of occassions that I end up using Yiddish words without actually realizing it. I’ll have to thank my father for most of them. He seems to use them himself more often than he probably realizes. And the funny part is that nobody in my family or close to me is Jewish.

I took a look at a list of common Yiddish words and I’ve used or at least know what many of them mean.

Here is a list that I know, but don’t always use myself. The only downside about knowing these words is that you can’t always use them. Many other people know what they mean. I guess I’ll have to stick to my choice Chinese phrases so nobody, but Sue knows what I’m saying.

  • bobkes – nothing
  • kakameyme – crazy
  • mazl-tov – congratulations
  • meshugine – crazy person
  • nosh – to eat a little, snack
  • shlep – to drag
  • shmuz – dirt
  • shtik – routine
  • shvitsn – sweating
  • tokhes – tush
  • kibitz – mingle
  • mishmash – hodge-podge
  • oy vey – “Oh no!”
  • putz – stupid ‘dirty’ person; literally means “unclean penis”
  • schmuck – a contemptible or foolish person; a jerk; literally means “penis”


3 Responses to “Yiddish”

  1. Dad Says:
    March 9th, 2006 at 5:29 pm

    So if I understand this correctly it means I am a meshugine schmuck with shemazle and a fine tokhes. Its good to be the king!!!!!!!!!\:d/

  2. Shaun Says:
    March 10th, 2006 at 6:26 am

    Oy vey

  3. Rie Says:
    March 10th, 2006 at 9:01 am

    I have been working with lots of Jewish people for the past 18 years and I hear these words each and every day M – F :-) Everyone here says these words all day regardless if they are Jewish or not…..how funny that you posted about it on your blog.
    On another note, today is the BIG DAY, the CLOSING!!!! Yippy!!!!!!
    I am so excited for you both :-)
    Luv U, Mom :-)