List of English words of Yiddish origin#M

Yiddish is a Germanic language, originally spoken by Jews in Central and later Eastern Europe, written in the Hebrew alphabet, and containing a substantial substratum of Hebrew words as well as numerous loans from Slavic languages.{{cite web|url=http://www.bartleby.com/68/23/6623.html|title=Bartleby.com: Great Books Online – Quotes, Poems, Novels, Classics and hundreds more|website=bartleby.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071016050330/http://bartleby.com/68/23/6623.html|archive-date=16 October 2007}} For that reason, some of the words listed originated in Hebrew or Slavic languages, but have entered English via Yiddish.

Yiddish is closely related to modern German, and many Yiddish words have German cognates; in some cases it is difficult to tell whether a particular word was borrowed from Yiddish or from German. Yiddish is written in the Hebrew alphabet, and Yiddish words may be transliterated into Latin spelling in a variety of ways; the transliterated spelling of Yiddish words and the conventional spelling of German are usually different, but the pronunciations are frequently the same (e.g., {{langx|yi|שוואַרץ|shvarts|label=none}} in Yiddish is pronounced the same way as {{langx|de|schwarz|label=none}} in German).

These English words of Yiddish origin, except as noted, are in the online editions of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (AHD), or the Merriam-Webster dictionary (MW). The parentheses-enclosed information at the end of each word's entry starts with the original Yiddish term in Hebrew script, the Latin script transliteration, and the literal English translation (if different from the English definition given earlier). This may be followed by additional relevant languages (mostly Hebrew and German). One or more dictionary references appear at the end.

File:Chocolate-Gold-Coins.jpg]]

File:Lower East Side - Schimmel Knish 2.jpg, a baked snack, commonly filled with potato]]

File:Latkes.jpg, potato pancakes]]

{{List TOC Letters

|x1= A

|x2= B

|x3= C

|x4= D

|x6= F

|x7= G

|x8= H

|x11= K

|x12= L

|x13= M

|x14= N

|x16= P

|x19= S

|x20= T

|x22= V

|x25= Y

|x26= Z

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• alter kacker or alte kacker (Yid. {{lang|yi|אַלטער קאַקער}}): literally "old crapper". Sometimes abbreviated as AK or A.K. ([https://www.oed.com/search/dictionary/?scope=Entries&q=alter+kacker]); equivalent to English "old fart".Dictionary of Jewish Words: A JPS Guide, [https://books.google.com/books?id=Wu86sK4ZqlgC&pg=PA26 p. 5]

• Bagel: A ring-shaped bread roll made by boiling or steaming, and then baking, the dough (from {{Langx|yi|בײגל|beygl}}, from Old High German boug with diminutive -el suffix; OED, [https://m-w.com/dictionary/bagel MW]).
• Balabusta, balabosta, balebosta (Yid. {{lang|yi|בעל־הביתטע}}): a Jewish mistress of the house; usually applied with positive connotations [https://m-w.com/dictionary/balabosta MW]).
• Blintz: A sweet cheese-filled crepe ({{Langx|yi|בלינצע|blintse|label=none}}, from {{Langx|be|блінцы|blincy|pancakes}} (plural); [https://web.archive.org/web/20170714212648/https://www.ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=blintz AHD]).
• Bris: The circumcision of a male child. ({{Langx|yi|ברית|bris|label=none}}, from {{Langx|he|ברית|brith|covenant}}; OED, [https://m-w.com/dictionary/bris MW])
• broigus (Yid. {{lang|yi|ברוגז}} broygez): (n) a bitter feud of anger; (adj.) angry, irritated; from Hebrew {{lang|he|ברוגז}} (berogez, "angry") ([https://www.oed.com/dictionary/broigus_adj OED])
• {{anchor|boychik}}Boychik: Boy, young man. (English boy + Eastern Yiddish: {{Langx|yi|טשיק|-chik|label=none}}, diminutive suffix (from Slavic); [https://web.archive.org/web/20071016050232/http://bartleby.com/61/49/B0434950.html AHD])
• bubbeh, bubbe (Yid. {{lang|yi|באָבע}}): grandmother; elderly woman ([https://www.oed.com/search/dictionary/?scope=Entries&q=bubbeh OED])
• bubbeleh (Yid. {{lang|yi|באָבעלע}}): a term of endearment; esp. for a young boy-child or elderly relative ([https://www.oed.com/search/dictionary/?scope=Entries&q=bubbeleh OED])
• {{anchor|Bupkis}}Bupkis (also Bupkes, Bupkus, Bubkis, Bubkes): Emphatically nothing, as in 'He isn't worth bupkis' ({{Langx|yi|באָבקעס|bobkes|label=none}}; of uncertain origin (OED); perhaps originally meaning '[goat] droppings', from a word meaning 'beans', of Slavic origin){{cite news |last=Horwitz |first=Bert |title=A Hill of Bupkis |url=https://forward.com/articles/2611/a-hill-of-bupkis/ |newspaper=The Jewish Daily Forward |location=New York |date=19 August 2005 |access-date=28 November 2010}} ([https://m-w.com/dictionary/bubkes MW], OED)

• cholent, cholnt, tcholent, etc. (Yid. {{lang|yi|טשאָלנט}} tsholnt): traditional slow-simmering Sabbath stew prepared overnight ([https://www.oed.com/search/dictionary/?scope=Entries&q=cholent OED], [https://www.ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=cholent AHD], [https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cholent MW])
• Chutzpah {{IPAc-en|ˈ|x|ʊ|t|s|p|ə}}: Nerve, gall, guts, balls, daring, self-confidence, audacity, effrontery ({{Langx|yi|חצפּה|khutspe|label=none}}, from Hebrew; [https://web.archive.org/web/20070328215648/http://www.bartleby.com/61/8/C0350800.html AHD])

• Daven: To recite Jewish liturgical prayers ({{Langx|yi|דאַוונען|davnen|label=none}}; [https://www.ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=daven&submit.x=0&submit.y=0 AHD])
• Dreck, drek: Worthless, distasteful, or nonsensical material ({{Langx|yi|דרעק|drek|label=none}}, from Middle High {{Langx|de|drec||rubbish}}; cognate with German: {{Langx|de|Dreck||dirt, filth|label=none}}; [https://www.ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=dreck&submit.x=30&submit.y=25 AHD], [https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dreck MW])
• Dybbuk: The malevolent spirit of a dead person that enters and controls a living body until exorcised ({{Langx|he|דבּוק|dibbuk|a latching-onto|label=none}}; [https://web.archive.org/web/20071016050157/http://bartleby.com/61/22/D0442200.html AHD])
• Dreidel: {{langx|yi|דרײדל|dreydl}}, a four-sided spinning top ([https://www.oed.com/dictionary/dreidel_n?tl=true OED])

• {{anchor|Fleishig}}Fleishig: Made with meat or poultry ({{Langx|yi|פֿליישיק|fleyshik|meaty|label=none}}, from {{transliteration|yi|fleysh}}, 'meat'; cf. German: {{Langx|de|fleischig||meaty|label=none}}; [https://m-w.com/dictionary/fleishig MW]) Usually it is used to denote a class of kosher products.
• frum (Yid. {{lang|yi|פֿרום}}): adjective; religious, observant of Judaism laws (cf. German "Fromm" = pious) ([https://www.oed.com/search/dictionary/?scope=Entries&q=frum OED])

• {{anchor|Ganef|Gonif}}Ganef or Gonif: A thief, scoundrel, rascal ({{Langx|yi|גנבֿ|ganev/ganef|thief|label=none}}, from Hebrew: {{Langx|yi|גנב|gannav|label=none}}; [https://web.archive.org/web/20071016050227/http://bartleby.com/61/46/G0034600.html AHD])
• Gelt {{IPAc-en|g|ɛ|l|t}}: Money in general; also the chocolate coins given to children on Hanukkah ({{Langx|he|געלט|gelt|money|label=none}}; cognate with German: {{Langx|de|Geld||money|label=none}}; related to 'gold'; [https://web.archive.org/web/20071016050202/http://bartleby.com/61/33/G0073300.html AHD], [https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gelt MW])
• Glitch: A minor malfunction ({{Langx|yi|גליטש|glitsh|label=none}}, from {{Langx|yi|גליטשן|glitshn|slide|label=none}}; cf. German: {{Langx|de|glitschen||slither|label=none}}; [https://web.archive.org/web/20071016050147/http://bartleby.com/61/12/G0151200.html AHD])
• Golem: A man-made humanoid; an android, Frankenstein monster ({{Langx|yi|גלם|goylem|label=none}}, from Hebrew: {{Langx|he|גלם|gōlem|label=none}}; OED, [https://m-w.com/dictionary/golem MW])
• Goy: A gentile, term for someone not of the Jewish faith or people ({{Langx|yi|גוי|label=none}}; plural {{Langx|yi|גויים|label=none}} or {{Langx|yi|גוים|goyim|label=none}}; from Hebrew: {{Langx|he|גויים|label=none}} or {{Langx|he|גוים|goyim|nations|label=none}}, plural of {{Langx|he|גוי|goy|nation|label=none}}; [https://web.archive.org/web/20071217071625/http://www.bartleby.com/61/1/G0210100.html AHD])

• {{anchor|Haimish}}Haimish (also Heimish) {{IPAc-en|ˈ|h|eɪ|m|ɪ|ʃ}}: Home-like, friendly, folksy ({{Langx|yi|היימיש|heymish|label=none}}; cf. German: {{Langx|de|heimisch|label=none}}; [https://web.archive.org/web/20070421103000/http://www.bartleby.com/61/35/H0013500.html AHD]).

• Kasha: buckwheat porridge or grains (prefabricated for a porridge). Originally a Slavic term, it probably entered into English usage with Jewish emigrants, especially the form {{lang|yi|קאַשי|rtl=yes}} kashi (Slavic plural for "kasha").Steinmetz, Sol. Dictionary of Jewish Usage: A Guide to the Use of Jewish Terms. p. 42. {{ISBN|0-7425-4387-0}}.
• Kibitz {{IPAc-en|ˈ|k|ɪ|b|ɪ|t|s}}: To offer unwanted advice, e.g. to someone playing cards; to converse idly, hence a kibitzer, gossip ({{Langx|yi|קיבעצן|kibetsn|label=none}}; cf. German: {{Langx|de|kiebitzen|label=none}}, may be related to German: {{Langx|de|Kiebitz||lapwing|label=none}}; OED, [https://m-w.com/dictionary/kibitz MW])
• Klezmer, instrumental musical tradition of the Ashkenazi Jews of Central and Eastern Europe ([https://www.oed.com/search/dictionary/?scope=Entries&q=klezmer OED])
• {{anchor|klutz}}Klutz: A clumsy person ({{Langx|yi|קלאָץ|klots|wooden beam|label=none}}; cf. German: {{Langx|de|Klotz||block|label=none}}; [https://www.oed.com/search/dictionary/?scope=Entries&q=klutz OED], [https://m-w.com/dictionary/klutz MW], [https://www.ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=klutz AHD])
• Knish {{IPAc-en|k|ə|ˈ|n|ɪ|ʃ}}: A doughy snack stuffed with potato, meat, or cheese ({{Langx|yi|קניש|label=none}}, from {{Langx|pl|knysz}}; [https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knish MW], [https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=knish AHD])
• Kosher: Correct according to Jewish law, normally used in reference to Jewish dietary laws; (slang) appropriate, legitimate (originally from {{Langx|he|כּשר|kašer/kasher|label=none}}; [https://web.archive.org/web/20071016050222/http://bartleby.com/61/42/K0104200.html AHD])
• kishke (Yid. {{lang|yi|קישקע}}): A kind of sausage stuffed with finely chopped potatoes, carrots, onions, spices, etc., rather than meat; in the plural kishkes, the abdomen ([https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kishkes MW] [https://www.oed.com/search/dictionary/?scope=Entries&q=kishkes OED]) ([https://www.ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kishkes AHD])
• kugel (Yid. {{lang|yi|קוגעל}}): a casserole or pudding, usually made from egg noodles or potatoes ([https://www.ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=kugel AHD])
• {{anchor|Kvell}}Kvell: To express great pleasure combined with pride ({{Langx|yi|קװעלן|kveln|label=none}}, from an old Germanic word; cognate with German: {{Langx|de|quellen||swell|label=none}}; OED, [https://m-w.com/dictionary/kvell MW])
• {{anchor|Kvetch}}Kvetch {{IPAc-en|k|ə|ˈ|v|ɛ|tʃ}}: to complain habitually, gripe; as a noun, a person who always complains ({{Langx|yi|קװעטשן|kvetshn|press/squeeze|label=none}}; cognate with German: {{Langx|de|quetschen||squeeze|label=none}}; OED, [https://m-w.com/dictionary/kvetch MW])See also Wex, Michael. Born to Kvetch. St. Martin's Press, New York, 2005. There is also a connection{{vague|date=December 2018}} to the Hebrew and Aramaic radix "k.w.z",{{Clarify|date=April 2019|reason=There is no 'w'; is this supposed to be קוז, 'k v z'?}} meaning "squeeze".{{Cite book|first=Avraham|last=Even-Shoshan|author-link=Avraham Even-Shoshan|title=HaMilon HeHadash (The New Dictionary)|year=1966 |language=he|publisher=Kiriat-sefer|isbn=978-9651701559}}

• Latke {{IPAc-en|ˈ|l|ɑː|t|k|ə}}: Potato pancake, especially during Hanukkah ({{Langx|yi|לאַטקע|label=none}}, from {{Langx|ru|ладка|ladka|pancake (colloquial; regular: оладья)}} or {{Langx|uk|оладка|oladka|pancake/fritter}}; [https://web.archive.org/web/20071016050237/http://bartleby.com/61/51/L0065100.html AHD])
• Litvak: A Lithuanian Jew or a dialect of Yiddish used by Lithuanian Jews ({{Langx|yi|ליטוואַק|litvak|label=none}}; OED)
• Lox: Cured salmon, sometimes referred to as Nova, often used loosely to refer to smoked salmon ({{Langx|yi|לאַקס|laks|salmon|label=none}}; cf. German: {{Langx|de|Lachs|label=none}}; OED, [https://m-w.com/dictionary/lox?show=1&t=1296310262 MW])

• mama-loshen / mame-loshen / mame-loshn (Yid. {{lang|yi|מאמאלושן}}): one's first or native language, from Yiddish mama (mother) plus Hebrew {{lang|he|לשון}} lashon, tongue or language; usually meaning "Yiddish" ([https://www.oed.com/search/dictionary/?scope=Entries&q=mama-loshen OED])
• Mamzer: Bastard (from Yiddish/Hebrew: {{Langx|he|ממזר|mamzer|label=none}}; OED)
• Maven: Expert, aficionado ({{Langx|yi|מבֿין|meyvn|label=none}}, from Hebrew: {{Langx|he|מבין|mevin|understands|label=none}}; OED, [https://m-w.com/dictionary/maven MW], [https://www.ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=maven AHD])
• Mazel tov, also Mazal tov: Congratulations! ({{Langx|yi|מזל־טובֿ|mazl-tov|label=none}}, from Hebrew {{Langx|he|מזל טוב|mazzāl ṭōv|label=none}}: {{Langx|he|מזל|mazzāl|fortune|label=none}} or 'luck' + {{Langx|he|טוב|ṭōv|good|label=none}}; OED)
• {{anchor|Megillah}}Megillah: A tediously detailed discourse ({{Langx|yi|מגלה|megile|lengthy document, scroll [esp. the Book of Esther]|label=none}}, from Hebrew {{Langx|he|מגלה|məgillā|scroll|label=none}}; OED, [https://m-w.com/dictionary/megillah MW]). Usually used in American English as "the whole Megillah" meaning an overly extended explanation or story.{{cite web|url=http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-mag1.htm|title=World Wide Words: The whole megillah|website=World Wide Words}}
• Mensch: An upright person; a decent human being ({{Langx|yi|מענטש|mentsh|person|label=none}}; cognate with German: {{Langx|de|Mensch||human|label=none}}; OED, [https://m-w.com/dictionary/mensch MW])
• {{anchor|Meshuga}}Meshuga, also Meshugge, Meshugah, Meshuggah {{IPAc-en|m|ə|ˈ|ʃ|ʊ|g|ə}}: Crazy ({{Langx|yi|משגע|meshuge|label=none}}, from Hebrew: {{Langx|he|משוגע|m'shuga'|label=none}}; OED, [https://m-w.com/dictionary/meshuga MW]). Also used as the nouns meshuggener and meshuggeneh for a crazy man and woman, respectively.
• {{anchor|meshugaas|meshegas}}Meshugaas, also Mishegaas or Mishegoss {{IPAc-en|m|ɪ|ʃ|ə|ˈ|g|ɑː|s}}: Crazy or senseless activity or behavior; craziness ({{Langx|yi|משוגעת|meshugaas|label=none}}, from Hebrew: {{Langx|he|משוגעת|məšugga‘ath|label=none}}, a form of the above; OED, [https://www.ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=mishegoss AHD])
• {{anchor|Milchig}}Milchig: made with milk or dairy products ({{Langx|yi|מילכיק|milkhik|milky|label=none}}, from {{Langx|yi|מילך|milkh|milk|label=none}}; cf. German: {{Langx|de|milchig|label=none}}; [https://m-w.com/dictionary/milchig MW]) Usually it is used to denote a class of kosher products.[https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/3878331/jewish/What-Do-Milchig-Fleishig-and-Pareve-Mean.htm What Do "Milchig, Fleishig and Pareve" Mean?]
• Minyan: The quorum of ten adult (i.e., age 13 or older) Jews that is necessary for the holding of a public worship service; in Orthodox Judaism ten adult males are required, while in Conservative and Reform Judaism ten adults of either sex are required. ({{Langx|yi|מנין|minyen|label=none}}, from Hebrew: {{Langx|he|מנין|minyān|label=none}}; OED)
• {{anchor|Mishpocha}}Mishpocha {{IPAc-en|m|ɪ|ʃ|ˈ|p|ɒ|x|ə}}: relative or extended family member ({{Langx|yi|משפּחה|mishpokhe|label=none}}, from Hebrew: {{Langx|he|משפּחה|mišpāḥā|label=none}}; OED)

• {{anchor|Naches}}Naches {{IPAc-en|ˈ|n|ɑː|x|ə|s}}: The feeling of pride and/or gratification in 1: the achievements of another; 2. one's own doing good by helping someone or some organization ({{Langx|yi|נחת|nakhes|label=none}}, from Hebrew: {{Langx|he|נחת|naḥath|contentment|label=none}}; OED)
• {{anchor|Narrischkeit}}Narrischkeit {{IPAc-en|ˈ|n|ɑː|r|ɪ|ʃ|k|aɪ|t}}: Foolishness, nonsense ({{Langx|yi|נאַרישקייט|narishkeyt|label=none}}, from {{Langx|yi|נאַריש|narish|foolish|label=none}} + {{Langx|yi|־קייט|-keyt|ness|label=none}}; cf. German: {{Langx|de|närrisch||foolish|label=none}}; OED)
• {{anchor|Nebbish}}Nebbish, also Nebbich: An insignificant, pitiful person; a nonentity (from interjection {{Langx|yi|נעבעך|nebekh|poor thing!|label=none}}, perhaps from Czech nebohý or other Slavic source; OED, [https://web.archive.org/web/20070930025103/http://m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary/nebbish MW])
• {{anchor|Noodge}}Noodge, also Nudzh: To pester, nag, whine; as a noun, a pest, whiner, or anxious person ({{Langx|yi|נודיען|nudyen|label=none}}, from Polish nudzić 'to bore' or Russian nudit' 'to wear out'; OED)
• {{anchor|Nosh}}Nosh: Snack (noun or verb) ({{Langx|yi|נאַשן|nashn|label=none}}; cf. German: {{Langx|de|naschen|label=none}}; OED, [https://m-w.com/dictionary/nosh MW])
• {{anchor|Nu}}Nu: A multipurpose interjection analogous to "well?", "so?", or "so what?" ({{Langx|yi|נו|nu|label=none}}, perhaps akin to Russian: {{Langx|ru|ну|nu|label=none}}; OED)
• {{anchor|Nudnik}}Nudnik: A pest, "pain in the neck"; a bore ({{Langx|yi|נודניק|nudnik|label=none}}, from the above {{Langx|yi|נודיען|nudyen|label=none}}; cf. Polish or Russian: {{Langx|pl|nudny||boring, annoying|label=none}}; OED, [https://m-w.com/dictionary/nudnik MW])

• Oy, Oy vey: Interjections of grief, pain, or horror ({{Langx|yi|אוי וויי|oy vey|oh, pain!|label=none}} or 'oh, woe!'; cf. German: {{Langx|de|oh weh||oh, woe!|label=none}}; [https://www.oed.com/search/dictionary/?scope=Entries&q=oy+vey OED]; [https://www.ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=oy+vey AHD])

• Pareve / parve {{IPAc-en|ˈ|p|ɑː|r|ə|v}}: Containing neither meat nor dairy products ({{Langx|yi|פּאַרעווע|pareve|label=none}}; OED, [https://m-w.com/dictionary/pareve MW]) Usually it is used to denote a class of kosher products.
• {{anchor|pisher}}Pisher: a nobody, an inexperienced person ({{Langx|yi|פּישער|pisher|label=none}}, from {{Langx|yi|פּישן|pishn|piss|label=none}}; cf. German: {{Langx|de|pissen|label=none}} or dialectal German: {{Langx|de|pischen|label=none}}; OED)
• {{anchor|Potch}}Potch also Petch: Spank, slap, smack ({{Langx|yi|פּאַטשן|patshn|label=none}}; cf. German: {{Langx|de|patschen||slap|label=none}}; OED)
• {{anchor|Plotz}}Plotz: To burst from strong emotion; often used humorously to express minor shock or disappointment ({{Langx|yi|פּלאַצן|platsn|crack|label=none}}; cf. German: {{Langx|de|platzen|label=none}}; OED)
• punim: the face (Yiddish {{lang|yi|פּנים}} ponem, from Hebrew {{lang|he|פָּנִים}} panim) ([https://www.oed.com/search/dictionary/?scope=Entries&q=punim OED] [https://www.ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=punim AHD])
• {{anchor|Putz}}Putz: (vulgar) A penis, term used as an insult ({{Langx|yi|פּאָץ|pots|label=none}}; [https://www.ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=putz AHD]). Also an insignificant person, incompetent, or loser. As a verb, to idle, bodge, goof off.

• Schav: Sorrel soup. ({{Langx|yi|שטשאַוו|shtshav|label=none}}, from Polish: {{Langx|pl|szczaw|label=none}}; [https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=schav AHD])
• Schlemiel {{IPAc-en|ʃ|l|ə|ˈ|m|iː|l}}: An inept clumsy person; a bungler; a dolt ({{Langx|yi|שלעמיל|shlemil|label=none}} or {{Langx|yi|שלימיל|shlimil|label=none}}, probably from the Hebrew name Shelumiel; OED) The word is widely recognized{{citation needed|date=January 2022}} from its inclusion in the Yiddish-American hopscotch chant "...schlemiel, schlimazel..." from the opening sequence of the American sitcom Laverne & Shirley.
• {{anchor|Schlep}}Schlep: To drag or haul (an object); to walk, esp. to make a tedious journey ({{Langx|yi|שלעפּן|shlepn|label=none}}; cf. German: {{langx|de|schleppen|label=none}}; OED, [https://m-w.com/dictionary/schlep MW]). Also a noun, a lackey, hanger-on, or loser.
• {{anchor|Schlimazel}}Schlimazel also Schlemazl: A chronically unlucky person ({{Langx|yi|שלימזל|shlimazl|label=none}}, from [Middle Dutch: {{Langx|nl|slimp||crooked/bad|label=none}} or Middle High German: {{Langx|de|slimp||awry|label=none}} or {{Langx|de|schlimm||poor/lacking|label=none}}] + Hebrew: {{Langx|he|מזל|mazzāl|luck|label=none}}; cf. German: {{Langx|de|Schlamassel|label=none}}; OED). The difference between a schlemiel and a schlimazel is described through the aphorism, "The schlemiel spills his soup on the schlimazel."
• {{anchor|schlock}}Schlock: something cheap, shoddy, or inferior (perhaps from {{Langx|yi|שלאַק|shlak|a stroke|label=none}}; cf. German: {{Langx|de|Schlag|label=none}}; OED, [https://m-w.com/dictionary/schlock MW])
• {{anchor|Schlong}}Schlong: (vulgar) A penis ({{Langx|yi|שלאַנג|shlang|snake|label=none}}; cf. German: {{Langx|de|Schlange|label=none}}; OED)
• {{anchor|Schlub}}Schlub: A clumsy, stupid, or unattractive person ({{Langx|yi|זשלאָב|zhlob|hick|label=none}}, perhaps from Polish: {{Langx|pl|żłób|label=none}}; OED, [https://m-w.com/dictionary/schlub MW])
• Schmaltz: Melted chicken fat; metaphorically, excessive sentimentality ({{Langx|yi|שמאַלץ|shmalts|label=none}} or German: {{Langx|de|Schmalz|label=none}}; OED, [https://m-w.com/dictionary/schmaltz MW], [https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=schmaltz AHD]); adjective: schmaltzy
• {{anchor|Schmatte}}Schmatte: A rag ({{Langx|yi|שמאַטע|shmate|label=none}}, from Polish: {{Langx|pl|szmata|label=none}}; OED)
• {{anchor|Schmeer}}Schmeer also schmear: from Polish 'smarowac' to smear, to spread, coll. to bribe; (noun or verb) Spread (e.g., cream cheese on a bagel); bribe ({{Langx|yi|שמיר|shmir|smear|label=none}}; cf. German: {{Langx|de|schmieren|label=none}}; OED, [https://m-w.com/dictionary/schmear MW])
• {{anchor|Schmo}}Schmo: A stupid person (akin to schmuck according to [https://www.ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=schmo AHD], but disputed by OED)
• {{anchor|Schmooze}}Schmooze: To converse informally, make small talk or chat ({{Langx|yi|שמועסן|shmuesn|converse|label=none}}, from Hebrew: {{Langx|he|שמועות|shəmūʿōth|reports/gossip|label=none}}; OED, [https://m-w.com/dictionary/schmooze MW]). To persuade in insincere or oily fashion; to "lay it on thick". Noun: schmoozer, abbr. schmooze.
• {{Anchor|Schmuck}}Schmuck: (vulgar) A contemptible or foolish person; a jerk; ({{Langx|yi|שמאָק|shmok|penis|label=none}}, probably from Old Polish {{Langx|pl|smok||grass snake, dragon|label=none}}; [https://m-w.com/dictionary/schmuck MW], [https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=schmuck EO])
• {{anchor|Schmutter}}Schmutter: Pieces of clothing; rubbish ({{Langx|yi|שמאַטע|shmate|rag|label=none}}; cf. schmatte; OED)
• {{anchor|Schmutz}}Schmutz {{IPAc-en|ʃ|m|ʊ|t|s}}: Dirt ({{Langx|yi|שמוץ|shmuts|label=none}} or German: {{Langx|de|Schmutz|label=none}}; OED)
• {{anchor|Schnook}}Schnook: An easily imposed-upon or easily cheated person, a pitifully meek person, a particularly gullible person, a cute or mischievous person or child (perhaps from {{Langx|yi|שנוק|shnuk|snout|label=none}}; cf. Northern German: {{Langx|de|Schnucke||sheep|label=none}}; OED)
• Schnorrer: beggar, esp. "one who wheedles others into supplying his wants" ({{Langx|yi|שנאָרער|shnorer|label=none}}; cf. German: {{Langx|de|Schnorrer|label=none}}; OED, [https://m-w.com/dictionary/schnorrer MW])
• {{anchor|Schnoz}}Schnoz or Schnozz also Schnozzle: A nose, especially a large nose (perhaps from {{Langx|yi|שנויץ|shnoyts|snout|label=none}}; cf. German: {{Langx|de|Schnauze|label=none}}; OED, [https://m-w.com/dictionary/schnoz MW])
• {{anchor|Schvartze}}Schvartze: (offensive) A Black person (from {{Langx|yi|שוואַרץ|shvarts|black|label=none}}; cf. German: {{Langx|de|schwarz|label=none}}; OED)
• {{anchor|Shabbos}}Shabbos, Shabbas, Shabbes: Shabbat ({{Langx|yi|שבת|Shabes|label=none}}, from Hebrew: {{Langx|he|שבת|Shabat|label=none}}; [https://web.archive.org/web/20071012134745/http://bartleby.com/61/71/S0307150.html AHD])
• {{anchor|Shammes}}Shammes or Shamash {{IPAc-en|ˈ|ʃ|ɑː|m|ə|s}}: The caretaker of a synagogue; also, the ninth candle of the Hanukkah menorah, used to light the others ({{Langx|yi|שמשׂ|shames|label=none}}, from Hebrew: {{Langx|he|שמש|šammāš|attendant|label=none}}; OED, [https://m-w.com/dictionary/Shammes MW])
• {{anchor|Shamus}}Shamus: a detective (possibly {{Langx|yi|שאַמעס|shammes|label=none}} or the Irish name Seamus; OED, Macquarie)
• Shegetz: (derogatory) a young non-Jewish man ({{Langx|yi|שגץ|label=none}} or {{Langx|yi|שײגעץ|sheygets|label=none}}, from Hebrew: {{Langx|he|שקץ|shekets|abomination|label=none}}; [https://web.archive.org/web/20070203230502/http://www.bartleby.com/61/19/S0331900.html AHD])
• {{anchor|Shemozzle}}Shemozzle: (slang) Quarrel, brawl (perhaps related to schlimazel, q.v.; OED). This word is commonly used in Ireland to describe confused situations during the Irish sport of hurling, e.g. "There was a shemozzle near the goalmouth". In particular, it was a catchphrase of 1940s–1980s television commentator Michael O'Hehir.{{cite web |last=Doyle |first=Dr Siobhán |title=A short history of shemozzles in the GAA |website=RTÉ.ie |url=https://www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2020/0220/1116459-gaa-shemozzles/ |date=2020-02-20}}
• {{anchor|Shikker}}Shikker, Shicker, Shickered: Drunk (adjective or noun) ({{Langx|yi|שכּור|shiker|label=none}}, from Hebrew: {{Langx|he|שיכור|shikor|label=none}}; OED)
• Shiksa or Shikse {{IPAc-en|ˈ|ʃ|ɪ|k|s|ə}}: (often derogatory) A young non-Jewish woman ({{Langx|yi|שיקסע|shikse|label=none}}, a derivative of sheygets, from Polish: {{Langx|pl|siksa|label=none}}; [http://www.bartleby.com/61/34/S0343400.html AHD])
• Shmendrik or Shmendrick: A foolish or contemptible person (from a character in an operetta by Abraham Goldfaden; OED)
• Shtetl: A small town with a large Jewish population in pre-Holocaust Eastern Europe ({{Langx|yi|שטעטל|shtetl|town|label=none}}, diminutive of {{Langx|yi|שטאָט|shtot|city|label=none}}; cf. German: {{Langx|de|Städtl|label=none}}, South German / Austrian colloquial diminutive of {{Langx|de|Stadt||city|label=none}}; [https://web.archive.org/web/20071016050257/http://bartleby.com/61/76/S0377600.html AHD])
• Shtibl: A small synagogue or place of prayer ({{Langx|yi|שטיבל|shtibl|little room|label=none}}; cf. German: {{Langx|de|Stüberl|label=none}}; OED)
• Shtick: Comic theme; a defining habit or distinguishing feature or business ({{langx|yi|שטיק|shtik|piece|label=none}}; cf. German: {{langx|de|Stück||piece|label=none}}; [https://web.archive.org/web/20070423012821/http://www.bartleby.com/61/77/S0377700.html AHD])
• Shtum: Quiet, silent ({{langx|yi|שטום|shtum|mute|label=none}}; cf. German: {{langx|de|stumm|label=none}}); OED)
• {{anchor|Shtup}}Shtup: (vulgar slang) To have sexual intercourse ({{langx|yi|שטופּ|shtoop|push/poke/intercourse|label=none}}; cf. German: {{langx|de|stupsen||poke|label=none}}; OED)
• {{anchor|Shul}}Shul: a synagogue ({{langx|yi|שול|shul|school|label=none}}, from Middle High German: {{langx|de|schuol||school|label=none}}; cf. German: {{langx|de|Schule||school|label=none}}; [https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shul MW])
• {{anchor|Shvitz}}Shvitz: to sweat (v.), a sauna or steam bath (n.) ({{langx|yi|שוויצן|shvitsn|label=none}}; cf. German: {{langx|de|schwitzen|label=none}}; OED)
• {{anchor|Spiel|shpiel}}Spiel or Shpiel: A sales pitch or speech intended to persuade ({{langx|yi|שפּיל|shpil|play|label=none}} or German: {{langx|de|Spiel||play|label=none}}; [https://web.archive.org/web/20070930191815/http://www.bartleby.com/61/81/S0638100.html AHD])

• Tchotchke: A knickknack, trinket, curio ({{langx|yi|צאַצקע|tsatske|label=none}}, {{langx|yi|טשאַטשקע|tshatshke|label=none}}, from Polish: {{langx|pl|cacko|label=none}}; OED, [https://m-w.com/dictionary/tchotchke MW])
• {{anchor|Tref|trayf|traif}}Tref or Trayf or Traif {{IPAc-en|ˈ|t|r|eɪ|f}}: Not kosher ({{langx|yi|טרייף|treyf|label=none}}, from Hebrew: {{langx|he|טרפֿה|ṭərēfā|carrion|label=none}}; [https://web.archive.org/web/20071016050252/http://bartleby.com/61/68/T0336800.html AHD])
• {{anchor|Tsuris}}Tsuris {{IPAc-en|ˈ|t|s|ʊ|r|ɪ|s}}: Troubles, grief ({{langx|yi|צרות|tsores/tsoris|label=none}},Carr, David, [https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/19/business/media/editors-exit-at-the-times-puts-tensions-on-display.html "Abramson's Exit at The Times Puts Tensions on Display"], The New York Times, 18 May 2014. Retrieved 2014-05-19. from Hebrew: {{langx|he|צרות|tsarot|troubles|label=none}}; OED, [https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tsuris MW], [https://www.ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=tsuris AHD])
• {{anchor|Tuchus}}TuchusJeffrey Goldberg, [https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2010/06/words-that-the-new-york-times-will-not-print/57884/ "Words That The New York Times Will Not Print"], The Atlantic, 2010-06-09. "'Joe Lieberman is too polite to complain, but the Gore questions are getting to be a pain in the tuchis.' ... Though Leibovich's copy editors allowed tuchus to be spelled incorrectly, the Washington Post is obviously more tolerant of Jewish flamboyance ..." (also tuches, tuchis, tukus, tuchas, or tukhus) {{IPAc-en|ˈ|t|ʊ|x|ə|s}}: The buttocks, bottom, rear end ({{langx|yi|תחת|tokhes|label=none}}, from Hebrew: {{langx|he|תחת|taḥath|underneath|label=none}}; OED).
• {{anchor|Tummler}}Tummler: An entertainer or master of ceremonies, especially one who encourages audience interaction ({{langx|yi|טומלער|tumler|label=none}}, from {{langx|yi|טומלען|tumlen|make a racket|label=none}}; cf. German: {{langx|de|(sich) tummeln||go among people|label=none}} or 'cavort'; OED, [https://m-w.com/dictionary/tummler MW])
• {{anchor|Tush}}Tush (also Tushy): The buttocks, bottom, rear end ({{langx|yi|תּחת|tokes|label=none}}; cf. tuchus; OED, [https://m-w.com/dictionary/tush MW])
• Tzimmes: A sweet stew of vegetables and fruit; a fuss, a confused affair, a to-do ({{Langx|yi|צימעס|tsimes|label=none}}; OED, [https://m-w.com/dictionary/tzimmes MW])

File:TzimmesS.jpg with honey]]

• Vigorish (also contraction Vig): That portion of the gambling winnings held by the bookmaker as payment for services ({{langx|yi|וויגריש|vigrish|label=none}},{{Citation needed|date=April 2019|reason=From Wiktionary, uncited there, and Yiddish not mentioned in the enwiki article. Remove from the list if not citable as being from Yiddish.}} from Russian: {{langx|ru|выигрыш|vyigrysh|winnings|label=none}}; OED, [https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=vigorish AHD])
• {{anchor|Verklempt}}Verklempt: Choked with emotion ({{langx|yi|פֿאַרקלעמט|farklemt|depressed/grieving|label=none}}, originally 'pressed, gripped'; cf. German: verklemmt meaning 'uptight' [https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/verklempt MW])

File:Casamento judeu1.jpg]]

• Yarmulke: A round cloth skullcap worn by observant Jewish men ({{langx|yi|יאַרמלקע|yarmlke|label=none}}, possibly from Polish: {{langx|pl|jarmułka|label=none}} and Ukrainian: {{langx|uk|ярмулка|yarmulka|skullcap|label=none}}, possibly from {{langx|tr|yağmurluk||raincoat/oilskin}}; see yarmulke; OED, [https://m-w.com/dictionary/yarmulke MW])
• Yekke: (humorous, mildly derogatory{{jstor|https://www.jstor.org/stable/40502725}}) A German Jew; its most common usage derives from the British Mandate period to describe Fifth Aliyah German Jews, who were perceived to be more formal in dress and manners. ({{langx|yi|יעקע|yeke|jacket|label=none}}; cf. German: {{langx|de|Jacke|label=none}}; OED)
• Yenta (variants: yente, yentl): A talkative woman; a gossip; a scold ({{langx|yi|יענטע|yente|label=none}}, from a given name; OED, [https://m-w.com/dictionary/yenta MW])
• Yiddish: The Yiddish language ({{langx|yi|ייִדיש|Yidish|Jewish|label=none}}; cf. German: {{langx|de|jüdisch|label=none}}; [https://web.archive.org/web/20070401200135/http://www.bartleby.com/61/4/Y0020400.html AHD])
• {{anchor|Yontef|Yontiff|Yom Tov}}Yontef also Yom Tov: A Jewish holiday on which work is forbidden, e.g. Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Pesach ({{langx|yi|יום- טובֿ|yontef|holiday|label=none}}, from Hebrew: {{langx|he|יום טוב|yōm ṭōv|good day|label=none}}; [https://www.oed.com/search/dictionary/?scope=Entries&q=Yontiff OED])
• {{anchor|Yutz}}Yutz: A fool ({{langx|yi|יאָנץ|yonts|label=none}}, perhaps derived from putz; [https://books.google.com/books?id=mAdUqLrKw4YC NPD], [https://ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=yutz AHD])

• {{anchor|Zaftig}}Zaftig, also Zaftik {{IPAc-en|ˈ|z|ɑː|f|t|ɪ|k}}: Pleasingly plump, buxom, full-figured, as a woman ({{langx|yi|זאַפֿטיק|zaftik|juicy|label=none}}; cf. German: {{langx|de|saftig||juicy|label=none}}; OED, [https://m-w.com/dictionary/zaftig MW])
• Zayde (Yid. {{lang|yi|זײדע}} zeyde): grandfather, old man, often a term of respect or endearment ([https://www.oed.com/search/dictionary/?scope=Entries&q=zayde OED])

• List of English words of Hebrew origin
• List of German expressions in English
• Lists of English words by country or language of origin
• Yeshivish
• Yiddish words used in English
• Shm-reduplication, an English-language reduplication of Yiddish origin

{{reflist}}

{{English words of foreign origin}}

Category:Judeo-English languages

Yiddish

List of words

Category:Lists of loanwords of Germanic origin