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It has become obvious that I have become an Alter Koker (old timer and not used in a reverent way). Which brings me to ein Bubbah Miseh (a long story). My parents were raised in the U.S. and English was their native language. My mother immigrated at an early age, my father was born here. Their parents were comfortable with both English and Yiddish. My parents used Yiddish as a secret language to speak around their offspring. Decoder rings were not ready available so naturally, I've wanted to learn Yiddish all my life, even though I've rarely had the opportunity to use it. Since my wife and I love Klezmer music, knowing some Yiddish would enhance our listening pleasure. Someday we may travel and if we do, learning Yiddish would be of enormous help. So how do I learn Yiddish, a good student I'm not. Thus this page. I'll at least learn whatever I put here. That won't make me a Maven (Expert) but it can't hurt.
In some cases, words will be provided in context(ural?) use in English sentences, others with explanation. Many have been co-opted by the English language. I could use some help adding words or expressions so if you have some to contribute, please do. Indicate if you'd like credit.
| A Loch In Kopp | This term my father z'ttl used. "I need this like a Lock in Kopp!" (a hole in the head). So why was I always near by? |
| Beshairt | Fate. For example, the perfect future spouse is a Beshairt. |
| ESS GEZUNTE HEIT | This is one of the few things I remember from my Maternal Grandmother (Bubby) "Eat in Good Health!" |
| Chazzer | Pig. "He eats like a Chazzer!" |
| Chutzpah | Some one with "guts" or "a lot of nerve." Want a joke? |
| Groyse Macher | A derogatory term for "Big Shot". That is someone who is either important or more likely thinks they are important. |
| Gelt | Money |
| Keniner Horra | Sounds like some kind of horror, doesn't it? Actually it means "No bad eye" When you praise someone, you don't want to give them a bad eye. This information was received from Zalman. |
| Kvell | Pride. To take pride in something. Now if I knew how to use the word in a sentence. |
| Kvetch | We all know at least one of these, a pain in the neck(n). To complain (v).Want a joke? |
| Landsman | Literally someone from the same town. I've only heard it used for someone being Jewish irrespective of town of origin. |
| Mazel | Luck (Good?) |
| Mazol Tov | Congratulations! |
| Meshuga | You're Meshuga! Crazy. |
| Shlemiel | Remember the theme song from "Laverne and Shirley?" A Shlemiel is a clumsy person. The one who spills coffee. |
| Schlemazel | The Schlemazel is the one that gets spilled on. Someone with bad luck. |
| Shlep | Drag (Attitude or movement, not method of dress). Hershel, you're shlepping!. Or Max is a Shlep! |
| Shmutz | This word I learned early, Dirt. "You've got Shmutz on your face!"..and I did. |
| Toochess | The last piece of human anatomy to go past, i.e. butt. |
| Yenta | Not a matchmaker but a busybody. |
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Jerold H Feinstein saftyrma@yahoo.com
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