Yiddish Words
Bubbe - (also spelled Bubbeh) Grandmother or older, caring woman who loves to take care of the people she knows and loves!
bubele - darling, honey, sweetie
bupkes - Literally means "beans" in Russian; usually translated as "nothing," but it is used to criticize the fact that an amount is absurdly smaller than expected or deserved.
chutzpah - expresses an extreme level of bold-faced arrogance and presumption.
gesundheit - G-d bless you!
haimish - informal, friendly and cozy
kibitz - To chat or converse
kvell - to burst with pride from the achievements of your loved ones.
kvetch -to complain or to whine
macher - big shot
mazel tov - good luck!
mayven - expert at times meant sarcastically
mensch - A mensch is a someone to admire and emulate, someone of noble character. The key to being "a real mensch" is nothing less than character, rectitude, dignity, a sense of what is right, responsible, decorous.
meshugenah - crazy person or crazy idea
mishigas - nonsense or silliness
mitzvah - good deed, helping someone or doing something nice
mishpuchah - family
mummalah - sweetheart or special person, usually younger
nebech - loser, pitiful speciman of a man
naches - to feel pride
nosh - to snack or to eat a light meal
nu - An all-purpose word that doesn't really mean anything, like "well," "so" or "wassup?" I usually hear it as a prompt for a response or explanation. If someone says something that doesn't seem to make any sense, you might say, "nu?" (what's that supposed to mean?)
nudnik - a pest; pain in the neck
ongepatshtke - a little too much
oy - used as an expression for extreme surprise. example: Oy! I can't believe she did that!
putz - an idiotic or stupid man; also used as a slang word for male private parts
shayna punim - beautful face; often said from a grandmother or granfather to a grandchild
shmutz - Dirt. Refers to a trivial amount of nuisance dirt, not real filth. Example: "You have some shmutz on your shirt; brush it off."
shmooze - Having a long, friendly chat or to kiss up to a superior. Can be used as a noun, but is usually used as a verb.
schvitz - to sweat from working hard and running around
schlep - to drag around; to run around and do things until you are exhausted
schmattah - A rag; you’re going out in that schmattah
shlemazl - unlucky person
shlumpadinka - a messy or unkempt person (usually a woman); also promounced as shlumpadicka
shpilkes - nervous energy; similar to having ants in the pants
shtik - routine
Tattelah - term of endearment for a younger and well-loved person
tumulte - a noisy chaos
tzaddik - Person of surpassing virtue
yenta - A woman who provides you with knowledge and wisdom about everything; a matchmaker
yutz - silly and idiotic man
zaftig - a full-bosomed woman; a woman with a full, shapely figure.
Yiddish Phrases
ava buttle - this describes someone who is not quite right in the head
biz hundert un tsvantsik - You should live till 120, long life to you
bubbe mayses - made-up stories; tall tales
oy vay - oh no!
fehr gezunderheit - have a safe trip!
ghuks a hoise - hurry up; move it along
makhn ash un porekh - to destroy or to ruin something
mazel tov - means congratulations; good wishes
tikkun olam - repairing the world; to give back and to matter
zay gezunt - Stay well, good bye
zol zion mit mazel - Good luck
Yiddish Insults a la Zadie Lester
zol vuckson azaye vie atsibla mit kop inda erde und feese une dreissen - You should stick your head in the ground and your feet in the air...said to soemone who is a pain in the ......!
gey kucken affen yom - go poop in the field!
Renta-Yenta Personal Assistant & Concierge Services
Telephone: 1-781-235-2105 Email: bubbeyenta@renta-yenta.net
Copyright 2007 Renta-Yenta (TM) All rights reserved
All Bubbe Yenta illustrations by Ian Meyer at ianrmeyer@hotmail.com
Sit, have some coffee and learn a little Yiddish from Bubbe
Renta-Yenta
Personal Assistant & Concierge Service
