Top 10 Yiddishisms
In William Safire's On Language column this week, he listed the top 10 Yiddishims in the English language:
klutz
glitsch
kosher
bagel
maven
mensch
schlock
schmooze
tush
chutzpah
An interestting list to be sure ... and interesting transliteration as well. Though, there really is no right way to spell Yiddish words in English. (I'm not even sure if there's a right way of spelling them to begin with.) But I can think of a few that should be on that list but aren't. Any suggestions?
posted by Eli7 @ 9:40 AM
9 comments
9 Comments:
Schmuck, putz and -- course - oy!
megillah? And I've heard shlep before...
I'm surprised he left out "shtark." No, it's not popular exclusively in the "yeshivishe velt;" Safire himself used it in an op-ed piece (I think to describe Ariel Sharon) about 2 (maybe 2.5?) years ago (I'll do a Lexis Nexis search for anyone interested).
Also, shmear.
Michael, find me that article! (Please, pretty please, with a cherry on top!)
Elisheva,
Since you asked so nicely and politely, I'd suggest checking your inbox for a belated birthday present. ;)
And, for anyone else interested, the article is entitled "The Israeli Choice" by William Safire, published on November 25, 2002, wherein the author uses the term to describe both Sharon and Netanyahu as "shtarkers."
Shlep should definitely be on the list
I'd like to see that article too.
Nephtuli, check your inbox, too.
Enough already!
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