List of English words of Yiddish origin

List of English words of Yiddish origin

This is a list of English words that have their origins in the Yiddish language. Yiddish is a Germanic language that developed among Ashkenazi Jews in Central and Eastern Europe. It has had a significant influence on the English language, particularly in areas related to Jewish culture, food, and everyday life.

Food and Drink

• Bagel - A popular bread roll that is typically shaped like a ring.
• Blintz - A thin pancake filled with cheese, fruit, or meat.
• Chutzpah - Audacity or nerve, often used to describe someone who is bold or brazen.
• Kugel - A baked pudding or casserole, often made with noodles or potatoes.
• Latke - A potato pancake, traditionally eaten during Hanukkah.
• Matzo - Unleavened bread that is eaten during Passover.
• Schmaltz - Rendered chicken or goose fat, often used for cooking or as a spread.
• Schmooze - To chat or engage in casual conversation.
• Shmuck - A foolish or contemptible person.
• Tchotchke - A small trinket or knick-knack.

Cultural Concepts

• Kibbutz - A collective community in Israel, typically based on agriculture.
• Maven - An expert or connoisseur in a particular field.
• Mensch - A person of integrity and honor.
• Nosh - To snack or eat small amounts of food.
• Oy vey - An exclamation of dismay or frustration.
• Shtick - A gimmick or characteristic style, often used in comedy.
• Yenta - A gossip or busybody.

Everyday Words

• Klutz - A clumsy or awkward person.
• Mishmash - A jumble or mixture of things.
• Nudnik - A bothersome or annoying person.
• Schlep - To carry or haul something, often with difficulty.
• Schmooze - To chat or engage in casual conversation.
• Schmuck - A foolish or contemptible person.
• Shlep - To drag or pull something, often with effort.
• Tchotchke - A small trinket or knick-knack.
• Yenta - A gossip or busybody.

Music and Entertainment

• Klezmer - Traditional Jewish music, often played at celebrations.
• Mambo - A lively Cuban dance, influenced by Jewish musicians.
• Ragtime - A style of music characterized by syncopated rhythms.
• Vaudeville - A type of variety show that was popular in the early 20th century.

Miscellaneous

• Kvetch - To complain or whine.
• Mazel tov - A congratulatory phrase, often used to celebrate a happy occasion.
• Shalom - A Hebrew word meaning peace, used as a greeting or farewell.
• Yarmulke - A skullcap worn by Jewish men as a sign of reverence.

See also

• Yiddish language
• List of English words of Hebrew origin
• List of English words of German origin