Yiddish Words
This word means "grandmother" in Yiddish.
What is Bubbe?
This is a blanket term meaning a dirty substance, children often have this on their face and need it wiped off with grandma's spit on a handkerchief.
What is Schmutz?
This means to carry a heavy load over a distance, but could be used to mean to travel a great distance much to the dismay of the traveler.
What is Schlep?
Translated as "Bed-wetter" this word means an inexperienced person.
What is a Pisher?
Used as the first word in the theme song to Laverne and Shirley, this word refers to a useless or clueless person.
What is a Shlemiel?
This word means to celebrate the successes of others to an extreme amount; many grandparents are guilty of this with their grandkids' accomplishments.
What is to Kvell?
A word meaning rear end often referring to a person's backside.
What is a Tuches?
According to Merriam-Webster, this Yiddish verb means "to chat in a friendly and persuasive manner especially so as to gain favor, business, or connections."
What is to Schmooze?
A fool, or someone who is thought to be stupid.
What is a Putz?
Used as the second word in the Laverne and Shirley theme song, this word means a very unlucky person.
What is a Schlimazel?
As a noun it means "over complainer" as a verb it means "to complain."
What is Kvetch?
This word simply means to sweat.
What is Schvitz?
When talking about an everyday person, this word refers to their talent or skill, when referring to a performer, it means their act or skit.
What is Shtick?
If someone were to call you a "Shikker" they assume you consume too much of this.
What is alcohol?
This is a person that is of low character and swindles people, in modern English it is often translated as a jerk.
What is a Schmuck?
A "trinket" or small "knicknack"
Tchotchke
Translated as "face", this word is used to endearingly refer to a child's face by an older relative or friend.
What is a Punim?
Translated as "a long story" this word is often used to describe the speech given by a salesman or expert trying to persuade someone to a particular purchase or course of action.
What is a Spiel?
meaning "Mixed up in the Head" or "Confussed
Farmisht
Yiddish word meaning "Crazy, foolish, senseless
Meshuggenah
A person with a kind and generous nature
Who is a Mensch
Translated as "rag" this can refer to a hair scarf, cleaning towel, or used to describe the tattered state of someone's clothes.
What is a Schmatte?
This word describes a state of emotional overload where the person is overwhelmed with extreme emotions either positive or negative.
What is Verklempt?
A word meaning "Completely messed up" or "ridiculous"
Fakakta
Literally translated as "piece of garbage" this is used as an insult when describing another person.
What is a Shtik drek?