Yiddish Words You Didn’t Know You Were Using Every Day
English is a vibrant mix of many languages and cultures, and Yiddish—a Germanic language traditionally spoken by Ashkenazi Jews—has left a notable mark on American English. How many of these words have made it into your vocabulary? Do you have a favorite?
Schlep
![Schlep. carrying garbage.](https://www.thequeenzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Schlep.-carrying-garbage.-Image-credit-Oleg-Kopyov-via-Shutterstock-1024x576.jpg)
Schlep means to carry or drag something, often with difficulty. In Yiddish, it is used both as a verb and a noun. In American English, it retains this dual usage, often describing a burdensome journey or task.
Nosh
![Woman eating pizza at night.](https://www.thequeenzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Woman-eating-pizza-at-night.-Image-credit-Joshua-Resnick-via-Shutterstock-1024x576.jpg)
Nosh refers to eating a small snack or light meal. This word is commonly used in American English to describe casual eating between meals.
Chutzpah
![shaving head.](https://www.thequeenzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/bold-confident-woman.-Bald.-shaving-head.-Image-credit-Jacob-Lund-via-Shutterstock-1024x576.jpg)
Chutzpah denotes audacity or nerve. While it originally had a negative connotation in Yiddish, in American English, it often carries a more positive sense of boldness or confidence.
Klutz
![Klutz. Stumble. Trip.](https://www.thequeenzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Klutz.-Stumble.-Trip.-Image-credit-IKO-studio-via-Shutterstock-1024x576.jpg)
Klutz describes a clumsy or awkward person. This term is widely used in American English to refer to someone prone to accidents or mishaps.
Oy Vey
![Confused frustrated.](https://www.thequeenzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Confused-frustrated.-Imagecredit-Mix-and-Match-Studio-via-Shutterstock-1024x576.jpg)
Oy vey is an exclamation expressing dismay, frustration, or grief. It is one of the most recognizable Yiddish expressions in American English.
Schmooze
![networking. Talking. shake hands.](https://www.thequeenzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/networking.-Talking.-shake-hands.-Image-credit-PeopleImages.com-Yuri-A-via-Shutterstock-1024x576.jpg)
Schmooze means to engage in casual, friendly conversation, often with the intent of networking or gaining favor. It is a common term in American social and professional settings.
Schmuck
![Annoying person. Ignoring. Ignore.](https://www.thequeenzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Annoying-person.-Ignoring.-Ignore.-Image-credit-Antonio-Guillem-via-Shutterstock-1024x576.jpg)
Schmuck is a derogatory term for a foolish or contemptible person. In American English, it is often used to describe someone who is inconsiderate or annoying.
Tuchus
![women in exercise clothes.](https://www.thequeenzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/women-in-exercise-clothes.-Image-credit-Dmitry-Lobanov-via-Shutterstock-1024x576.jpg)
Tuchus (or tush) refers to the buttocks. This term is commonly used in American English, often in a playful or affectionate manner.
Shpiel
![Giving speech.](https://www.thequeenzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Giving-speech.-Image-credit-Nicoleta-Ionescu-via-Shutterstock-1024x576.jpg)
Shpiel is a long, often rehearsed speech or sales pitch. In American English, it is used to describe any lengthy or persuasive talk.
Mensch
![confident woman.](https://www.thequeenzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/confident-woman.-Image-credit-Look-At-You-Photography-viaShutterstock-1024x576.jpg)
Mensch means a person of integrity and honor. In American English, it is a high compliment, indicating someone who is genuinely good and reliable.
Kvetch
![stop complaining.](https://www.thequeenzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/stop-complaining.-Image-credit-Ariya-J-via-Shutterstock-1024x576.jpg)
Kvetch means to complain persistently. This term is widely used in American English to describe someone who is always grumbling or whining.
Plotz
![Faint.](https://www.thequeenzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Faint.-Image-credit-William-Moss-via-Shutterstock-1024x576.jpg)
Plotz means to collapse or faint from excitement or exhaustion. In American English, it is often used humorously to describe being overwhelmed.
Bubbe
![Nana. Grandmother. Nana. older woman. Senior.](https://www.thequeenzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Nana.-Grandmother.-Nana.-older-woman.-Senior.-Image-credit-Lisa-F.-Young-via-Shutterstock-1024x576.jpg)
Bubbe is an affectionate term for grandmother. It is commonly used in American English, especially within Jewish families.
Glitch
![Computer error. Glitch.](https://www.thequeenzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Computer-error.-Glitch.-Image-credit-Kaspars-Grinvalds-via-Shutterstock-1024x576.jpg)
Glitch refers to a minor malfunction or error. This term is widely used in American English, especially in technology and electronics.
Maven
![Young woman wearing glasses working at desk. Smart.](https://www.thequeenzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Young-woman-wearing-glasses-working-at-desk.-Smart.-Image-credit-Mike-Laptev-via-Shutterstock-1024x576.jpg)
Maven means an expert or connoisseur. In American English, it is used to describe someone with deep knowledge in a particular field.
Nudge
![elephants nudging. touching.](https://www.thequeenzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/elephants-nudging.-touching.-Image-credit-Emma-Geary-via-Shutterstock-1024x576.jpg)
Nudge means to prod someone gently, often to get their attention or encourage them to do something. It is commonly used in American English in both literal and figurative senses.
Schlock
![TEMU. SHEIN.](https://www.thequeenzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/TEMU.-SHEIN.-Image-credit-Ascannio-via-Shutterstock-1024x576.jpg)
Schlock refers to cheap or inferior goods. In American English, it is used to describe anything of low quality.
Tchotchke
![Souvenirs. trinkets.](https://www.thequeenzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Souvenirs.-trinkets.-Image-credit-BearFotos-via-Shutterstock-1024x576.jpg)
Tchotchke means a small decorative item or trinket. This term is widely used in American English to describe knick-knacks or souvenirs.
Zaftig
![plus sized women.](https://www.thequeenzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/plus-sized-women.-Image-credit-oneinchpunch-via-Shutterstock-1024x576.jpg)
Zaftig describes a woman with a full, rounded figure. In American English, it is often used in a positive, affectionate manner.
The Takeaway
![Baking challah. Mother and daughter.](https://www.thequeenzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Baking-challah.-Mother-and-daughter.-Image-credit-Monkey-Business-Images-via-Shutterstock-1024x576.jpg)
The integration of Yiddish words into American English is a testament to the rich cultural exchange that has shaped the language. These words not only add color and nuance to everyday speech but also reflect the history and experiences of Jewish immigrants in America. As these terms continue to be used and evolve, they serve as a reminder of the enduring influence of Yiddish on American culture.
Countdown 18 Of The World’s Most Overrated Foods
![woman eating caviar.](https://www.thequeenzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/woman-eating-caviar.-Image-credit-LuYago-via-Shutterstock-1024x576.png)
We all have foods we love and those we avoid. Everyone has their own likes and dislikes, but which foods are the most overrated? This question sparked a lively debate online, generating a variety of opinions. Some made perfect sense, while others were surprising and thought-provoking.
What’s the most overrated food in your opinion?
READ: Countdown 18 Of The World’s Most Overrated Foods
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![Beautiful happy older woman.](https://www.thequeenzone.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Beautiful-happy-older-woman.-Image-credit-Kiselev-Andrey-Valerevich-via-Shutterstock-1024x576.jpg)
that pertain to us all. Aging gradually alters people over decades, a long period shaped by individuals’ economic and social circumstances, their behaviors, their neighborhoods, and other factors. Also, while people experience common physiological issues in later life, they don’t follow a well-charted, developmentally predetermined path. Let’s take a look at what science has told us to expect. READ: Science Tells Us What To Expect As We Age: Strategies For Thriving In Later Life
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