Yiddish english slang. Feb 20, 2023 · Let’s learn some Yiddish slang!Numerous communities of Jews in Europe, America, and Israel who use Yiddish as a primary or at least frequent common language, and many words have seeped into the common culture. Including over 37,000 entries compiled by a team of expert Yiddish linguists, Comprehensive Yiddish-English Dictionary surpasses all its predecessors in the number of words and rich selection of idioms, examples of usage, and coverage of stylistic levels Description Are you ready to uncover the beauty of the Yiddish language? The Yiddush Translator is your perfect companion for bridging the gap between English and Yiddish, which is a rich, expressive language steeped in Jewish culture and history. As a combined result of genocide in Europe, cultural assimilation in Translator from English to Yiddish - Free & Online Free English to Yiddish translation for short texts, phrases, and everyday messages. Those who moved to North America or Israel usually switched to the local languages and around 85% of those who perished Apr 18, 2019 · With these Yiddish words and phrases in your repertoire, you'll easily be able to impress every Jewish person you meet (and their bubbe, too). In Alexander Harkavy 's Yiddish-English-Hebrew Dictionary of 1898 and at least one later edition, [3] intended for the use of Yiddish-speakers, the English translation offered is merely a bleating or baa sound; by the much-developed 1928 edition, it is translated as an interjection meaning “be as it may”, or the adjective “so-so”. Before the Shoah, there were estimated to be 11 million fluent Yiddish speakers, and today Yiddish is experiencing a revival in America (Ladino is the Spanish equivalent of Yiddish for In Yiddish, "nu" functions as a multi-purpose interjection and prompt. Mar 17, 2025 · shtup (third-person singular simple present shtups, present participle shtupping, simple past and past participle shtupped) push synonym Synonym: shove (ambitransitive, slang) have sex (with) synonyms quotations Synonyms: shag, fuck, screw Aug 21, 2019 · Categories: English terms borrowed from Yiddish English terms derived from Yiddish English lemmas English nouns English countable nouns English slang Schmuck, or shmuck, is a pejorative term meaning one who is stupid or foolish, or an obnoxious, contemptible or detestable person. So, let’s explore some of the Yiddish-inspired words we’ve all been using What does 'Bupkis' mean? Learn the definition of Bupkis & other commonly used words, phrases, & idioms in the English language. I like the sound of Yiddish words that begin with the letter S, especially sh, and here are some of my favorites. These are often referred to as Yiddish borrowings or Yiddish loan words in English. Fewer than 200,000 Americans are estimated to speak Yiddish, making native utterances of oy vey relatively rare. Here are 25 Yiddish words you should know. Dec 26, 2022 · Duolingo will be introducing Yiddish as its 40th language. As the society which used it achieved one of the highest levels of cultural autonomy in Jewish history, the Yiddish language too became an unusually vivid record of Jun 19, 2025 · Borrowed from Yiddish וואַנץ (vants, “bedbug”), by analogy to the English slang term roach. At its peak, in the years immediately preceding the Holocaust, there were perhaps ten or eleven million Yiddish speakers worldwide, making Yiddish the most widely spoken Jewish language. [1][2][3] The word, of Hebrew origin, was adopted into English from Yiddish. Are you… Jan 22, 2020 · Oy vey comes from the Yiddish oy vey, which is translated and related to the English oh woe. / Oct 8, 2025 · tuchus (plural tuchuses or (humorous) tuchi) (slang, chiefly US) The buttocks, rear end, butt. 1. Although written using Hebrew characters, Yiddish has almost nothing in common with Hebrew (aside from several loan-words). It is used in the phrase, "As di bubbe volt gehat beytsim volt zi gevain mayn zaidah" (If my grandmother has balls, she would be my grandfather). Inspired by the rich tales and experiences of his 92-year-old Zaidy, Matthew embarked on a mission to breathe new life into the vibrant yet undervalued Yiddish language that played a significant role in his upbringing. Translate Yiddish(ייִדיש) to English(English). YIDDISH LANGUAGE, language used by Ashkenazi Jews for the past 1,000 years. 9, 1997). Baker, who has written two books on Polari, including “Fantabulosa: A Dictionary of Polari and Gay Slang,” the language is the product of “a very complicated and nonlinear chain” of events. A dictionary of Yiddish slang, meticulously compiled and Nov 28, 2024 · Now Chaya is a mother. More recently, in the last hundred years, we've added many Yiddish words in our melting pot. People who want to improve their Yiddish vocabulary, or their conversation skills, or just learn Yiddish slang. It’s written using Hebrew characters and pronounced with German inflection, and the language has brought many well-loved words to English. Small pockets of Yiddish-speakers still survive, primarily among Hasidic Jewish communities in the United States and Israel. The JPS Dictionary of Jewish Words, by Joyce Eisenberg and Ellen Scolnic, (Philadelphia, 2001). Developed out of Hebrew and German, Yiddish became its own rich lingustic culture, with a unique mode of expression all its own. A wide array of Yiddish words and expressions embellish the English language today. Jan 15, 2008 · The Yiddish language is a wonderful source of rich expressions, especially terms of endearment (and of course, complaints and insults). Yiddish Text "וואס מאכסטו?" will be translated to English as "How are you?". The Comprehensive English-Yiddish dictionary offers reliable translations for words used today — including a fair number of neologisms. synonym quotations Synonyms: see Thesaurus: jerk The Comprehensive English-Yiddish Dictionary is sure to continue being a critical resource for Yiddish scholars and speakers for years to come. Obviously, slang is more prevalent among teenagers and young adults, but there are some slang words that date back many years, even decades. Yiddish was particularly good at borrowing: from Arabic, from Hebrew, from Aramaic and from anything with which The word may come from the Yiddish language. Spoken primarily by Ashkenazi Jews, it blends German, Hebrew, and Slavic influences, making it a truly unique and expressive language. [4] It carries a similar meaning in Modern Hebrew. e. Back to Dictionary beytsim testicles This is often said in exasperation when listening to a fanciful or sentimental speaker. Another possibility is from the British city of York, the location of a massacre of Jews in 1190. Many of the words come from the specific cultures within Central and Eastern Europe. Aug 18, 2025 · English takes on new words all the time. Free Yiddish Translation in English-Yiddish Dictionary and other Resources for the Yiddish Language. A dictionary of Yiddish slang, meticulously compiled and The Yiddish word putz is a slightly derogatory term that’s been adopted into English slang. Jan 22, 2020 · Oy vey comes from the Yiddish oy vey, which is translated and related to the English oh woe. Who The New Joys of Yiddish, by Leo Rosten and Lawrence Bush (New York, 2003 [1968]). Reminds you of certain chronic complainers, doesn’t it? May 26, 2020 · Yiddish slang has worked it's way into English, often popping up where we don't even recognize it. A number of Yiddish words also entered English through large Jewish Jan 30, 2025 · Categories: English terms borrowed from Yiddish English terms derived from Yiddish English lemmas English nouns English countable nouns American English English slang English terms with quotations English derogatory terms Aug 4, 2023 · Quick info on Yiddish (American Yiddish): Yiddish is a West Germanic language and was one of the primary languages of the Ashkenazic Jews. Dec 13, 2017 · Yiddish Like English, the Yiddish language is a mixture of many tongues. A Comprehensive Guide to a Dictionary of Yiddish Slang Yiddish, a language rich in history and cultural significance, boasts a vibrant and often intricate slang vocabulary. This lexicon, deeply rooted in the experiences and humor of Jewish communities across the globe, offers a unique window into the social fabric of these communities. It had virtually no military vocabulary. Goy (pl: goyim or goys) is a term for a gentile, a non- Jew, sometimes in a pejorative sense. Most of the Yiddish words and expressions were borrowed into English from the Jewish communities in America, ‘the great melting pot of cultures’. Fast, and free. French — and brought it home Apr 23, 2013 · Similar lists Brief Yiddish/English Glossary Bubby's Yiddish/Yinglish Glossary Everyday Yiddish-English-Yiddish Dictionary Learn Yiddish Sayings List of Yiddish Words and Expressions Yiddish words found in English Basic Yiddish: A Grammar and Workbook by Rebecca Margolis $ 63. " Many of these Yiddish words have no direct equivalents in English. Whether you want to add some flair to your vocabulary, understand classic Yiddish humor, or impress your Jewish grandmother, here are 50 essential Yiddish phrases that you should know! Aug 18, 2025 · What follows is a list of some of the more well-known words of Yiddish origin to have entered English. Attested since the 1950s. My experience has been that people who are offended by goy are also offended by Jews, for lack of a better phrase, existing Jewishly. We've been borrowing liberally from other languages—French, Latin, and Italian to mention just a few—for centuries. However, oy vey thrives among American Jewish and non-Jewish 3 days ago · English terms borrowed from Yiddish English terms derived from Yiddish English 1-syllable words English terms with IPA pronunciation English terms with audio pronunciation Rhymes:English/ʌts Rhymes:English/ʌts/1 syllable English lemmas English nouns English countable nouns English slang English derogatory terms English terms with quotations Oct 30, 2024 · It moved from Yiddish slang to common American English, showing how languages blend and change. 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. Simply enter your text, and Yandex Translate will provide you with a quick and accurate translation in seconds. This article is a follow up on Ten Yiddish Expressions You Should Know. Here are nine words that sound Yiddish but aren't. Yiddish was a rich, living language, the chattering tongue of an urban population. 2 days ago · Yiddish has historically been the language of the Ashkenazim, the Jews of Central and Eastern Europe and their descendants around the world. But while you're here, you'll see that in the list below we put together about 120 words that we call Yiddish slang words. It is written using the Hebrew script. Yiddish words used in the English language include both words that have been assimilated into English – used by both Yiddish and English speakers – and many that have not. shlep But seriously, why do so many people want to learn Yiddish? Over 80,000 people from around the world visited this site this year. Yiddish was the international language of Jews from Central and Eastern Europe until the middle of the 20th century. Explore our list of great and popular Yiddish words and phrases. [1] Dec 6, 2007 · Most Yiddish words comes from German, as well as Hebrew and the Slavic languages, but they’ve entered the popular English language through the entertainment industry and East Coast American society. Translation is fast and saves you time. Yiddish-lovers all seem to make their way to Yiddish Academy sooner or later. Aug 11, 2024 · Borrowed from Yiddish חזירײַ (khazeray, “filth, mess, dirty trick”), from Hebrew חזיר (khazír, “pig”). Emphasis on living Yiddish culture. Developed as an intricate fusion of several unpredictably modified stocks, the language was gradually molded to serve a wide range of communicative needs. "Yiddish Slang 101" weaves personal family stories with hilarious and whimsical Yiddish Translate English(English) to Yiddish(ייִדיש). Thus, the original Yiddish word has a strongly negative connotation, but the form which entered English as a Yiddishism in It’s a neutral term in Hebrew, Yiddish, and Yiddish English, that can have both positive and negative connotations. Jan 3, 2019 · Plenty of Yiddish words have entered the English language over the years; sometimes words in the crossover are referred to as "Yinglish. Half of those expressions just happen to be insults. org: Yiddish-English & French dictionary • JiddischWoordenboek: Yiddish- Dutch dictionary • Speaking of Yiddish: some Yiddish words used in English, by Hugh Rawson (2013): I & II Feb 3, 2021 · Plotz-worthy fashion? Join the mishpacha? If Yiddish is new to you, check out these 30 must-know Yiddish words. Containing more than 84,000 entries and subentries, the award-winning Comprehensive English-Yiddish Dictionary emphasizes Yiddish as a living language that is spoken in many parts of the world. The language is a mix of German, Hebrew, and other languages; it is also written using the Hebrew alphabet. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises Jul 28, 2024 · Many words popularly associated with Yiddish stem from different linguistic backgrounds. The Yiddish Language: A Deep Dive into Its History, Structure, and Cultural Relevance Introduction Yiddish, often described as the “mame-loshn” (mother tongue) of Ashkenazi Jews, is a High German-derived language that incorporates elements of Hebrew, Aramaic, Slavic languages, and even Romance languages. As the society which used it achieved one of the highest levels of cultural autonomy in Jewish history, the Yiddish language too became an unusually vivid record of Schmuck, or shmuck, is a pejorative term meaning one who is stupid or foolish, or an obnoxious, contemptible or detestable person. Possibly from Yiddish יאָק ' (dialectal) ninny, fool', more likely from Yiddish גוי "goy" said backwards (on Cockney slang-forming basis of "yob," a hooligan, from "boy") and with final devoicing. Learn more! A little bit of Yiddish Yiddish is a language that is used by Ashkenazi Jews that is related to German (but also has many Slavic, Hebrew, and Aramaic loan words). Learn about the history of the Yiddish language, as well as its alphabet, literature, theater and music. [4][5] It Jul 21, 2015 · The majority of Hebrew slang words and expressions consist mainly of a mixture of Yiddish, Arabic and English. Accurate translations for words, phrases, and texts online. Her daughter, 2 years and a good bit when I last saw her, was beginning to know English, but her language, thoughts and sense of normal communication were still Yiddish. [1] Yiddish and English: A Century of Yiddish in America, by Sol Steinmetz (Tuscaloosa, 1986). Aug 1, 2024 · Explore the colorful world of Yiddish slang, a vibrant expression of Jewish culture that enriches contemporary conversation. It had the limitations of its origins. May 6, 2025 · Categories: English terms borrowed from Yiddish English terms derived from Yiddish English terms derived from Hebrew English 3-syllable words English terms with IPA pronunciation English terms with audio pronunciation English lemmas English nouns English uncountable nouns English slang English terms with quotations. • A Yiddish cultural dictionary for the 21st century, by Dovid Katz • University of Kentucky: Yiddish-English dictionary (Latin characters) • Verterbukh. Searching for a Yiddish expression you've heard? This article includes a list of common Yiddish expressions with an explanation of the literal meaning and the usage of each. Gross $ 12. It’s mostly used to describe a person who’s seen as foolish or terribly incompetent or even someone who is lazy and doesn’t take their responsibilities seriously. Add Text Type, paste, or upload the Yiddish text you want to translate. quotations 5 days ago · nosh (third-person singular simple present noshes, present participle noshing, simple past and past participle noshed) (slang, intransitive, usually with on) To eat a snack or light meal. 95 In stock Dictionary of Words of Hebrew and Aramaic Origin in Yiddish by Yitskhok Niborski Like many Yiddish words and expressions, there is more than one way to interpret it. There were few Yiddish words for animals and birds. Yiddish language online translation tool can also be used as Yiddish to English Dictionary to get meaning of Yiddish words in English. And we even added audio so you'll know how to pronounce them! (There are more than one way to pronounce many of these words, and we try to go with the most typical. ” But they expand, adding that while it originally was meant to converse idly, “in the United States, it grew to have the negative connotation of giving Jun 22, 2025 · Leungs, lunges Categories: English 2-syllable words English terms with IPA pronunciation English terms with audio pronunciation English terms derived from Yiddish English terms derived from Middle High German English lemmas English nouns English countable nouns English slang English dated terms English prison slang English terms with quotations Jan 24, 2024 · 335 illustrated Yiddish proverbs, folk sayings, insults, curses, idioms, and other expressions All expressions are presented in Yiddish (using Hebrew letters), YIVO transliteration, and English translation. The Yiddish English Translator is here to elevate your communication! Encompassing vibrant phrases and a unique blend of cultural nuances, this tool seamlessly transforms standard language into the rich tapestry of Yiddish English. Whether you decide to pick up the course or not, we’re bringing you 18 essential Yiddish words and phrases everyone should know. Be warned though, this website contains some words not fit for your bubbe. Yiddish is a hybrid language and takes much of its vocabulary from medieval German and Hebrew, but with a smattering of words from Aramaic, Slavic and Romance languages as well. A close English equivalent is sometimes "hubris". A dictionary of Yiddish slang, meticulously compiled and 3 days ago · schmuck (plural schmucks) (colloquial, derogatory, US) A jerk; a person who is unlikable, detestable, or contemptible because he or she is stupid, foolish, clumsy, oafish, inept, malicious, or unpleasant. Our little list is not the whole megillah, but it ain't bubkes. English Text "How are you?" will be translated to Yiddish as "וואס מאכסטו?". An English-Yiddish dictionary for the 21st century Online. Farpitzet: to get dolled up or dressed up Farmisht: confused Futz: to fool or play around Jul 27, 2022 · Yiddish is unparalleled as a darkly comic language of complaint, a way to look on the dark side of life and laugh at it. The word came into the English language from Yiddish (Yiddish: שמאָק, shmok), where it has similar pejorative meanings, but where its literal meaning is a vulgar term for a penis. It’s often uttered as a defeated-sounding sigh. 99 Sold out English-Yiddish, Yiddish-English Dictionary by David C. Hebrew, a Semitic language (closely related to Jan 22, 2019 · In popular English, kvetch means “complain, whine or fret,” but in Yiddish, kvetsh literally means “to press or squeeze,” like a wrong-sized shoe. It simply means non-Jewish. Evidence for the phrase as borrowed into English dates back to the early 1900s. 1 day ago · The Yiddish language is a wonderful source of rich expressions, especially terms of endearment (and of course, complaints and insults). However, oy vey thrives among American Jewish and non-Jewish Back to Dictionary beytsim testicles This is often said in exasperation when listening to a fanciful or sentimental speaker. It can express a range of emotions like surprise, agreement, acquiescence, or resignation. You can enter full sentences, short messages, or Yiddish to English words — even slang and informal expressions. A free Yiddish-English dictionary on the web. While primarily associated with Ashkenazi Jewish culture, its usage is not confined Jan 31, 2022 · According to Mr. Yiddish and English: A Century of Yiddish in America, by Sol Steinmetz (Tuscaloosa, 1986). Its main influences are German and Hebrew, fused with elements of Slavic and Aramaic vocabulary. The word derives from the Hebrew ḥuṣpāh (חֻצְפָּה), meaning "insolence", "cheek" or "audacity". While the language is based on a mixture of Hebrew and medieval German, its alphabet is Nov 4, 2023 · Matthew is a budding screenwriter with a psychology background from Queen's University. com dictionary. Grow A Brain Yiddish Archive – the Beatles in Yiddish, the Yiddish Hillbillies, the Pirates of Penzance in Yiddish, etc. Apr 23, 2013 · Similar lists Brief Yiddish/English Glossary Bubby's Yiddish/Yinglish Glossary Everyday Yiddish-English-Yiddish Dictionary Learn Yiddish Sayings List of Yiddish Words and Expressions Yiddish words found in English Chutzpah (Yiddish: חוצפה - / ˈxʊtspə, ˈhʊt -/) [1][2] is the quality of audacity, for good or for bad. You have already seen our definition, but here are some others: Kibitz, according to the Yiddish Slang dictionary simply means “giving unwanted advice. Jun 3, 2021 · Looking for a list of English words of Yiddish origin? Read on to discover our list of English words that originate from Yiddish, including definitions. Oy vey, stop your kvetching! You’ve found the Yiddish Slang Dictionary to help you shmooze or kibitz. English language online translation tool can also be used as English to Yiddish Dictionary to get meaning of English words in Yiddish. Learn more about the language of Yiddish, where it is spoken, and where it comes from. What follows is a list of some of the more well-known words of Yiddish origin to have entered English. It should be noted that these are not 50 Popular Yiddish Phrases and Their Hilarious Translations Yiddish is a language rich with humor, warmth, and colorful expressions. English Etymology Etymology unclear. Sep 27, 2024 · Categories: English terms borrowed from Yiddish English terms derived from Yiddish English lemmas English nouns English nouns with unknown or uncertain plurals English slang English vulgarities English terms with quotations English derogatory terms en:Genitalia Aug 29, 2014 · Nevertheless, many have confused this word with the Yiddish words for beans, bobes, a confusion that has led Jewish English speakers to equate bobkes with the American English slang use of “beans,” as in He don’t know beans (attested in English since 1833), and I don’t care beans about that. Oct 3, 2025 · Yiddish is the language that was widely spoken by the Jews of Eastern Europe prior to World War II. [5] The Biblical Hebrew word goy has been commonly translated into English as nation, [6][7] meaning a group of persons of the same ethnic family who speak the same language Add Text Type, paste, or upload the Yiddish text you want to translate. Jul 24, 2012 · Sometimes off-color but always fun, these Yiddish words and phrases will spice up your vocabulary like never before. Jewish scriptwriters introduced many Yiddish words into popular culture, which often changed the original meanings drastically. Such voids were filled by borrowing from German, Polish and Russian. He said it likely began as workplace slang among British sailors, who, traveling abroad, encountered the lingua franca of mainland Europe — i. An English sentence that uses either may be described by some as Yinglish, [1] though the second meaning of the term refers to the distinctive way certain Jews in English-speaking countries add many Yiddish words into You can search for information by Yiddish word (in YIVO transcription or in Yiddish letters), English translation, Hebrew spelling of a loshn-koydesh word, and for some grammatical and usage markers. English-to-Yiddish translation is made accessible with the Translate. Try Yandex Translate for your English to Yiddish translations today and experience seamless communication! In the Yiddish - English dictionary you will find phrases with translations, examples, pronunciation and pictures. You might be surprised to learn how much Yiddish you already In the English - Yiddish dictionary you will find phrases with translations, examples, pronunciation and pictures. Whether you’re looking to translate heartfelt phrases or connect with your heritage, this tool helps you express yourself authentically and Translate from English to Yiddish online - a free and easy-to-use translation tool. Nov 18, 2019 · A quarter-century later, the language writer William Safire criticized the use of the “nudge” spelling in another Times article, arguing that the English term is derived from “a Yiddish word more closely represented as noodge ” (On Language, New York Times Magazine, Nov. This change shows both the shifting nature of slang and the powerful effect of cultural mixing. Yiddish Dictionary. ) ugh! List of English words of Yiddish origin This is a list of words that have entered the English language from the Yiddish language, many of them by way of American English. Apr 14, 2025 · English terms borrowed from Yiddish English terms derived from Yiddish English terms derived from Proto-Slavic English 2-syllable words English terms with IPA pronunciation English terms with audio pronunciation English lemmas English nouns English uncountable nouns American English English slang English terms with usage examples English terms Nov 19, 2019 · Links Yiddish Language and Culture – history of Yiddish, alphabet, literature, theater, music, etc. Free online. Yiddish Glossary has a structure all its own. From 'schlep' to 'chutzpah', uncover the humor and history behind these unique expressions, and see how they continue to thrive today. May 20, 2022 · From 'sunny-side up eggs' to a car and seatbelt, here are 18 Yiddish words and phrases you can use in your daily life. ptaty1 tb8pftcj kqcwu4 mojt3a 4v8bllsz kl64xno 2po7 sfhzu 8tw wslny0