20 Popular Yiddish Words
Start writing a post
Student Life

20 Words All Jewish Kids Grew Up Hearing

The Jewish vernacular.

94151
20 Words All Jewish Kids Grew Up Hearing
assets.rbl.ms

1. Verklempt

Definition: when you have no words because you are filled with much emotion

Sentence: Your grandma was verklempt after seeing you in your bar/bat mitzvah attire.


2. Schpilkes

Definition: when one is overwhelmed and/or nervous 

Sentence: She has schpilkes before going up to read the torah in front of the congregation.


3. Oy Gevalt

Definition: the act of being stunned by something you hear

Sentence: "OY GEVALT" she cried out once she heard how much the party would cost.


4. Shmutz

Definition: dirt or stain on ones face, body or clothing 

Sentence: She wiped the piece of shmutz off her daughter with a wet paper towel.


5. Fakakta

Definition: something silly or ridiculous 

Sentence: Grandma Rosalie didn't like the fakakta rap music that was playing at the wedding.

6. Bubbala

Definition:  endearing term, from grandma to grandkids

Sentence: "Bubbala, can you fetch me my reading glasses" yelled grandma Judy.


7. Shana Punum

Definition: beautiful face

Sentence: Aunt Shirley pinched her cheeks and exclaimed "What a Shana Punum!!"


8. Mishpucha

Definition: you are extended family

Sentence: Matthew was basically mishpucha for he went to all of his best friends family events.


9. Shiksa

Definition: non-Jewish girl

Sentence: His mother almost fainted when she heard her son was dating a shiksa.


10. Plotz

Definition: to freak out with excitement 

Sentence: I could plotz from the beautiful view of the mountains.


11. Schtick

Definition: a persons actions or act

Sentence: The magician's schtick was sawing a women in half.


12. Spiel

Definition: a long and detailed story, speech, or plot

Sentence: He asked her for the whole spiel on the fight between uncle Marvin and grandpa Murray.


13. Tchatchke

Definition: a toy or an item 

Sentence: Stacey has so many tchatchkes in the house there is hardly room for the family.


14. Tuches

Definition: ones rear end

Sentence: "Don't you talk back to me young lady, I wiped your tuches" her mother yelled.


15. Nosh

Definition: a snack before, after or with a meal or when  grandma wants to stuff food in your face

Sentence: “What can we nosh on today? How about some cookies!" said grandma Rita.



16. Chutzpah

Definition: courage and/or bravery 

Sentence: Stewart had a lot of chutzpah for standing up to his older brother Kevin.


17. Kvetshed

Definition: to complain or whine about something

Sentence: Trevor kvetshed because he didn't want to go to temple.


18. Shlep

Definition: to drag someone unwillingly along 

Sentence: Jodi was tired of shleping her son on his earns.


19. Mench

Definition: a hero or a person who does good deeds

Sentence: Andrew was a mench for helping the old women cross the street.


20. Mazel Tov

Definition: good luck

Sentence: She wished her nephew and his wife Mazel Tov on the birth of their first child.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70736
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132354
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments