Yiddishisms

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Steve doing his imitation of an Ultakocker at his 80th birthday party with Grandson Adam

One of the best things about living in a diverse country, with many different ethnicities and cultures, is enjoying unique foods, sharing different customs and holidays, and learning words that have become commonplace but are still foreign to many. 

Yiddish has a complicated history. It is a combination of several different languages - some low German, Hebrew, a bit of Polish and some Russian as well as words from the Baltic region. Early Ashkenazi Jews who emigrated from Europe mostly spoke Yiddish when they arrived but encouraged their children to learn English.


Certain ultra religious Jewish groups in the United States and Israel continue to speak Yiddish as their given language. So this week, I'm going to introduce you to some of the Yiddish words that have become commonplace in America. 

If you hear someone say, he's such a Mensh, it means an honorable human being you might like to know better.

A Klutz, well that would be me last week when I fell trying to swat a spider. That's a clumsy person.

Mishpocheh is a family member either through blood or marriage.    
      
Bubbe means grandmother. 

Zayde is grandfather.      

An Ultakocker is an older person who is a little unpredictable.      
        
If someone says you are Meshugga, that means you are crazy!
      
When a person has a lot of Chutzpah, they are nervy.      
     
A Yenta is a busy body.

Tchotchkes are trinkets and knickknacks
       
Verklempt describes a person who is distressed.

Dozens more can be found on google as we continue, as a country, to embrace our differences in language, food and customs. If you hear an expression that you don't understand, just ask. I'm pretty sure whoever said it would be happy to give you the definition.

I'm hoping that you will share some of the words of your heritage that have become a part of our everyday language. I enthusiastically welcome your input and experience on Burnt Chocolate.


Comments

  1. jeanieOctober 4, 2025 at 12:31:00 PM CST

    I was very pleased with myself to realize that I recognize and understand most of the Yiddish you posted. I guess you have rubbed off on me, as well as many other Jewish friends I have and love.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Barbara ByerOctober 4, 2025 at 12:38:00 PM CST

      Your turn to share some Greek with us! All I know is Yaya.

      Delete
  2. AnonymousOctober 4, 2025 at 12:34:00 PM CST

    I loved your explanations of Yiddish words. Though my Jewish family doesn't talk Yiddish, they use plenty of words you defined. So that was fun.
    Then I looked back on your memories and feelings of your relatively new widowhood. I was in tears. Your thoughts were at times so similar to my own, after my husband died ,I felt a kinship there. There are still those good men who love, nourish us, and walk with us as we define our own selves without threatening the bonds that tied us together.
    Bless you as you continue your blog that brings joy and insight into our own lives.
    Michelle Mooney

    ReplyDelete

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