Glossary of Yiddish Words and Phrases

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Note on spelling and pronunciation


A
A bisel A little
A biseleh A very little
A breyre hob ich I have no alternative
A breyte deye hob'n To do all the talking (to have the greatest voice or authority)
A brokh Oh, hell. Damn it. A curse.
A brokh tsu dayn lebn Your life should be a disaster (lit., a curse on your life)
A brokh tsu dir A curse on you!
A brokheh A blessing
A chazer bleibt a chazer A pig remains a pig
A choleryeh (chaleyre/khaleryeh) ahf dir A plague on you! (lit., cholera on you)
A chorbn Disaster! (expletive)
A deigeh hob ich I don't care. I should worry.
A farshlepteh krenk A chronic ailment
A feier zol im trefen He should burn up! (lit., a fire should meet him)
A finstere cholem auf dein kopf und auf dein hent und fiss You should have a nightmare! (lit., a dark dream on your head and on your hands and feet)
A foiler tut in tsveyen A lazy person has to do a task twice
A gesheft hob nicht I don't care
A gezunt ahf dein kop Good health to you (lit., good health on your head)
A glick ahf dir 1. Good luck to you; 2. big deal! (sarcastically) (lit., a piece of luck on you)
A glick hot dich getrofen Big deal! (sarcastically) (lit., a piece of luck happened to you)
A gliklekhn nay-yor Happy new year!
A groysen dank dir Huge thanks to you
A groyser kunst Big deal! (lit., a big art)
A groyser tsuleyger A big shot (sarcastically)
A grubber yung A coarse young man
A kappore A catastrophe
A khaleryeh (chaleyre) ahf dir A plague on you! (lit., cholera on you)
A khasuren die kalleh is tsu shayn A fault that the bride is too beautiful
A klog iz mir Woe is me!
A klog tsu meineh somin A curse on my enemies.
A kop oif di plaitses Good, common sense (lit., A head on the shoulders)
A langer lucksh A tall person (lit., a long noodle)
A lebedikeh velt A lively world
A lebediker A lively person
A leben ahf dein kepele Words of praise: Well said! Well done! You are so smart! (affectionately) (lit., a life on your head)
A leben ahf dir You should live! And be well!
A lung un leber oyf der noz Stop talking yourself into illness (lit., a lung and a liver on the nose)
A maidel mit a klaidel A cutie-pie showing off her (new) dress.
A maidel mit a vayndel A pony-tailed cutie-pie.
A mentsh on glik is a toyter mensh An unlucky person is a dead person.
A mentsh tracht und Gott lacht Man proposes, but God disposes (lit., a man plans and God laughs)
A metsieh far a ganef It's a steal (lit., a bargain for a thief)
A nahr bleibt a nahr A fool remains a fool
A nechtiker tog Forget it! Nonsense! (lit., a day that's a night)
A nishtikeit A nobody!
A piste kayleh A shallow person (lit., an empty barrel)
A ritch in kop Crazy (in the head)
A shandeh un a charpeh A shame and a disgrace
A shaynem dank dir im pupik Many thanks in your belly button
A sheynem dank (aykh) Thank you very much
A sheynem, reynem kapore of zey May a beautiful, purified plague befall them
A sheyner veyer dank A pretty, pure thank you
A shittern mogn Loose bowel movement
A shtik fleish mit tsvei eigen A piece of meat with two eyes (insult)
A shtik naches A great joy
A shtyfer mogn Constipated
A shvarts yor A miserable year you should have (lit., a black year)
A shvartsen sof A bad end (lit., a black end)
A sof. A sof Let's end it. End it.
A tuches un a halb A person with a very large backside (lit., a backside and a half)
A vayle A while
A volf farlirt zayne hor, ober nit zayn natur A leopard cannot change his spots (lit., a wolf loses his hair but not his nature)
A yung mit bainer A powerhouse; a strongly built person
Abi 1. (conj.) as long as; 2. at least, if only, if nothing else; 3. (adj.) any
Abi gezunt As long as there’s health
Abi velkher Any, whatever
Abi ver Anybody, anyone
Abi vos Anything
Abi vu (In) any way, anyhow, carelessly
Absolut Absolute
Abstraktsye Abstraction
Absurd Absurdity
Achet Eight
Achrahyes Responsibility; responsible
Achter Eighth
Adres Address
Adurkhlebn To live through
Adurkhtsufirn Accomplish
Advokat Lawyer, attorney
Adye Adieu; good-bye; bye
Aeroplan Airplane
Afh yenems tukhes is gut sepatchen Someone else's backside is easy to smack
Afn On (the...) (abbr. of "af dem" = "oyf dem")
Afn gonif brennt das hittel Everyone else has committed a crime (lit., a thief's hat burns)
Agune Abandoned wife
Ahf mir gezogt I wish it could be said about me.
Ahf tsores In trouble
Ahf zu lochis Spitefully (lit., just to get [someone] angry)
Ahftseloches Inevitable bad luck (the result of a "kinehora").
Ahntoisht Disappointed
Ahzes punim Impudent fellow (lit., face)
Aidel 1. Cultured or finicky; 2. courteous, refined
Aidel gepotchket Delicately brought up
Aidim, aydem Son-in-law
Ainikle Grandchild
Aitseh Advice
Aiver butel Absent-minded; mixed up
Akademish Academic
Akademye Academy
Akegn Against
Akh un vey Tough luck, too bad
Akhtseter Eighteenth
Akhtsik Eighty
Akhtsikster Eightieth
Akhtsn Eighteen
Akrobatik Acrobatics
Akt Act, deed
Aktiv Active
Aktivitet Activity
Aktrise Actress
Aktsent Accent (in speech)
Aktyor Actor
Ale All; every(one)
Ale montik un donershtik Every time you turn around (lit., every Monday and Thursday)
Ale vayle All the while
Alef-bais Alphabet; the first two letters of the Jewish alphabet
Aleichem sholom To you be peace. Used in response to the the greeting "shalom aleichem."
Alemol All the time; always
Alergye Allergy
Alevei It should (only) happen to me (to you); if only! A seemingly hopeful exclamation which is actually an admission of hopelessness.
Aleyn Alone
Alle ziben glicken Not what it's cracked up to be (lit., all seven lucky things)
Alles in einem is nisht do bei keine All in one (person) is to be found in no one.
Alrightnik (m.) One who has succeeded (Yinglish)
Alrightnikeh (f.) One who has succeeded (Yinglish)
Alteh bakahnter An old acquaintance
Alteh bocher Bachelor
Alteh bok Old goat
Alteh kocker Old man
Alteh machashaifeh Old witch
Alteh moid Spinster, old maid
Alteh trombenick Old bum
Alts All, everything
Ambitsye Ambition, ambitious
Ambulans Ambulance
Amerikanish American
Amerike America
An emmisse meisse An (absolutely) true tale
And Either
Ander Other; another
Andersh Different(ly)
Antibiotik Antibiotic
Antik (pl. antikn) 1. (adj.) ancient, antique; 2. (n.) antique, rarity; 3. something precious, exquisite
Aparat Apparatus
Apelirn (v.) Appeal
Apetit Appetite
Apikoros An unbeliever, a skeptic, an atheist
Aprikos Apricot
April April
Araynlozn Admit; allow in
Arbit Work
Arein Come in
Arestirn (v.) Arrest
Ariber Above, over, across
Arkhitekt Architect
Armey Army
Aroisgevorfen Thrown out, wasted, wasted opportunities
Aroisgevorfene gelt Thrown out money (wasted money)
Arterye Artery (blood vessel)
Arum 1. Up; 2. around
Arumgeflickt Swindled; plucked; milked
Arumloifer Street urchin; person who runs around
Ashtetsl Ashtray
Aspirin Aspirin
Avek Away (from a place)
Avekvaren (v.) Abandon
Averah Sin. Opposite of “mitzvah
Aydem Son-in-law
Ayer (pl.) Your
Aykh (pl.) You
Ayn klaynigkeit Yeah, sure! (very derogatory)
Ayndordenen Arrange
Az a yor ahf mir. I should have such good luck.
Az di bobe volt gehat beytsim volt zi geven mayn zeyde If my grandmother had testicles she would be my grandfather.
Az mir vill schlugen a hunt, gifintmin a schtecken If one wants to beat a dog, one finds a stick.
Az och un vai Tough luck! Too bad! Misfortune!
Az tsvei zuggen shiker, leigst zich der driter shloffen If two people confirm something, it's true (lit., if two people say you're drunk, the third one goes to sleep)
Azoy gait es That's how it goes!
Azoy gich? So soon?
Azoy vert dos kichel tsekrochen That's how the cookie crumbles!
Azoy vi As; in the same way; as well as; similarly; likewise; by the same token
Azoy zugst du I don’t believe you (lit., so say you)
Azoy? Really?
 
B
Babka Coffee cake style pastry
Badchan Jester, comedian, entertainer, merry maker or master of ceremonies at a wedding
Badhkin Jester, comedian, entertainer, merry maker or master of ceremonies at a wedding
Bafaln (v.) Attack
Bagazh Baggage, luggage
Bagroben (v.) Bury
Baim Bench
Baitsim Testicles
Bak Cheek (part of the body)
Bakant Known, familiar
Bakanter Acquaintance
Bakn (v.) Bake
Bal Sure
Bal toyreh Learned man, scholar (lit., master of the Torah)
Bal-toyve Benefactor
Balagan Chaos
Balebatim Persons of high standing
Balebatish Quiet, respectable, responsible, well mannered
Balebatisheh mentsh Respectable man, man of substance and good standing
Balebatisheh yiden Respectable Jews, men of substance and good standing in the community
Baleboosteh Mistress of the house. A compliment to someone who is a terrific housekeeper
Balebos Boss, landlord
Balebuste Mistress of the house. A compliment to someone who is a terrific housekeeper
Balegoola Truck driver or sloppy person of low standing.
Balfaln Assault
Balibte Beloved
Balmalocha An expert (sometimes used sarcastically)
Balnes Miracle worker
Balt Sure
Banane Banana
Bandazh Bandage
Bandzho Banjo
Banket Banquet
Bareden yenem To gossip
Baren Bother, annoy; (vulgar) fornicate
Barimer Braggart, showoff
Baroygis Angry, petulant
Bas-yekhide A female only child
Bashert Fated, predestined
Bashert zein To be destined
Bashtetikn Acknowledge
Bashuldikn Accuse
Bashuldikung Accusation
Batampt Delicious, tasty
Batampte Delicious, tasty
Baterye Battery
Batlan Someone without a trade or a regular means of livelihood
Batrefn Amount to (monetary)
Batsirn Adorn
Bay At, beside, near, by, with; on (the person of); in the mind of; about, around; on
Baym On (the...); with (the...); while ("baym" and "bam" = bay dem)
Bays (dir) di tsung Stop talking (lit., bite your tongue)
Baysn zikh di finger vos Regret strongly that...
Bazunder Separate, distinct, special; apart
Bebl Bean
Becher Wine goblet
Behaimeh Animal, cow, ignorant drudge (when referring to a human being, means dull-witted)
Beheyme Animal, cow, ignorant drudge (when referring to a human being, means dull-witted)
Behole Bedlam
Bei mir bist du sheyn To me you're beautiful
Bei mir hust du gepoylt You've gotten your way with me
Beker Baker
Bekeray Bakery
Ben-yokhid A male only child
Benken To yearn for; to long for
Benkshaft Homesickness, nostalgia
Bentsh To bless, to recite a blessing (esp. after meals)
Bentshen lecht Recite prayer over lit candles on Sabbath eve or Holy Day candles
Ber Bear (animal)
Beryeh Efficient, competent housewife
Bes medresh Synagogue
Beser zolst du... Better you should...
Beshas During, while, as
Besuleh Virgin
Bet Bed
Betgevant Bedding
Betler Beggar
Betn (v.) Ask (for), request; beg
Betn Gott (v.) Pray
Betn mekhile Apologize; beg pardon; excuse
Betn zikh Beseech
Beybi Baby
Beygl Bagel
Beygn (v.) Bend
Beykon Bacon
Beysbol Baseball (the game or the ball)
Beyz Angry
Bikur cholem Visiting the sick
Billik Cheap, inexpensive
Biln (v.) Bark
Bilyon Billion
Bin (v., sing.) Am (I)
Binshtok Beehive
Bir Beer
Bissel (a) A little
Bist (v., sing.) Are (you)
Bist meshugeh? Are you crazy?
Biteh Please
Biz Until
Biz hundert azoi ve tsvantsik Live till 100 like a 20-year-old
Biz hundert un tsvantsik A long life to you (lit., till 120)
Blaybn (v.) Abide; stay, remain
Blits Lightning, flash
Blo (adj.) Blue
Blondjen (v.) Wander, be lost
Bluffer Pretender, boaster; cheat, faker, crook
Boarderkeh A female boarder (Yinglish)
Bobbe 1. Grandmother; 2. a "tall" story
Bobbe myseh Old wives’ tale, an untrue belief
Bobe 1. Grandmother; 2. a "tall" story
Bobkes Small things, triflings, peanuts, nothing, worthless
Boch A punch
Bod Bathhouse
Bodkhalat Bathrobe
Bodkostyum Bathing suit
Bodn zikh (v.) Bathe
Bohmer (m.) Bum
Bohmerkeh (f.) Bum
Boikh Abdomen, belly
Bokher Young man, youngster, bachelor
Bondit Menace, outlaw, rascal, rogue, pain-in-the-neck
Boorvisser fiss Barefoot
Bopkis Nothing, something of little or no value, totally worthless (lit., beans)
Bord Beard, chin
Boreke borsht Beet borsht which the wealthy could afford.
Borekes Pastries with cheese inside
Borsht Beet soup
Borves Barefoot
Borviss Barefoot
Botvenye borsht Borsht made from beet leaves for the poor.
Boychik Young boy (term of endearment)
Boydem Attic
Boykh Abdomen, belly
Boykhvehtig Stomachache
Boytchik Young boy (term of endearment)
Breeye Creature, animal
Breg Edge; brim; border; river bank
Bregn yam Beach, coast
Breire Choice
Bris Circumcision
Bristen Breasts
Broitgeber Head of family (lit., breadgiver)
Bronfen Whiskey
Broygis (pl. broygez) 1. Angry; 2. anger, friction (between people); 3. not on speaking terms
Bruder Brother
Bshefe Abundant, plentiful
Bubbee Friendly term for anybody you like
Bubeleh Darling, honey, sweetie, endearing term for anyone you like regardless of age
Bulbanik Stammerer, one prone to outlandish malapropisms
Bulvan 1. Imbecile, brute, oaf; 2. boorish, coarse, rude person; 3. man built like an ox
Bulvon 1. Imbecile, brute, oaf; 2. boorish, coarse, rude person; 3. man built like an ox
Bupkis Nothing, something of little or no value, totally worthless (lit., beans)
Burik Beet
Burtshen (v.) Mutter, grumble
Butchke Chat, tete-â-tete, telling tales
 
C
Chachem Genius, smart person (or sarcastically: wise guy)
Chachem attick A wise guy
Chachma Wisdom, bright saying, witticism
Chai Life (Hebrew)
Chaider Religious school
Chaim yankel 1. Half-witted person; 2. country bumpkin; 3. any Tom, Dick or Harry
Chaim-yankel kooternooz The perennial cuckold
Chaleria 1. Nasty, shrewish woman; 2. Evil woman. Probably derived from "cholera."
Chaleshen (v.) Faint
Challa Braided egg bread
Chaloshes Revolting, disgusting, or loathsome thing
Chalushisdick Nauseating, sickening
Chamalyiah A real whack, a knock-out punch
Chamoole Donkey, jackass, numbskull, fool
Chamoyer du ainer You blockhead. You dope, You ass.
Chap a gang Beat it (lit., catch a way, catch a road)
Chap ein a meesa meshina May you suffer an ugly fate!
Chap nit Take it easy. Not so fast (lit., don't grab)
Chaptsem Catch him!
Chas v'cholileh God forbid!
Chassen Bridegroom
Chassene machen To plan and execute a wedding.
Chasseneh Wedding
Chaver Male friend
Chaver mann Buddy
Chavver Male friend
Chaye Animal
Chazen Cantor
Chazenteh Wife of chazen (cantor)
Chazer A pig; by extension, one who eats like a pig; a selfish person
Chazeray 1. Swill, pig's feed; 2. anything bad, unpalatable, rotten; 3. trash, junk
Chazerei 1. Swill, pig's feed; 2. anything bad, unpalatable, rotten; 3. trash, junk
Chazzer A pig; by extension, one who eats like a pig; a selfish person
Chazzershtal Pigpen; slovenly kept room or house.
Chedar Room
Chei kuck (Vulgar) Nothing, infinitesimal, worthless, unimportant (lit., excrement)
Chevra Comradeship
Chochem Genius; very clever person (sometimes sarcastically)
Chochem attick Wise man (Slang: wise guy)
Chochma Wisdom, bright saying, witticism, bright idea
Chochmeh Wisdom, bright saying, witticism, bright idea
Cholem Dream
Choleria Cholera, curse, plague
Choleryeh Cholera, curse, plague
Choshever mentsh Man of worth and dignity; elite person; respected person
Chosid Rabid fan
Chossen Bridegroom
Chossen-kalleh Bride and groom; engaged couple
Chousin Bridegroom
Choyzik machen Make fun of, ridicule
Chrain Horseradish
Chropen Snore
Chub rachmones (v.) Pity
Chug Activity group
Chuppah Canopy under which a bride and groom stand during marriage ceremony.
Chutzpah Nerve, brazenness, gall, and without shame; guts
Chutzpenik Impudent fellow
Chvalye Ocean wave
Cokamammie Crazy, fake, outrageous, ridiculous
Columbus' medina It's not what it's cracked up to be (lit., Columbus' country)
Cristiyah Enema
 
D
Danken Gott Thank God!
Darf min gehn in kolledj? For this I went to college? Usually said when describing a menial task.
Davenen Pray
Dayn (poss. pron.) Your, yours
Ddervaksn (adj.) Adult, grown-up
Deigeh nisht! Don't worry!
Dem (nom. art.) The
Dempik Humid
Der The
Der mensch trakht un Gott lahkht Man proposes, God disposes (lit., the man thinks and God laughs)
Der tate oysn oyg Just like his father (lit., the father from eye)
Der universitet University
Derech erets Respect
Derfin About it
Dergreykh Accomplishment; achievement
Derinnen (n.) Thing
Derlebn To live to see (something happen)
Derloybn (v.) Allow; permit
Dernokhdem Afterwards, as a sequel
Dershrokn Afraid
Dershtikt zolstu veren You should choke on it.
Dershtoynt Amaze, astound; amazed, astounded
Dertseyl (v.) Tell
Dervaksener (n.) Adult
Dervartn Await
Dervegn About it, about that
Di The
Di kale iz tsu sheyn? What’s wrong? (lit., is the bride too beautiful?)
Di khemye Chemistry
Dikh (obj.) You
Dingen (v.) Bargain, hire, engage, lease, rent
Dingen zikh (v.) Bargain
Dinstik Tuesday
Dir (dat.) You
Dire Apartment
Dis fayntin shneg It's starting to snow
Dis fayntin zoraiganin It's starting to rain
Do Here
Dokh Yet, still, obviously, as you know
Donershtik Thursday
Doppes One who offers oral sympathy
Dortn There
Dos The
Dos felt mir noch That’s all I need (lit., that’s all I lack yet)
Dos gefelt mir This pleases me
Dos harts hot mir gezogt I predicted it (lit., my heart told me)
Dos iz alts That's all
Dos iz oyf zikher That’s for sure
Dos zelbeh Likewise
Drai mir nit kain kop Don't bother me! (lit., don't twist my head)
Drai zich Keep moving!
Draikop, draykop Scatterbrain
Dray Three
Draysik Thirty
Draysikster Thirtieth
Draytseter Thirteenth
Draytsn Thirteen
Dreck 1. Excrement; dung, feces, manure; 2. inferior merchandise or work; 3. insincere talk or excessive flattery; 4. crap; filth
Dreck auf dem teller Mean spirited, valueless (lit., excrement on a plate)
Dreck mit leber Absolutely nothing; it's not worth anything.
Driml (n.) Dream
Driter Third
Druchus The sticks (way out in the wild)
Du (nom.) You
Du fangst shoyn on? Are you starting up again?
Du kannst nicht auf meinem rucken pishen unt mir sagen class es regen ist. You can't pee on my back and tell me that it's rain!
Dumkop Dumbbell, dunce (lit., dumb head)
Durkhfall Flop or failure
 
E
Ech A groan, a disparaging exclamation
Ech hob dir in drerd Go to hell
Ech mir (eppes) Humorous, disparaging remark about anything
Eenlekh Similar, alike
Efsher Maybe, could be
Ei! Ei! Yiddish exclamation equivalent to the English "Oh!"
Eingeshpahrt Stubborn
Eingetunken Dipped, dunked
Einhoreh The evil eye
Eizel Fool, dope
Ek End
Ek veldt The boondocks ( lit., the end of the earth)
Elf Eleven
Elfter Eleventh
Emetser Someone
Emmis Truth
Emmisse meisse An (absolutely) true tale
Enschultig meir Well, excuse me! (sarcastically, also non-sarcastic depending on the usage)
Entoisht Disappointed
Epl Apple
Epl tsimes Applesauce
Eppes Something, somewhat, a bit, not much; large remarkable, prodigious; perhaps, maybe
Eppes narrishkeit Some foolishness
Er He
Er bolbet narishkeiten He talks nonsense
Er drayt sich arum vie a forts in russell Aimless wandering (lit., he wanders around like a fart in a barrel)
Er est vi noch a krenk He eats as if he just recovered from a sickness
Er frest vi a ferd He eats like a horse
Er hot a makeh He has nothing at all (lit., he has a boil)
Er hot nit zorg He hasn't got a worry
Er iz a niderrechtiker kerl He's a low down good-for-nothing
Er iz shoyn du, der nudnik! The nuisance is here already!
Er macht a tel fun dem He ruins it
Er macht zack nisht visindicht He pretends he doesn't know he is doing something wrong, e.g., breaking into a line.
Er toig (taig) nit He's no good, worthless
Er varved zakh Becoming angry, agitated, pissed-off (lit., he's throwing himself)
Er zitst oyf shpilkes He's restless (lit., he sits on pins)
Er zol vaksen vi a tsibeleh, mit dem kop in drerd He should grow like an onion, with his head in the ground.
Ershter First
Es It
Es brent mir ahfen harts. I have a heartburn
Es dir oys s’harts Be consumed by anger or grief (lit., eat your heart out)
Es gait nit It doesn't work! (lit., it isn't running)
Es gefelt mir I like it (lit., it pleases me)
Es hot zich oysgelohzen a boydem! Nothing came of it! (lit., there's nothing up there but a small attic)
Es iz (tsu) shpet It is (too) late
Es iz a shandeh far di kinder It's a shame for the children!
Es iz nit dayn gesheft It's none of your business
Es ken gemolt zein It is conceivable. It is imaginable
Es ken nisht (nit) shatn It can’t (wouldn’t) hurt
Es ken zyn Maybe, maybe not; anything is possible; who knows? (lit., it could be)
Es macht mir nit oys It doesn't matter to me
Es past nit Is is not becoming. It is not fitting
Es tut mir a groisseh hanoeh It gives me great pleasure.(often said sarcastically)
Es tut mir bahng I'm sorry (lit., it sorrows me)
Es tut mir leyd I'm sorry (lit., it does me sorrow)
Es tut mir vai It hurts me
Es vert mir finster in di oygen I am fainting. A response to receiving extremely upsetting information or news (lit., it's getting dark in my eyes)
Es vet gornit helfen Nothing will help
Es vet helfen vi a toiten bahnkes It won't help (any) (lit., it will help like blood-cupping on a dead body)
Esn (v.) Eat
Ess Eat. Often used as a command.
Ess, bench, sei a mensch Eat, pray, don't act like a jerk!
Ess gezunterhait Eat in good health
Ess vie ein foygl sheise vie ein ferd! Eat like a bird, excrete like a horse!
Essen (v.) Eat
Essen mitik Eating during midday or having dinner
Essen teg Yeshiva students would be fed in different houses each day (lit., eat days)
Evenyu Avenue
Eybershter (the) Almighty
Eydel mentch Courteous, refined
Eyder 1. Before; 2. than
Eyn un tsvantsik Twenty one
Eyn un tsvantsikster Twenty first
Eyner aleyn Alone, by myself
Eyns One
Eyns un draysik Thirty one
Eytsn (v.) Advise
 
F
Fahrshvindn Disappeared
Faigelah Bird (also used as a derogatory reference to a gay person)
Faklert Absorbed (in thought)
Faktish Actual
Fantazyor Fantasizer, dreamer: man who builds castles in the air
Far In front of; before; for (something), in favor of (something)
Far alts in eynem All in all
Far knaft Engaged
Far vos Why
Far vos nisht Why not
Far vus For what, what for, why
Far zikher For sure
Faran Available, present
Farb Color
Farband Association, union
Farbisseneh punim Sourpuss
Farbissener (n.) Embittered, sour; bitter person
Farbissine (adj.) Bitter
Farblondzhet Totally lost; or hopelessly mixed up, bewildered, confused; dysfunctional
Farblujet Bending your ear
Farblunget Totally lost; or hopelessly mixed up, bewildered, confused; dysfunctional
Farbrecher Crook, con-man
Farbrengen Party, esp. religious or family
Farbrent Burning; zealous
Farchadet Confused, all messed up: farblunget intensified; distracted, dysfunctional
Fardeiget Distressed, worried, full of care, anxiety
Fardinen a mitzveh Earn a blessing or a merit (by doing a good deed)
Fardrai zich dem kop Quit bugging me and get lost: go drive yourself crazy (lit., go turn your own head around)
Fardross Disappointment, sorrow
Farfalen Hopeless, doomed
Farfoylt Mildewed, rotten, decayed
Farfroyren Frozen
Farfufket Befuddled, taken aback, disoriented
Fargessen Forgot
Farginen To wish well; to not begrudge, to not envy; to indulge; to afford to
Farhitn Prevent; avert
Farkatk(e) Lousy, ridiculous; (vulgar) dungy, like excrement
Farkirtsung Abbreviation
Farklempt All choked up, too emotional to talk, overwrought
Farklempt fis Not being able to walk right, clumsy as in "clumsy feet"
Farkrimpter punim Twisted up, scowling face
Farlir zikh Go lose yourself
Farmach dos moyl Shut up. Quiet (lit., shut your mouth)
Farmatert Tired
Farmished Mixed up, messed up
Farmisht Confused, dysfunctional, befuddled
Farmutshet Worn out, fatigued, exhausted
Farpatshket Having the misguided intent to fix or improve something but ruining it in the process
Farpitst To get all dressed up to the "nines"
Farprishte punim Pimpled face
Farputst To get all dressed up to the "nines"
Farshemt Ashamed
Farshimmelt Moldy or rotten. Also can refer to a person who has become senile.
Farshlepteh krenk Fruitless, endless matter (lit., a sickness that hangs on)
Farshlugginer Mixed-up or shaken up, bedraggled person. Also, something of little or dubious value.
Farshmeieter Highly excitable person; always on the go
Farshnickert Drunk, high as a kite
Farshnoshket Loaded, drunk
Farsholtn Accursed
Farshtayst Do you understand? Did you get that?
Farshtinkener Rotten, as in a rotten person
Farshtopt Stuffed
Farshtunken Smells bad, stinks, fetid
Farshvitst Sweaty, all worked up; shvits is sweat
Fartik Finished, ready, complete
Farton Absorbed, engrossed, rapt; off one's guard; preoccupied
Fartootst Bewildered; disoriented; discombobulated; seriously confused but not lost
Fartrogn (v.) Bear, endure
Fartsaytik Ancient
Fartshadikt Confused, bewildered, befuddled, as if by fumes, gas
Fartumelt Bewildered, dizzy, confused
Fartutst Bewildered; disoriented; discombobulated; seriously confused but not lost
Farvaylung Amusement, entertainment
Farzamlung Assembly
Farzikhern (v.) Assure; assert, affirm
Fas Barrel, cask
Fasolye Bean
Fayeke (f.) Capable
Fayeker (m.) Capable
Feh Fooey, it stinks, not very nice, disapproving
Feik Able
Feikayt Ability, aptitude, faculty
Feinkochen Omelet, scrambled eggs
Feinshmeker Putting on airs; high falutin'
Felndik Absent
Fendel Pan
Ferd Horse; a fool (slang)
Ferdrimmeled Dreaming, daydreaming
Ferklempt Clenched
Ferkrimpter punim Twisted-up, scowling face
Fermished Mixed up, messed up
Ferpitsed Dressed up
Fershikert Drunk
Ferter Fourth
Fertseter Fourteenth
Fertsik Forty
Fertsikster Fourtieth
Fertsn Fourteen
Fet Fat, obese
Fetter Uncle (also onkel)
Feygele Bird (also used as a derogatory reference to a gay person)
Fier Four
Finef Five
Finfter Fifth
Finster un glitshik Miserable (lit., dark and slippery)
Firn zikh Act; behave
Fisfinger Toes
Fisslach Chickens' or ducks' feet, often in ptsha
Flaishidik Relating to meat or meat products
Fledermoyz Bat
Fleyshik Meat products
Fliegel Fowl's wing
Flier Aviator
Fliplats Airport
Focha Fan
Foigel Smart guy (lit., bird)
Foiler Lazy man, idler, sluggard, loafer
Foilishtik Foolishness
Folg mich Obey me
Folg mikh a gang Quite a distance! Why should I do it? It's hardly worth the trouble!
Fon From
Fone Banner
Fonfen Speaking through the nose
Fonfer (v.) Speak through nose; double talk; procrastinate; time-wasting talk; mumble, speak incoherently
Fooey Designates disbelief, distaste, contempt
For gezunterhait Bon voyage! Travel in good health!
Forshpeits Appetizer
Forts Fart
Forts n' zovver A very smelly or foul-smelling fart.
Frageh Question
Frailech Happy
Frassk in pisk Slap in the face
Frayhayt Freedom
Frayleich Cheerful
Fraynd Friend
Fraytik Friday
Freg Ask
Freg nit (nisht) Things are bad, absolutely! (lit., don’t ask)
Freilich Happy; joyous
Freint Friend
Fremder Stranger
Fress Eat, overeat
Fressen Eat like a pig, devour
Fressing Gourmandizing (Yinglish)
Frier Earlier; before; formerly
Frimer (f.) Pious, religious, devout
Froy Woman
Frucht Fruit
Frum (m.) Pious, religious, devout
Fuftseter Fifteenth
Fuftsik Fifty
Fuftsikster Fiftieth
Fuftsn Fifteen
Fun From, of, by
Funanderklaybn Analyze
Funem From (the)
Funfeh Speaker's fluff, error
Futz To fiddle around
 
G
G'nossen tsum emess The sneeze confirmed the truth.
G'vir Rich man
Gadles Arrogance
Gadult Patience, feeding the baby
Galitsianer Jewish native of Galicia
Galut Exile, as in diaspora (Hebrew)
Ganef Crook, thief, burglar, swindler, racketeer, dishonest person or scoundrel (often used as a general term of abuse)
Ganif Crook, thief, burglar, swindler, racketeer, dishonest person or scoundrel (often used as a general term of abuse)
Gants gut Quite well; very good
Gantseh Whole; entire; all; complete
Gantseh k'nacker Big shot
Gantseh macher Big shot
Gantseh megillah A long, drawn-out story that never ends. The whole megillah; Big deal! (derisive)
Gantseh mentsh Manly, a whole man, a complete man; an adult; a fellow who assumes airs
Gantseh mishpochah Entire family
Gartl Belt, sash
Gatkes Long winter underwear
Ge (v. particle prefix)
Geb (v.) Give
Geben shoychad To bribe
Gebentsht mit kinder Blessed with children
Gebentshte boych Said of a woman with a fabulous child or children (lit., blessed stomach (womb))
Gebrenteh tsores Utter misery
Gebrochener english Fractured English
Gedainkst? Remember?
Gedempte flaysh Mystery meat
Gedenk (v.) Remember
Gedicht Thick, full, ample
Gedult Patience
Geferlech Dangerous
Gegnt Neighborhood; area (region, district)
Geh avek Go away
Geh feifen ahfen yam Scram! (lit., go whistle on the ocesn)
Geh gezunterheit Go in good health
Geh in der klozet Go to the toilet
Geh in drerd arein Go to hell!
Geh kaken oifen yam Get lost, hit the road; beat it (lit., go defecate in the ocean!)
Geh mit dein kop in drerd Stick your head in the mud (lit., go with your head in the ground)
Geh plats Go split your guts
Geh red tsu der vant Go talk to the wall
Geh shlofn Go to sleep
Geh shlog dein kup en vant Go bang your head against the wall
Geh shoyn, geh 1. Scram! 2. don't be silly!
Geh strasheh di vantsen You don't frighten me (lit., go threaten the bed bugs)
Geh tren zich (Vulgar) Go screw yourself
Gehakte tsoris Worse suffering or trouble
Geharget zolstu veren Drop dead! (lit., you should get killed)
Gehern (v.) Belong
Geht Come now!
Geht es nit It doesn't work
Gel (adj.) Yellow
Gelaimter Person who drops whatever he touches
Gelibteh Beloved
Gelt Money (esp. as Chanukah gift)
Gelt gait tsu gelt Money goes to money
Gelt is nisht kayn dayge Money is not a problem
Gembeh Big mouth
Gemitlich Slowly, unhurried, gently
Genaivisheh shtiklech Tricky, sharp, crooked actions or doings
Genevishe oigen Shifty eyes
Genug Enough
Genug iz genug Enough is enough
Genug shoyn Enough already; say no more
Ger (n.) Convert
Gerativet Saved
Gesheft Business
Geshmak Tasty, delicious
Geshrey (n.) Scream, cry, shout
Geshtorben The state of being dead
Geshtroft Cursed, accursed; punished
Geshvollen Swollen, puffed up (also applied to person with haughty pride)
Get Divorce; divorce document
Getchke Statue
Gevald geshreeyeh Good grief!
Gevald, gevalt Heaven forbid! (exclam.)
Gevaldikeh zach A terrible thing! (Often ironically)
Gey (v.) Go
Gezunde tsores Healthy troubles. Troubles one should not take too seriously.
Gezunt Health; healthy
Gezunt vi a ferd Strong as a horse
Gezunteh moid A big healthy woman
Gezunter Healthy, hearty
Gezunterhait In good health
Gib a kick Check it out, (lit., give a look)
Gib mir nit kain aynhorah Don't give me a canary (lit., don't give me an evil eye)
Gib zich a shukl Hurry up! (lit., give yourself a shake)
Gib zich a traisel Get a move on
Gitte neshomah Good soul
Gleichvertel Wisecrack, pun, saying, proverb, bon mot, witticism
Gleybn (v.) Believe
Glezel tai Glass of tea
Glezel varms Comforting or soothing (lit: glass of warmth)
Glick Luck, piece of luck
Gliklekhn nay-yor Happy new year
Glitch Minor malfunction
Gloib mir Believe me
Glok Bell
Gloybn Belief; believe
Glustiyah Enema
Goldene medina The golden country, America
Goldeneh chasseneh Fiftieth wedding anniversary
Goldeneh medina The golden country, America
Golem Clumsy; sluggish
Gonif Thief, dishonest person, crook, thief, burglar, swindler, embezzler, unscrupulous businessman (often used as a general term of insult)
Goot gezugt Well said
Gopel Fork
Gorgl Neck
Gornish helfn Beyond help
Gornisht Nothing, emptiness
Gote-vorte A good piece of information or short concise Torah commentary.
Gott God
Gott in himmel God in heaven! (said in anguish, despair, fear or frustration)
Gott tsu danken Thank God
Gott zol ophiten God forbid!
Gotteniu Oh God! (anguished cry)
Goy Any person who is not Jewish
Goyeh Gentile woman
Goyim Group of non-Jewish persons
Goyish(e) Pertaining to goyim
Goyishe kop Opposite of Yiddishe kop. Generally used to indicate someone who is not particularly smart or shrewd: gullible, slow one (Definitely offensive.)
Grauber Coarse, uncouth, crude person
Grauber yung Coarse, uncouth, crude young man
Greener Greenhorn, new immigrant (Yinglish)
Greps Belch; a burp if it's a mild one
Grivines Onions fried in chicken fat
Grob Coarse, crude, profane, rough, rude
Grobe Coarse, crude, profane, rough, rude
Grober Coarse, uncouth, crude person
Grober finger Thumb
Grois-halter Showoff, conceited person
Groisseh gedilleh Big deal! (sarcastically)
Groisser gornisht Big good-for-nothing
Groisser putz (Vulgar) Big penis! Big prick! (derogatory or sarcastic)
Grosse Big
Grooten To take after, to favor
Groyser A big person
Groyser finger Middle finger
Groyser tsuleyger Big shot (sarcastically)
Groyulik Appalling
Grube Coarse, crude, profane, rough, rude
Gruber yung Coarse, uncouth, crude young man
Guggle muggle A concoction made of warm milk and honey for sore throats
Gunsel A young goose. Also used to describe a young man who accompanies a tramp or a young tramp.
Gut; gutt Good
Gut far him Serves him right!
Gut gezugt Well said
Gut Shabbos Good Sabbath
Gut yontif Happy Holiday
Gutte neshome Good soul, person
 
H
Hagem Although
Haimish Down-to-earth, sympatico, approachable
Haimish ponem A friendly face
Haiseh vanneh Hot bath
Haissen (v.) Hate
Hak Axe
Hak flaish Chopped meat
Hak mir nicht in tsheinik (arain) Don't get on my nerves (lit., don't bang my teapot)
Hak mir nit in kop Stop bending my ear (lit., stop banging on my head)
Haken a tsheinik Boring, long-winded and annoying conversation; talking for the sake of talking (lit., to bang on the teapot)
Halbe nahkht Midnight (half-night)
Halevei If only...
Halt din zoken Don’t be impatient (lit., hold your socks)
Haltn (v.) Hold, contain; keep; believe, maintain; treat; observe (a holiday); live up to
Haltn fun (v.) Be fond of, approve of
Hamoyn Common people
Handl Haggle, bargain
Handlen Bargain; do business; act; trade
Hanoe hobn Enjoy
Harbst Fall, autumn
Harte mogen Constipation
Hartsvaitik Heartache
Haskome Approval
Haynt Today
Hecher Louder
Hefker A mess
Heizel Whorehouse
Hekdish Decrepit place, a slumhouse, poorhouse; a mess
Hekhsher Seal of approval
Heldish Brave
Heldzel Stuffed neck flesh; sort of a neck-kishke
Helfn Help; aid; assist
Hendl Chicken
Hert zich ein Listen here
Heskem Accord; agreement
Hetsken zich Shake and dance with joy
Heym (n.) Home
Heys Hot
Heysn 1. To be called; to mean; 2. to tell, to bid, to order
Hhekherr Above
Hikevater Stammerer
Hinten Rear, rear parts, backside, buttocks; in the rear
Hinter Behind, in back of
Hit zich Look out
Hits Heat
Hitsik Hothead
Hitskop Excitable person
Hob (v. sing.) Have (I)
Hob derech erets Have respect
Hob dir in arbel Response to a derogatory remark as "sticks and stones" is used (lit., I've got you by the elbow)
Hob nit kain deiges Don't worry
Hobn (v. pl.) Have (we, they)
Hobn groyse oygn To be greedy (lit., have big eyes)
Hobn tsu zingen un tsu zogen Have no end of trouble (lit.,to sing and to talk)
Hogl Hail
Hoizer gaier Beggar
Hoizirer House-peddler
Hok 1. Yak; 2. nag; 3. strike, hit
Hok mir nisht en chainik Don't give me a headache (lit., don't hit me in a teapot)
Hok mir nit in kop! Stop bending my ear (lit.; stop banging on my head)
Hok mir nit kayn chainik (arain) Don't get on my nerves; stop nagging me (lit., don't bang my teapot)
Hoken a chainik (tchinik) Boring, long-winded and annoying conversation; talking your ear off (lit., banging on the teapot)
Holishkes Stuffed cabbage
Hondl Haggle, bargain; do business; act; trade
Host (v. sing.) Have (you)
Host du bie mir an avleh So I made a mistake. So what?
Hot (v. sing.) Has (he/she); have (you)
Hoykeh Hump on a hunchback
Hulyen A hellraiser
Hundert Hundred
Hundertster Hundredth
 
I
Ibberbuttle Senile
Iber Above, over, in excess of, more than
Iberbaytn (v.) Alter
Ibershraybn (v.) Copy, transcribe, rewrite
Ich bin ahntoisht I am disappointed
Ich bin dich nit mekaneh I don't envy you
Ich darf es ahf kapores It's good for nothing! I have no use for it (lit., I need it for a [useless] fowl sacrifice)
Ich darf es vi a loch in kop I need it like a hole in the head!
Ich eil zich (nit) I am (not) in a hurry
Ich feif oif dir I despise you. Go to the devil (lit., I whistle on you)
Ich gai chaleshen bald avek I'm about to faint (from sheer exhaustion)
Ich hob dich in bod To hell with you (lit., I have you in the bath house)
Ich hob dir Drop dead (lit., I have you) (Americanism)
Ich hob dir in drerd Go to hell (lit., I have you in the ground)
Ich hob dir lieb I love you!
Ich hob es in drerd To hell with it
Ich hob im feint I hate him
Ich hob im in bod To hell with him (lit., I have him in the bath house)
Ich hob mir fer pacht I have your measure (lit., I have you in my pocket)
Ich hob nicht kain anung I have no idea
Ich ken dir nisht farfeeren I can't lead you astray
Ich loif I'm running
Ich vais I know
Ich vais nit I don't know
Ich vel dir geben a khamalye I'll give you such a smack
Ich vel dir geben kadoches I'll give you nothing! (lit., I'll give you a fever)
Ich vill nicht vesn I don't want to know
Ich yog zich nit. I'm not in a hurry
Ich zol azoy vissen fun tsores. I should know as little about trouble (as I know about what you are asking me)
Iker Substance; people of substance
Ikerdik Basic
In In, into; at
In a noveneh For a change; once in a blue moon
In di alteh guteh tseiten In the good old days
In di oygn To one's face (lit., in the eyes)
In drerd mein gelt My money went down the drain! (lit., my money went into the ground [to Hell])
In gantsn All; entirely; altogether
In miten drinen In the middle of; suddenly, right in the middle of everything
In oysland Abroad
Inven Affair; matter
Ipish Bad odor, stink
Ir (sing.) Her; (pl.) you
Ir gefelt mir zaier. You please me a great deal
Iz (v. sing.) Is (he/she)
Iz brent mir ahfen harts I have a heartburn
 
K
K'naidel (pl. k'naidlach) Dumplings usually made of matzoh meal, cooked in soup
K'nippel Button, knot; hymen, virginity; money tied in a knot in a handkerchief
K'nish Baked dumplings filled with potato, meat, liver or barley
K’nocker Big shot; man of achievement; braggart, showoff
K'vatsh Boneless person, one lacking character; a whiner, weakling
K'velen Glow with pride and happiness, beam; be delighted
K'vetsh Whine, complain; whiner, a complainer
K'vitsh Shriek, scream, screech
Kaas (in kaas oyf) Angry (with)
Kabaret forshtelung Floor show
Kabtsen Pauper
Kaddishel Baby son; endearing term for a boy or man
Kadoches Fever
Kadoches mit koshereh fodem Absolutely nothing (lit., fever with a kosher thread)
Kaftan Long coat worn by religious Jews
Kakameyme Crazy
Kakapitshi Conglomeration
Kalamutneh Dreary, gloomy, troubled
Kale Bride
Kalekeh A new bride who cannot even boil an egg
Kalleh Bride
Kalleh moid A girl of marriageable age
Kallehniu Little bride
Kalt (adj.) Cold
Kalta neshomeh A cold soul
Kalyeh Bad, wrong, spoiled
Kalyekeh Cripple; misfit; also, anybody not good at their craft or sport
Kam derlebt Narrowly achieved (lit., hardly lived to see)
Kam mit tsores Barely made it! (lit., with some troubles)
Kam vos er kricht Barely able to creep
Kam vos er lebt He's hardly (barely) alive
Kamtsoness To be miserly
Kaneh Enema
Kapelye Band
Kaporeh Atonement, sacrifice; forgiveness; (slang) good for nothing
Kapores Atonement, sacrifice; forgiveness; (slang) good for nothing
Kappore Catastrophe
Kaptsen Pauper
Karabeinik Country peddler
Karger Miser, tightwad
Kaseer Enema
Kasheh Buckwheat groats, mush cereal, porridge; a mess, mix-up, confusion
Kasheh varnishkes Buckwheat groats and broad (or bowtie) noodles
Kashress Kosher condition; Jewish religious dietary law
Kasnik Angry person; excitable person, hothead
Kasokeh Cross-eyed
Kass Anger
Katchka (n.) 1. Duck; 2. talker, chatterer, chatterbox, 3. windbag
Katshkedik Ducky, swell, pleasant (Americanism)
Katsisher kop Forgetful (lit., cat head)
Kayn ayn horeh Said to ward off evil, especially when speaking of one's good fortune (lit., not one evil eye)
Kazatskeh Lively Russian dance
Kein briere iz oich a breire Not to have any choice available is also a choice
Keisenik Angry person; excitable person, hothead
Keler Basement
Kelyner Little one
Kemat Almost, practically
Kemfer Fighter (usually for a cause)
Ken (v.) Know
Ken zein Maybe, could be
Kenen To be able to; to know (a skill or language); able
Kenen oyf di finger Have facts at one's fingertips
Ketsele Kitten
Keyn 1. (prep.) to; 2. (art.) not a, not any; no, nothing, none; not anything (used in negative sentences)
Keyn mol nisht Never
Khalishes Ugly
Khaver Friend
Khazer Pig; greedy lout, cheapskate, selfish person (lit., pig)
Khazerai 1. Swill, pig's feed; 2. anything bad, unpalatable, rotten; 3. trash, junk
Khemye Chemistry
Kheshbn Accounting, bill, calculation
Kheyfets Thing, article, object
Kheyrem Ban
Khezhbn-firer Accountant
Khidesh 1. Innovation, novelty; 2. surprise, astonishment
Khob im in bod Couldn’t care less about it (lit., have him in the bath)
Khob im in drerd Couldn’t care at all about it (lit., have him in the dirt)
Khokhme Bright idea
Kholem Dream
Khotsh Although; at least
Kibbitz (v.) Offer unsolicited advice as a spectator
Kibbitzer Teaser, jokester, meddlesome spectator
Killeh Hernia
Kimpet-tsettel Childbirth amulet or charm (from the German "kindbettsettel" meaning "childbirth label")
Kimpetoren Woman in labor or immediately after the delivery
Kind Child
Kind un kait Young and old
Kinder Children
Kinderlach Diminutive, affectionate term for children
Kine-ahora Said to ward off evil, especially when speaking of one's good fortune (lit., not one evil eye)
Kinstler Artist
Kirtsung Abbreviation
Kish mir en toches Kiss my backside (slang)
Kishef macher Magic-worker
Kishka Stuffed derma (sausage dish); guts, intestines. Also can describe a person's emotions
Kishkeh Stuffed derma (sausage dish); guts, intestines. Also can describe a person's emotions
Kishkes Stuffed derma (sausage dish); guts, intestines. Also can describe a person's emotions
Kishnev 1. City in Russia; 2. Any place so far away you don't know or care to know how to get there; 3. Back of beyond; middle of nowhere; boondocks; other side of the world
Kitsel Tickle
Kkinstlekh Artificial
Klaider machem dem mentshem The clothes make the man
Klainer Little one
Klainer gornisht Little prig (lit., a little nothing)
Klaperkeh Talkative woman
Klayder Attire
Klemt beim harts Clutches at my heartstrings
Kleyn Little one
Klezmer Musician
Klipeh Gabby woman, shrew, a female demon
Klog 1. Woe; 2. plague
Klog iz mir (a ...) Woe is me!
Klogmuter Complainer, chronic complainer
Kloolye Curse
Klop Bang, a real hard punch or wallop
Klor Clear
Klotz Ungraceful, awkward, clumsy person; bungler
Klotz kasheh Foolish question; meaningless question
Kloymersht Not in reality, pretended (lit., as if it were)
Klug Smart; clever
Kluppen kop in vant Futile request (lit., hitting head on the wall)
Klutz Ungraceful, awkward, clumsy person; bungler
Knacker Big shot (sarcastically)
Knackerke The distaff knacker, but a real cutie-pie.
Knaidel (pl. knaidlach) Dumplings usually made of matzoh meal, cooked in soup
Knekhl Ankle, knuckle
Knippel Money tied in a knot in a handkerchief; button, knot; hymen, virginity
Knish(es) Baked dumplings filled with potato, meat, liver or barley
Knubble Garlic
Kobzten Millionaire after taxes
Kochalain Summer boarding house with cooking privileges (lit., cook by yourself)
Kochedik Petulant, excitable
Kochleffel One who stirs up trouble; gadabout, busy-body (lit., a cooking ladle)
Kol Voice
Kolboynik Rascally know-it-all
Komisch Funny
Koorvah 1. Trollop, hooker, prostitute; 2. a woman who trades on her sexuality for money, gifts or position.
Kop oif di plaitses Good, common sense (lit., a head on the shoulders)
Kopvaitik Headache
Korb Basket
Korban Scapegoat
Kosher 1. Clean, based on Jewish dietary laws; 2. legitimate (slang)
Koved Respect, honor, reverence, esteem
Koyach Strength (inner strength), energy
Koydem kol First of all
Koyekh Strength (inner strength), energy
Koyshbol Basketball
Krank Sick
Krank-heit Sickness
Krassavitseh Beauty, a doll, beautiful woman
Krechts Groan, moan
Krechtser Blues singer, a moaner
Kreftik Hearty
Kreplach Small pockets of dough filled with chopped meat and are eaten in soup; nothing, valueless (slang)
Krign Get, receive, acquire
Kroivim Relatives
Krolik Rabbit
Krots Overcome inertia, motivate oneself to action (lit., scratch)
Kuch leffel A person who mixes into other people's business (lit., cooking spoon)
Kuck zich oys (Vulgar) Do it yourself! (lit., go excrete for yourself)
Kugel Pudding
Kuk (v.) Look
Kuk im on Look at him
Kukn durkh di finger oyf Shut one's eyes to..., connive at..., wink at...
Kum (v.) Come
Kum ich nisht heint, kum ich morgen If I don't come today, I'll come tomorrow (procrastinator's slogan)
Kumen tsu gast To visit
Kuni leml Nerd
Kunst Art
Kuntsen Tricks
Kunyehlemel Naive, clumsy, awkward person; nincompoop; Casper Milquetoast
Kuppe drek A piece of feces
Kurveh Whore, prostitute
Kush in toches arein (Vulgar) Kiss my behind! (said to somebody who is annoying you)
Kush meer in toches (Vulgar) Kiss my behind
Kushinyerkeh Cheapskate; woman who comes to a store and asks for a five cents' worth of vinegar in her own bottle
Kvatsh Boneless person, one lacking character; a whiner, weakling
Kvell 1. To beam with joy, burst with pride, glow with pride and happiness, beam; be delighted; 2. To express pleasure in a gentle manner; 3. To exclaim joyfully or proudly, especially in boasting about the achievements of a family member.
Kvellen 1. To beam with joy, burst with pride, glow with pride and happiness, beam; be delighted; 2. To express pleasure in a gentle manner; 3. To exclaim joyfully or proudly, especially in boasting about the achievements of a family member.
Kver Across, crosswise
Kvetch (n., v.) Whine, complain; whiner, complainer
Kvetsh (n., v.) Whine, complain; whiner, complainer
 
L
L'chai'im To life! (traditional Jewish toast); To your health, skoal
Lachen mit yash-tsherkes Forced or false laugh; laugh with anguish
Laidik-gaier Idler, loafer
Lakeh Funnel
Lakh Laugh
Lakhlutn Absolutely
Lakht Laughs
Lamden Scholar, erudite person, learned man
Lamed vovnik A wise and learned person. One of the 36 wise and righteous persons each generation traditionally produces.
Lang leben zolt ir Long may you live!
Lange loksch Tall thin person, a long tall drink of water (lit., a long noodle)
Lantsman (pl. lantslaite) Neighbor, a fellow countryman, and by usage, a fellow Jew
Lapeh Big hand
Layseh mogen Diarrhea
Leb (v.) Live
Lebedik Alive, lively
Lebedikeh velt (a ...) A lively world!
Lebediker Lively person
Leben; lebn Life
Leben ahf dein kop Words of praise: well said; well done (lit., a long life upon your head)
Lebn Life; near; at
Lebn geblibener Survivor
Lebst a chazerishen tog Living high off the hog!
Lechayim To life! (traditional Jewish toast); To your health, skoal
Leck, shmeck Done superficially (lit., lick, smell)
Leffel Spoon
Leibtsudekel Sleeveless shirt (like bib) with fringes, a talit katan, worn under a shirt by male orthodox Jews
Leiden To suffer
Lemechel Quiet person
Lemeshkeh Milquetoast, bungler
Leshem shomaim Idealistically, "for the sake of heaven."
Lets Clown; a mocker
Leveiyeh Funeral
Levone Moon
Lezem gayne Leave them be
Libshaft Love, fondness, affection
Lichticheh Happy, shining, radiant, beaming (lit., lit up)
Liebe Love
Lieblekh Affectionate
Lig in drerd Get lost! Drop dead! (lit., bury yourself!)
Ligner Liar
Lise Bald
Litvak 1. Lithuanian; 2. term used to connote shrewdness and skepticism; 3. a person who speaks with a northeastern Yiddish accent
Lobbus Little monster
Loch; lokh Hole
Loch in kop Hole in the head
Loksch Italian gentleman
Lokshen Noodles, but often meaning “nonsense”
Lokshen kugel Baked pudding with egg noodles, yummy
Lokshen strop Cat-o-nine-tails
Lominer gaylen Clumsy fool (lit., a golem: a Frankenstein monster created by the Lominer Rebbe)
Lomir geyn Let me go
Loyf Run
Loyzem gayne Let them go! Leave them alone! Let them be!
Loz (v.) Leave
Loz mich tsu ru Leave me alone! (lit., leave me in peace!)
Luckshen Noodles, but often meaning “nonsense”
Luft Air
Luftkilung Air conditioning
Luftmentsh Person who has no business, trade, calling, nor income (lit., air man)
Luftpost Air mail
Luze zein shah Let there be quiet; silence!
Luzzem Let him/her be, leave him/her alone
 
M
Machareikeh Gimmick, contraption
Machashafer Witch, a conjurer, someone with psychic or supernatural powers
Machen; makhen Make
Macher; makher Big shot, person with access to authorities, man with contacts
Machetenista Your child's mother-in-law
Machetunim Your child’s in-laws
Machshaifeh Witch
Macht shnel Hurry up
Maidel Unmarried girl, teenager
Maideleh Little girl (affectionate term)
Maisse Story
Maisse mit a deitch Story with a (moral) twist
Maiven Expert, connoisseur, authority (also, sarcastically)
Makeh Plague, wound, boil, curse
Makh (v.) Make
Makheteneste Your child's mother-in-law
Makhmes Because of, on account of, due to
Makhn ash un porekh Destroy
Malakh Angel
Malakh-amoves Angel of death
Mame Mother, mom, mommy
Mame-loshin Yiddish (lit., mother’s tongue)
Mameleh Mother dear
Mamme Mother, mom, mommy
Mamoshes Substance, people of substance.
Mamzer Bastard, disliked person, untrustworthy
Mamzerook A naughty little boy
Man Husband
Mandl Almond; tonsil
Mandlbroyt Almond bread
Mashgiach Inspector, overseer or supervisor of kashruth in restaurants and hotels.
Mashugga Simply crazy
Maskem zayn Agree to
Matkes Underpants
Maven Expert, connoisseur, authority (also, sarcastically)
Mayle Merit, virtue; benefit, advantage
Mayn (poss. pron.) My, mine
Maynster Mechanic, repairman, workshop proprietor
Mayse Story
Maysem Actions, deeds
Mayster Mechanic, repairman, workshop proprietor
Mayven Expert, connoisseur, authority (also, sarcastically)
Mazel Luck
Mazel tov Good luck (lit., good star) Generally used to convey congratulations
Mazeldiker kravat Lucky tie
Me ken brechen You can vomit from this
Me ken lecken di finger It's delicious (lit., one can lick the finger)
Me krechts, me geht veyter I complain and I keep going
Me lost nit leben They don't let you live!
Me redt zich oys dos harts Talk your heart out
Me zogt They say; it is said
Mechaieh Great pleasure, joy, delight; orgasmic, out of this world wonderful!
Mechaiyeh Great pleasure, joy, delight; orgasmic, out of this world wonderful!
Mechuleh Finished unsuccessfully, ended unhappily; bankrupt
Megillah A long, drawn-out story (Hebrew: scroll)
Mein bubbeh's tahm Bad taste, old fashioned taste (lit., my bubbe’s chopped herring)
Mein cheies gait oys I'm dying for it!
Meis Ugly
Meiskeit Ugly, funny-looking, geeky, unattractive person
Meisseh meshina Curse on one’s enemies (lit., a horrible death)
Mekhaber Author
Mekhaye Great pleasure, joy, delight; orgasmic, out of this world wonderful!
Mekhile Pardon, forgiveness
Mekler Go-between
Melamed Teacher
Menner vash tsimmer Men's room
Mensh 1. A special, decent, person; 2. a good person who always does the right thing; 3. one who can be respected
Menshlekhayt Human decency
Mentsh 1. A special, decent, person; 2. a good person who always does the right thing; 3. one who can be respected
Menuvel A person who is always causing grief, can get nothing right, and is always in the way.
Meshugass Craziness, madness, insanity
Meshugeh Crazy
Meshugeh ahf toit Crazy as a loon. Really crazy
Meshugeneh (f.) (n.) Mad, crazy, insane person
Meshugener (m.) (n.) Mad, crazy, insane person
Meshugoyim Crazy people
Meshumed Jewish man who has been baptized; apostate
Messer Knife
Metsieh 1. Bargain, prize package (often used sarcastically); 2. lucky break
Metsyea 1. Bargai