Glossary of Yiddish Words and Phrases

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Note on spelling and pronunciation
Selection of proverbs, aphorisms, curses, and insults
Translation resources

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A

A bisel, a bisl

A little, some

A biseleh

A very little

A brokh

Oh, hell. Damn it. A curse. (Hebrew)

A brokheh

A blessing (Hebrew)

A chorbn

Disaster! (expletive)

A dank!

Thank you!

A farshlepteh krenk

A chronic ailment

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 klog! (Oy,)

(Oh,) darn it!

A klog iz mir!

Woe is me!

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

Happy-go-lucky (lit., a lively world)

A lebediker

A happy-go-lucky (lit., lively) person

A mol

Formerly

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 sakh

Much, many

A sheynem dank (aykh)

Thank you very much

A sheyner veyer dank

Thank you so much! (lit., a pretty, pure thank you)

A shittern mogn

Loose bowel movement

A shtik naches

A great joy (lit., a piece of pleasure)

A shtyfer mogn

Constipated

A shvarts yor

A miserable year (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 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, der

Abstraction

Absurd

Absurdity

Adank!

Thank you!

Adres, der

Address (mail)

Adres, di

Address (speech)

Adurkhlebn

To live through

Adurkhtsufirn

Accomplish

Advokat, der

Lawyer, attorney

Adye

Adieu; good-bye; bye

Afn

On (the...) (abbr. of "af dem" = "oyf dem")

Agune, di

Abandoned wife (Hebrew)

Ahf mir gezogt

I wish it could be said about me.

Ahf tsores

In trouble

Ahf tsu lehakhes

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, der

Son-in-law

Ainikl, dos

Grandchild

Aitse, di

Advice

Aiver butel

Absent-minded; mixed up

Akademish

Academic

Akademye, di

Academy

Akegn

Against

Akh un vey

Tough luck, too bad

Akhrayes, dos

Responsibility; liability

Akht

Eight

Akhter

Eighth

Akhtseter

Eighteenth

Akhtsik

Eighty

Akhtsikster

Eightieth

Akhtsn

Eighteen

Akhzoryesdik

Cruel

Akorsht

Just now

Akrobatik, di

Acrobatics

Aksl, der

Shoulder

Akt, der

Act, deed

Aktiv

Active

Aktivitet, di

Activity

Aktrise, di

Actress

Aktsent, der

Accent (in speech)

Aktyor, der

Actor

Ale

All; every(one)

Ale vayle

All the while

Alef-bais, der

Alphabet; the first two letters of the Jewish alphabet

Aleichem sholom

To you be peace. Used in response to the greeting "shalom aleichem." (Hebrew)

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

Algemeyn

(adj.) General

Aliirter, der

Ally

Alle ziben glicken

Not what it's cracked up to be (lit., all seven lucky things)

Almen, der

Widower

Almone, di

Widow

Alrightnik, der

One who has succeeded (Yinglish)

Alrightnikeh, di

One who has succeeded (Yinglish)

Alt

Old

Alteh bakahnter

An old acquaintance

Alteh bocher

Bachelor

Alteh bok

Old goat

Alteh kocker

Old man (vulgar)

Alteh machashaifeh

Old witch

Alteh moid

Spinster, old maid

Alteh trombenick

Old bum

Alts

All, everything

Ambitsye, di

Ambition

Ambulans, der

Ambulance

Amerikaner, der

American (person)

Amerikanish

(adj.) American

Amerike

America

An emmisse meisse

An (absolutely) true tale

And

Either

Ander

Other; another

Andersh

Differently, otherwise, else

Andersh vu

Elsewhere

Anit

Otherwise

Anivesdik

Humble

Antibiotik

Antibiotic

Antik (der) (pl. antikn)

1. (adj.) ancient, antique; 2. (n.) antique, rarity; 3. something precious, exquisite

Antkegn

Opposite

Antkegnshteln zikh

(v.) Defy

Antlayen

(v.) Lend; borrow

Antloyfn

(v.) Flee, run away

Antoyshn

(v.) Disappoint

Antshuldikn

(v.) Excuse

Anumlt

Recently

Aparat

Apparatus

Aparat, der

Camera

Apelirn

(v.) Appeal

Apetit, der

Appetite

Apikoros, der

Unbeliever, skeptic, atheist

Aplodirn

(v.) Applaud

Aprikos

Apricot

April, der

April

Araynbrekher, der

Burglar

Arayngang, der

Entrance

Arayngeyn

(v.) Enter

Araynlozn

(v.) Admit, let in

Araynnemen

(v.) Include; take in

Arbet, di

Work

Arbeter, der

Worker

Arbetn

(v.) Work

Arbl, der

Sleeve

Arein

Come in

Arestirn

(v.) Arrest

Ariber

Above, over, across

Aribergeyn

(v.) Cross

Arkhitekt, der

Architect

Armey, di

Army

Aropvarfn

(v.) Unload

Aroys

Out

Aroyfkrikhn

(v.) Climb

Aroysgang, der

Exit

Aroysgeben

(v.) Betray

Aroysgevorfen

Thrown out, wasted, wasted opportunities

Aroysgevorfene gelt

Thrown out money (wasted money)

Aroyshikn

(v.) Mail

Aroysrufn

(v.) Summon

Aroystraybn

(v.) Drive out

Aroysvarfn

(v.) Discard

Arterye

Artery (blood vessel)

Arum

1. Up; 2. around

Arumblonken

(v.) Roam

Arumforn

(v.) Travel, drive around

Arumgeflickt

Swindled; plucked; milked

Arumloifer

Street urchin; person who runs around

Arumnemen

(v.) Clasp; embrace

Ashires, dos

Wealth

Ashtetsl, dos

Ashtray

Aspirin, der

Aspirin

Avade

Certainly

Avek

Away (from a place)

Avekforn

(v.) Depart, drive away

Avekgeyn

(v.) Leave, depart

Avekleygn

(v.) Place, set down

Avekshikn

(v.) Send away

Avekvarfn

(v.) Discard, abandon

Averah, di

Sin. Opposite of “mitzvah

Awser

Forbidden

Aydem, der

Son-in-law

Ayer

(pl.) Your

Aykh

(pl.) You

Ayln zikh

(v.) Rush; hurry

Ayn klaynigkeit

Yeah, sure! (very derogatory)

Aynfal, der

Idea

Aynhaltn

(v.) Restrain

Aynkoyfn

(v.) Buy

Aynnetsn

(v.) Wet, moisten

Aynordenen

(v.) Arrange

Aynpaken

(v.) Pack

Aynshlingen

(v.) Swallow

Aynveykn

(v.) Soak

Aynviklen

(v.) Wrap

Aynviklen

(v.) Wrap

Ayz, dos

Ice

Ayzn, dos

Iron

Az och un vai

Tough luck! Too bad! Misfortune!

Azelkher

Such

Azoy gait es

That's how it goes!

Azoy?

Really?

Azoy gich?

So soon?

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)

 
B

Baamter, der

Officer

Babka, di

Coffee cake style pastry

Badekn

(v.) Cover

Badhkin, badchan, der

Jester, comedian, entertainer, merry maker or master of ceremonies at a wedding

Bafaln

(v.) Attack

Bafel, der

Order

Bafrayen

(v.) Liberate; free

Bafridikn

(v.) Satisfy

Bagazh, der

Baggage, luggage

Bagazlen

(v.) Rob, steal

Bagegenen

(v.) Meet

Bagleyter, der

Companion

Bagrayfn

(v.) Understand

Bagrenetsn

(v.) Confine

Bagrisn

(v.) Greet, welcome

Bagrobn

(v.) Bury

Bahaltn

(v.) Hide

Bahelfn

(v.) Join

Baim

Bench

Baitsim, der

Testicles

Bak, di

Cheek

Bakant

Known, familiar

Bakanter, der

Acquaintance

Bakenen

(v.) Introduce

Bakenen zikh mit

(v.) Meet

Bakleydn

(v.) Clothe

Baklogn (zikh)

(v.) Complain

Bakn

(v.) Bake

Bakumen

(v.) Receive

Bakvem

Comfortable; convenient

Bal

Sure

Bal toyreh

Learned man, scholar (lit., master of the Torah) (Hebrew)

Bal-toyve, der

Benefactor (Hebrew)

Balagan, der

Chaos, mess, untidiness

Balaybt

Stout

Bald

Soon

Balebatim, di

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

Balebos, der

Master, boss, landlord

Baleboste, di

Hostess; mistress of the house. A compliment to someone who is a terrific housekeeper

Balegoola

Truck driver or sloppy person of low standing.

Baleydikn

(v.) Insult

Baleydikung, di

Insult

Balfaln

(v.) Assault

Balibte

Beloved

Balmalocha

An expert (sometimes used sarcastically)

Balnes

Miracle worker

Balt

Sure

Bamerkn

(v.) Notice

Bamerkung, di

Comment

Ban, di

Railroad

Banane, der

Banana

Bandazh

Bandage

Bandit, der

Bandit

Bandzho, der

Banjo

Bank, der

Bank

Banket, der

Banquet

Bankir, der

Banker

Baputsn

(v.) Decorate

Bar, der

Bar

Bareden yenem

(v.) Gossip

Barekhtikn

(v.) Justify

Baren

(v.) 1. Bother, annoy; 2. fornicate (vulgar)

Barg, der

Mountain

Barimen zikh

(v.) Boast

Barimer

Braggart, showoff

Barimt

Famous

Barne, di

Pear

Baroygis

Angry, petulant

Barsht, di

Brush

Baruikn

(v.) Calm

Bas Yisroel

Jewish girl (Hebrew)

Bas-yekhide, di

A female only child

Bashafn

(v.) Create

Bashefenish, dos

Creature

Bashert

Fated, predestined

Bashert zein

To be destined

Basheydnkayt

Modesty

Bashitsn

(v.) Protect

Bashlisn

(v.) Decide

Bashlus, der

Decision

Bashtayern

(v.) Tax

Bashtetikn

(v.) Acknowledge, confirm

Bashtimt

Definite

Bashuldikn

(v.) Accuse

Bashvindlen

(v.) Swindle

Bashuldikung, di

Accusation

Batamt

Delicious

Baterye, di

Battery

Batlan

Someone without a trade or a regular means of livelihood

Batog

In the afternoon

Batrakhtn

(v.) Consider

Batrefn

(v.) Amount to (monetary)

Batsirn

(v.) Adorn, decorate

Batsoln

(v.) Pay

Bavayzn

(v.) Prove

Bavl, der

Cotton

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

(v.) Bite

Baysn zikh di finger vos

Regret strongly that...

Baytl, dos

Purse

Baytn

(v.) Change

Bazorgt

Worried

Bazukher, der

Visitor

Bazukhn

(v.) Visit

Bazunder

Separate, distinct, special; apart

Bebl, dos

Bean

Becher, der

Wine goblet

Beemes

Really

Beheyme, di

Cow, animal, ignorant drudge (when referring to a human being, means dull-witted)

Behole, di

Bedlam

Bei mir bist du sheyn

To me you're beautiful

Bei mir hust du gepoylt

You've gotten your way with me

Beker, der

Baker

Bekeray, di

Bakery

Ben-yokhid, der

A male only child

Benken

(v.) Yearn for; long for

Benken nokh

(v.) Miss

Benkshaft

Homesickness, nostalgia

Bentshn

(v.) Bless, recite a blessing (esp. after meals)

Bentshn lecht

Recite prayer over lit candles on Sabbath eve or Holy Day

Ber, der

Bear

Bergele, dos

Mound

Bergl, dos

Hill

Beryeh

Efficient, competent housewife

Bes medresh, der/dos

Synagogue (Hebrew)

Beser

Better

Beser zolst du...

Better you should...

Beshas

While, during, as

Besholem

(adj.) Safe (Hebrew)

Best

Best

Besuleh, di

Virgin (Hebrew)

Bet, di

Bed

Betgevant, dos

Bedding

Betlen

(v.) Beg

Betler, der

Beggar

Betn

(v.) Ask (for), request; beg

Betn Gott

(v.) Pray

Betn mekhile

(v.) Apologize; beg pardon; excuse

Betn zikh

(v.) Beseech

Beybi, dos

Baby

Beyde

Both

Beygl, der

Bagel

Beygn

(v.) Bend

Beykon, der

Bacon

Beyn, der

Bone

Beysbol, der

Baseball (the game or the ball)

Beysolem, der

Cemetery

Beyz

Angry, wicked

Bez, der

Lilac

Bezem, der

Broom

Bias

Pale

Bibliotek, der

Library

Bik, der

Bull

Biks, di

Gun

Bikur cholem

Visiting the sick (Hebrew)

Bilet, der

Ticket

Billik, bilik

Cheap, inexpensive

Biln

(v.) Bark

Bilyon

Billion

Bin

(v., sing.) Am (I)

Bin, di

Bee

Bindn

(v.) Bind; tie

Bine, di

Stage

Binshtok

Beehive

Binyin, der

Building

Bir, dos

Beer

Birger, der

Citizen

Birgermayster, der

Mayor

Bissel (a)

A little

Bist

(v., sing.) Are (you)

Bist meshugeh?

Are you crazy?

Biteh

Please

Biter

Bitter

Bitokhn, der

Confidence

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)

Bizoyen, der

Disgrace

Blat, der

Leaf

Blayb(t) gezunt

Goodbye to you (humorous response)

Blaybn

(v.) Abide; stay, remain

Blaybn lebn

(v.) Survive

Blayer, der

Pencil

Bleykhn

(v.) Bleach

Blien

(v.) Bloom

Blik, der

Glance

Blind

Blind

Blits, der

Lightning

Blo, bloy

(adj.) Blue

Blond

Blond

Blondzhen

(v.) Wander, be lost

Bloyz

Only

Blozn

(v.) Blow

Bluffer

Pretender, boaster; cheat, faker, crook

Blum, di

Flower

Blut, dos

Blood

Blutikn

(v.) Bleed

Blyakirn

(v.) Fade

Boarderkeh

A female boarder (Yinglish)

Bobe, di

1. Grandmother; 2. a "tall" story

Bobe myseh

Old wives’ tale, an untrue belief

Bobkes

Small things, triflings, peanuts, nothing, worthless

Boch

Punch (blow)

Bod, di

Bathhouse

Bodkhalat

Bathrobe

Bodkostum, der

Bathing suit

Bodn (zikh)

(v.) Bathe

Bohmer, der

Bum

Bohmerkeh, di

Bum

Bokher, der

Young man, youngster, bachelor

Bondit, der

Menace, outlaw, rascal, rogue, pain-in-the-neck

Bopkis

Nothing, something of little or no value, totally worthless (lit., beans)

Bord, di

Beard, chin

Boreke borsht

Beet borsht which the wealthy could afford.

Borekes

Pastries with cheese inside

Borgn

(v.) Borrow

Borsht

Beet soup

Borves, borviss

Barefoot

Borvisser fiss

Barefoot

Botvenye borsht

Borsht made from beet leaves for the poor.

Boychik, der

Young boy (term of endearment)

Boydem, der

Attic

Boyen

(v.) Build

Boykh, der

Abdomen, belly

Boykhvehtig

Stomachache

Boylet

Distinct

Boym, der

Tree

Boyml, der

Oil

Boytchik, der

Young boy (term of endearment)

Braslet, der

Bracelet

Breg

Edge; brim; border; river bank

Bregn yam

Beach, coast, seashore

Breire, di

Choice

Brekhn

(v.) Break

Brem, di

Eyebrow

Brenen

(v.) Burn

Brengen

(v.) Bring

Breyt

Broad, wide; extensive

Breythartsik

Generous

Brider, di

Brothers

Brie, di

Creature, animal

Brik, di

Bridge

Briken

(v.) Kick

Brilyant, der

Jewel

Bris, der

Circumcision

Bristen, dos

Breasts

Briv, der

Letter

Brivi, dos

Note

Broitgeber

Head of family (lit., breadgiver)

Bronfen, der

Whiskey

Brotn

(v.) Roast, broil

Broygis

1. Angry; 2. anger, friction (between people); 3. not on speaking terms

Broyn

Brown

Broyt, dos

Bread

Bruder, der

Brother

Brust, di

Breast

Brustkastn, der

Chest

Bshefe

Abundant, plentiful

Bsule, di

Maiden

Bubbee

Friendly term for anybody you like

Bubeleh

Darling, honey, sweetie, endearing term for anyone you like regardless of age

Bukh, dos

Book

Bulbanik

Stammerer, one prone to outlandish malapropisms

Bulbe, di

Potato

Bulvan, der

1. Imbecile, brute, oaf; 2. boorish, coarse, rude person; 3. man built like an ox

Bund, der

Tie

Bupkis

Nothing, something of little or no value, totally worthless (lit., beans)

Burik, der

Beet

Burtshen

(v.) Mutter, grumble

Bushe, di

Shame

Butchke

Chat, tete-â-tete, telling tales

Byuro, dos

Office

 
C

Chachem

Genius, smart person (or sarcastically: wise guy) (Hebrew)

Chachem attick

A wise guy

Chachma, di

Wisdom, bright saying, witticism (Hebrew)

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 nit

Take it easy. Not so fast (lit., don't grab)

Chaptsem

Catch him!

Chas v'cholileh

God forbid! (Hebrew)

Chas v'shalom

God forbid! (Hebrew)

Chassen, khassen, der

Bridegroom (Hebrew)

Chassene machen

To plan and execute a wedding.

Chasseneh, khasseneh, di

Wedding (Hebrew)

Chassen-kalleh

Bride and groom; engaged couple (Hebrew)

Chaver, khaver, der

Male friend (Hebrew)

Chaver mann

Buddy

Chayes, dos

Life (Hebrew)

Chayder, der

Religious school

Chaye

Animal (Hebrew)

Chazen

Cantor (Hebrew)

Chazenteh

Wife of chazen (cantor)

Chazer, der

A pig; by extension, one who eats like a pig; a selfish person

Chazerei

1. Swill, pig's feed; 2. anything bad, unpalatable, rotten; 3. trash, junk

Chazershtal

Pigpen; slovenly kept room or house.

Chedar, das

Room

Chei kuck

Nothing, infinitesimal, worthless, unimportant (lit., excrement) (vulgar)

Chevra

Comradeship (Hebrew)

Chochem

Genius; very clever person (sometimes sarcastically) (Hebrew)

Chochem attick

Wise man (Slang: wise guy)

Chochma, chochmeh, di

Wisdom, bright saying, witticism, bright idea (Hebrew)

Cholem, der

Dream

Choleria, choleryeh, di

Cholera, curse, plague

Choshever mentsh

Man of worth and dignity; elite person; respected person

Chosid

Rabid fan

Choyzik machen

Make fun of, ridicule

Chrain, der

Horseradish

Chropen

Snore

Chub rachmones

(v.) Pity (Hebrew)

Chug

Activity group

Chuppah, di

Canopy under which a bride and groom stand during marriage ceremony. (Hebrew)

Chutzpah, di

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

Dafke, davka

Particularly, necessarily, only

Dakh, der

Roof

Dakhtn zikh

(v.) Seem

Dame, di

Lady

Dank, der

Thanks

Dankbar

Grateful, thankful

Danken

(v.) Thank

Danken Gott

Thank God!

Dar

Thin

Darfn

(v.) Need

Date, di

Date

Davenen

(v.) Pray

Daygen

(v.) Worry

Dayn

(poss. pron.) Your, yours

Deigeh nisht!

Don't worry!

Delikat

Delicate

Dem

(nom. art.) The

Demolt

Then

Dempik

Humid

Der

The (masc.)

Der tate oysn oyg

Just like his father (lit., the father from eye)

Derblitsn

(v.) Flash

Derekherets, der

Respect (Hebrew)

Derfar

Therefore

Derfin

About it

Derfreyen

(v.) Delight

Dergreykh, der

Accomplishment; achievement

Derhargenen

(v.) Kill

Deriber

Therefore, consequently

Derinnen

(n.) Thing

Derkenen

(v.) Recognize

Derklern

(v.) Explain; declare

Derlangen

(v.) Hand

Derloybenish, der

Permission

Derloybn

(v.) Allow; permit

Dermonen

(v.) Remind

Dermonung, di

Remembrance

Dernokhdem

Afterwards, as a sequel

Dershrokn

(v.) Afraid, frightened

Dershtekhn

(v.) Stab

Dershtikn

(v.) Choke

Dershtoynt

(v.) Amazed, astounded

Dertseyln

(v.) Tell

Dervaksener, der

Adult

Dervaksn

(adj.) Adult, grown-up

Dervartn

(v.) Await

Dervartn

(v.) Expect

Dervayl

Meanwhile

Dervayz, der

Proof

Dervayzn

(v.) Prove

Dervegn

About it, about that

Derveyln

(v.) Elect

Dervisn zikh

(v.) Learn

Detsember, der

December

Di

The (fem.)

Di ander vokh

Next week

Di tsveyte vokh

Next week

Dik

Thick

Dikh

(obj.) You

Dikh, der/di

Thigh

Diktirn

(v.) Dictate

Dil, der

Floor

Diment, der

Diamond

Din

Thin

Din, der

Law

Diner, der

Servant

Dingen (zikh)

(v.) Bargain, hire, engage, lease, rent

Dinst, di

Servant

Dinstik, der

Tuesday

Dir

(dat.) You

Dire, di

Apartment

Diregelt, dos

Rent

Dis fayntin shneg

It's starting to snow

Dis fayntin zoraiganin

It's starting to rain

Disk, der

Record

Diskusye, di

Discussion

Divan, der

Rug

Dlonye, di

Palm

Do

Here

Dokh

Yet, still, obviously, as you know

Donershtik, der

Thursday

Doppes

One who offers oral sympathy

Dorem, der

South

Dorf, dos

Village

Dortn

There

Dos

The (neut.)

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

Doykhik, der

Scarcity

Doyresdik

Perpetual

Drai zich

Keep moving!

Draikop, draykop

Scatterbrain

Dray

Three

Draysik

Thirty

Draysik driter

Thirty third

Draysikster

Thirtieth

Draytseter

Thirteenth

Draytsn

Thirteen

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.

Dreml, der

Nap

Dremlen

(v.) Nap

Drey, der

Turn

Dreyen

(v.) Turn

Dreyst

Bold

Drikn

(v.) Press

Driml

(n.) Dream

Dringlekh

Urgent

Driter

Third

Droshe, di

Speech (Hebrew)

Druchus

The sticks (way out in the wild)

Druker, der

Printer

Drukn

(v.) Print

Du

(nom.) You

Dumkop

Dumbbell, dunce (lit., dumb head)

Duner, der

Thunder

Durkhfal, der

Flop or failure

Durkhfaln

(v.) Fail

Durkhfirn

(v.) Carry out

 
E

Ech

A groan, a disparaging exclamation

Ech hob dir in drerd

Go to hell

Ech mir (eppes)

Humorous, disparaging remark about anything

Efenen

(v.) Open

Efsher

Maybe, could be

Efsher

Perhaps

Ehrnst

Serious

Ei! Ei!

Exclamation equivalent to the English "Oh!"

Eingeshpahrt

Stubborn

Eingetunken

Dipped, dunked

Einhoreh

The evil eye

Eizel

Fool, dope

Ek, der

End, extremity

Ek veldt

The boondocks ( lit., the end of the earth)

Ekht

Genuine

Ekl, der

Disgust

Ekstrem

Extreme

Ekzistirn

(v.) Exist

Elegant

Elegant

Elf

Eleven

Elfter

Eleventh

Elnboygn, der

Elbow

Emer, der

Pail, bucket

Emes, der

Truth (Hebrew)

Emese meisse

An (absolutely) true tale

Emetser

Someone

Emotsye, di

Emotion

Endikn

(v.) Finish; end

Enlekh

Similar, alike

Enlekhkayt, di

Similarity

Enschultig meir

Well, excuse me! (sarcastically, also non-sarcastic depending on the usage)

Entfer, der

Reply

Entfern

(v.) Reply, answer

Entoisht

Disappointed

Epes, eppes

Something, somewhat, a bit, not much; large remarkable, prodigious; perhaps, maybe

Epl, der

Apple

Epl tsimes

Applesauce

Eppes narrishkeit

Some foolishness

Er

He

Er bolbet narishkeiten

He talks nonsense

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 macht a tel fun dem

He ruins it

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)

Erd, di

Earth; ground

Erger

Worse

Ergernish, dos

Grief

Ergets vu

Somewhere

Erlekh

Honest

Erlekhkayt, der

Honesty

Eroplan, der

Airplane

Ersht, ershter

First

Es

It

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 iz (tsu) shpet

It is (too) late

Es ken zyn

Maybe, maybe not; anything is possible; who knows? (lit., it could be)

Es past nit

Is is not becoming. It is not fitting

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 vet gornit helfen

Nothing will help

Esik, der

Vinegar

Esn, ess

(v.) Eat. Often used as a command.

Esn mitik

Eating during midday or having dinner

Esn teg

Yeshiva students who would be fed in different houses each day (lit., eat days)

Esnvarg, dos

Food

Ess gezunterhait

Eat in good health

Estsimer, der

Dining-room

Etlekhe

Several, some

Ey, dos

Egg

Eybershter

(the) Almighty

Eybik

Eternal

Eydel mentch

Courteous, refined

Eydem, der

Son-in-law

Eyder

1. Before; 2. than

Eydes, der

Witness

Eydl

Polite; civil

Eyferzikhtik

Jealous

Eygene,di

Relatives, kin

Eygn

(adj.) Own; same

Eyl, der

Oil

Eymedik

Dreadful

Eyn mol

Once

Eyn un tsvantsik

Twenty-one

Eyn un tsvantsikster

Twenty-first

Eyner aleyn

Alone, by myself

Eyns

One

Eyns un draysik

Thirty-one

Eyntsik

Only

Eytse, di

Advice

Eytsn

(v.) Advise

Eyzl, der

Donkey

 
F

Fabrik, di

Factory

Fahrshvindn

(v.) Disappeared

Faigeleh, foygl, der

Bird (also used as a derogatory reference to a gay person)

Fain

(v.) Fall; drop

Faklert

Absorbed (in thought)

Faktish

Actual

Faln

(v.) Fall

Falsh

False

Fangen

(v.) Capture

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, for what, what for

Far vos nisht

Why not

Far zikher

For sure

Faran

Available, present

Farayorn

A year ago

Farb, di

Color, dye, paint

Farband, der

Association, union

Farbay

(adj.) Over; past; gone

Farbaytn

(v.) Substitute

Farbesern

(v.) Improve, better

Farbetn

(v.) Invite

Farbetung, di

Invitation

Farbisseneh punim

Sourpuss

Farbissener

(n.) Embittered, sour; bitter person

Farbissine

(adj.) Bitter

Farblondzhet, farblunget

Totally lost; or hopelessly mixed up, bewildered, confused; dysfunctional

Farbluzhet

Bending your ear

Farbn

(v.) Paint, color

Farbrecher

Crook, con-man

Farbrekhn, dos

Crime

Farbrenen

(v.) Burn

Farbrengen

Party, esp. religious or family

Farbrent

Burning; zealous

Farchadet

Confused, all messed up: farblunget intensified; distracted, dysfunctional

Fardamen

(v.) Condemn

Fardeiget

Distressed, worried, full of care, anxiety

Fardinen

(v.) Earn; deserve

Fardinen a mitzveh

Earn a blessing or a merit (by doing a good deed)

Fardross

Disappointment, sorrow

Farfalen

Hopeless, doomed

Farfeln

(v.) Overlook

Farfirn

(v.) Mislead

Farfoylt

Mildewed, rotten, decayed

Farfroyren

Frozen

Farfroyrn vern

(v.) Freeze

Farfufket

Befuddled, taken aback, disoriented

Fargangene vokh

Last week

Fargangenem khoydesh

Last month

Fargesn

(v.) Forget

Farginen

(v.) Wish well; not begrudge; not envy; indulge; afford to

Fargisn

(v.) Spill

Farglaykhn

(v.) Compare

Fargresern

(v.) Increase, enlarge

Farhaltn

(v.) Delay

Farhitn

(v.) Prevent; avert

Farkatk(e)

Lousy, ridiculous; (vulgar) dungy, like excrement

Farkirtsn

(v.) Shorten

Farkirtsung, di

Abbreviation

Farklempt

All choked up, too emotional to talk, overwrought

Farklempt fis

Not being able to walk right, clumsy as in "clumsy feet"

Farklenern

(v.) Decrease

Farkoyfn

(v.) Suffer

Farkrimen

(v.) Distort

Farkrimpter punim

Twisted up, scowling face

Farkukn

(v.) Overlook

Farlangen

(v.) Desire

Farlegnheyt, di

Embarrassment

Farlir zikh

Go lose yourself

Farlirn

(v.) Lose

Farlozn

(v.) Forsake; depend on; neglect

Farm, di

Farm

Farmach dos moyl

Shut up. Quiet (lit., shut your mouth)

Farmakhn

(v.) Close; shut

Farmatern

(v.) Tire

Farmatert

Tired

Farminern

(v.) Lessen

Farmisht

Confused, dysfunctional, befuddled, mixed up

Farmogn

(v.) Possess, own

Farmutshet

Worn out, fatigued, exhausted

Farnemen

(v.) Occupy

Farnumen

Busy

Farpatshket

Having the misguided intent to fix or improve something but ruining it in the process

Farpitst, farputst

To get all dressed up to the "nines"

Farprishte punim

Pimpled face

Farratn

(v.) Betray

Farreter, der

Traitor

Farrikhtn

(v.) Mend; repair

Farsamen

(v.) Poison

Farsemen

(v.) Embarrass

Farshemt

Ashamed

Farsheydn

Various

Farshiltn

(v.) Curse

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)

Farshlisn

(v.) Lock

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

Farshpetikt

Late

Farshpreytn

(v.) Spread

Farshtayst

Do you understand? Did you get that?

Farshteyn

(v.) Understand

Farshtikn

(v.) Suppress

Farshtinkener

Rotten, as in a rotten person

Farshtopt

Stuffed

Farshtunken

Smells bad, stinks, fetid

Farshvitst

Sweaty, all worked up; shvits is sweat

Farshvundn vern

(v.) Disappear

Fartekh, der

Apron

Farteyln

(v.) Distribute

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

Farvayln

(v.) Entertain

Farvaylung, di

Amusement, entertainment

Farvern

(v.) Prohibit

Farvundikn

(v.) Wound

Farzamlung

Assembly

Farzikhern

(v.) Assure; assert, affirm

Farzogn

(v.) Supply

Farzukhn

(v.) Taste

Fas, di

Barrel, cask

Fasolye, di

Bean

Fastn

(v.) Fast

Fayeke (m. fayeker)

Capable

Fayer, der

Fire

Fayerlekh

Solemn

Fayfn

(v.) Whistle

Fayg, di

Fig

Fayn

Fine

Fayndlekh

Hostile

Faynt hobn

(v.) Hate

Februar, der

February

Fefer, der

Pepper

Feh

Fooey, it stinks, not very nice, disapproving

Feik

Able, capable

Feikayt, dos

Ability, aptitude, faculty

Feinkochen

Omelet, scrambled eggs

Feinshmeker

Putting on airs; high falutin'

Feld, dos

Field

Felndik

Absent

Fendl, dos

Saucepan

Ferd, dos

Horse; a fool (slang)

Ferdrimmeled

Dreaming, daydreaming

Fershke, di

Peach

Ferter

Fourth

Fertl, dos

Quarter

Fertseter

Fourteenth

Fertsik

Forty

Fertsikster

Fourtieth

Fertsn

Fourteen

Fest

Firm

Fet

Fat, obese

Feter, der

Uncle (also onkel)

Feygele, foygl, der

Bird (also used as a derogatory reference to a gay person)

Fiber, der

Fever

Fidl, der

Violin

Fier

Four

Fil

Many

Film, der

Film

Filosofye, di

Philosophy

Finf

Five

Finfter

Fifth

Finger, der

Finger

Fingerl, dos

Ring

Finklen

(v.) Glitter

Finster un glitshik

Miserable (lit., dark and slippery)

Fintster

Dark

Fir

Four

Fire, der

Leader

Firer, der

Guide

Firlitsents, der

Driving licence

Firme, di

Company

Firn

(v.) Lead, drive a car

Firn zikh

(v.) Act; behave

Fisfinger, der

Toe

Fish, der

Fish

Fisher, der

Fisherman

Fishn

(v.) Fish

Fisslach

Chickens' or ducks' feet, often in ptsha

Flaishidik

Relating to meat or meat products

Flam, der

Flame

Flash, di

Bottle

Flaterl, dos

Butterfly

Fledermoyz, di

Bat

Fleysh, dos

Flesh; meat

Fleyshik

Meat products

Flien

(v.) Fly

Flier, der

Aviator, flier

Flig, di

Fly

Fligl, der

Wing

Flikn

(v.) Pluck

Fliplats

Airport

Floym, di

Plum

Fodem, der

Thread

Fodern

(v.) Demand

Foiler, der

Lazy man, idler, sluggard, loafer

Foilishtik

Foolishness

Fokher, der

Hand fan

Folg mich

Obey me

Folg mikh a gang

Why should I do it? It's hardly worth the trouble! Quite a distance!

Folgn

(v.) Obey

Folk, dos

People

Fon

From

Fon, di

Flag

Fone, di

Banner

Fonfen

(v.) Speaking through the nose

Fonfer

(v.) Speak through nose; double talk; procrastinate; time-wasting talking; mumble, speak incoherently

Fooey

Designates disbelief, distaste, contempt

For gezunterhait

Bon voyage! Travel in good health!

Forhang, der

Curtain

Forn

(v.) Ride, drive

Fornt, der

Front

Foroys

Forward

Foroyszogn

(v.) Predict

Forshlog, der

Offer

Forshlogn

(v.) Suggest

Forshpeits

Appetizer

Forshteln

(v.) Introduce, present

Forts

Fart

Forts n' zovver

A very smelly or foul-smelling fart.

Foter, der

Father

Foygl, der

Bird; smart guy (slang)

Foyl

Lazy

Foyst, di

Fist

Frage, di

Question

Frailech

Happy

Frask, der

Slap

Frask in pisk

Slap in the face

Fray

Free

Fray, di

Woman; wife

Fraye tsayt, di

Leisure

Frayhayt, di

Freedom

Frayleich

Cheerful

Fraynd, der

Friend

Frayndlekh

Friendly; kind

Frayndlekhkayt, di

Kindness

Frayndshaft, di

Friendship

Fraytik, der

Friday

Fregn

(v.) Ask

Freg nit (nisht)

Things are bad, absolutely! (lit., don’t ask)

Fregn

(v.) Ask

Fregn zikh

(v.) Wonder

Freilich

Happy; joyous

Fremd

Strange

Fremder, der

Stranger

Fresn

(v.) Eat like a pig, devour

Fress

(v.) Eat, overeat

Fressing

Gourmandizing (Yinglish)

Freyd, di

Joy

Freydik

Joyful

Freyen zikh

(v.) Rejoice

Freylach

Joyous

Fri

Early

Fridlekh

Peaceful

Frier

Earlier; before; formerly

Friling, der

Spring

Frimer, di

Pious, religious, devout

Frimorgn, der

Morning

Frish

Fresh

Frishtik, der

Breakfast

Frosh, der

Frog

Frost, der

Frost

Froy, di

Woman

Frukht, di

Fruit

Frum, der

Pious, religious, devout

Fuftseter

Fifteenth

Fuftsik

Fifty

Fuftsikster

Fiftieth

Fuftsn

Fifteen

Fuks, der

Fox

Ful

Full

Fulshtendik

Complete

Fun

From, of, by

Fun itst on

Henceforth

Funanderklaybn

(v.) Analyze

Fundestvegn

However; nevertheless

Funem

From (the)

Funfeh

Speaker's fluff, error

Funt, der

Pound

Fus, der

Foot, leg

Futz

(v.) Fiddle around

Fyalke, di

Violet

 
G

G'vir, der

Rich man

Gadles, dos

Arrogance

Gadult, der/di

Patience; feeding the baby

Galitsianer, der

Jewish native of Galicia

Galut, der/dos

Exile, as in diaspora (Hebrew)

Gandz, di

Goose

Ganef, gonif, der

Crook, thief, burglar, swindler, racketeer, dishonest person or scoundrel (often used as a general term of abuse)

Ganeydn, der

Paradise (Hebrew)

Gants

All, entire

Gants gut

Quite well; very good

Gantse

Whole; entire; all; complete

Gantse k'nacker

Big shot

Gantse kener

Know-it-all

Gantse macher

Big shot

Gantse megillah

A long, drawn-out story that never ends. The whole megillah; Big deal! (derisive)

Gantse mentsh

Manly, a whole man, a complete man; an adult; a fellow who assumes airs

Gantse mishpochah

Entire family

Ganvenen

(v.) Steal

Garantirn

(v.) Guarantee

Garazh, der

Garage

Gartl, der

Belt, sash

Gas, di

Job

Gast, der

Guest

Gastgeber, der

Host

Gastgeberin, di

Hostess

Gatkes

Long winter underwear

Gayst, der

Spirit

Gaz, der

Gas

Gazlen, der

Robber

Ge

(v. particle prefix)

Geb

(v.) Give

Gebentsht mit kinder

Blessed with children

Gebentshte boych

Said of a woman with a fabulous child or children (lit., blessed stomach (womb))

Gebn

(v.) Give

Gebn shoychad

(v.) Bribe

Geboyrntog, der

Birthday

Gebrenteh tsores

Utter misery

Gebrochener english

Fractured English

Geburt, di

Birth

Gedainkst?

Remember?

Gedank, der

Thought

Gedenken

(v.) Remember

Gedempte flaysh

Mystery meat

Gedenken

(v.) Remember

Gedicht

Thick, full, ample

Gedoyern

(v.) Last

Geduld, dos

Patience

Geduldik

Patient

Gefar, der

Danger

Gefeln

(v.) Please

Geferlech

Dangerous

Gefil, dos

Feeling

Gefinen

(v.) Find

Gegnt, der

Neighborhood; area (region, district)

Geh avek

Go away

Geh gezunterheit

Go in good health

Geh shlofn

Go to sleep

Geh shoyn, geh

1. Scram! 2. don't be silly!

Gehakte tsoris

Worse suffering or trouble

Gehenem, dos

Hell (Hebrew)

Geherik

Proper

Gehern

(v.) Belong

Geht

Come now!

Geht es nit

It doesn't work

Gel

(adj.) Yellow

Gelaimter

Person who drops whatever he touches

Gelegnhayt, di

Opportunity

Gelekhter, dos

Laughter

Gelibteh

Beloved

Gelt, dos

Money (esp. as Chanukah gift)

Gelt gait tsu gelt

Money goes to money

Gembeh

Big mouth

Gemel, dos

Painting

Gemitlich

Slowly, unhurried, gently

Genaivisheh shtiklech

Tricky, sharp, crooked actions or doings

Genetsn

(v.) Yawn

Genevishe oygn

Shifty eyes

Genug

Enough

Genug iz genug

Enough is enough

Genug shoyn

Enough already; say no more

Genug zayn

(v.) Suffice

Ger, der

Convert, stranger (Hebrew)

Gerativet

Saved

Gerekhtikayt, di

Justice

Gern

Willingly

Gertner, der

Gardener

Gesheft, dos

Business

Geshikhte, di

History

Geshmak, geshmack

Tasty, delicious

Geshrey, dos

Scream, cry, shout

Geshtorben

The state of being dead

Geshtroft

Cursed, accursed; punished

Geshvollen

Swollen, puffed up (also applied to person with haughty pride)

Gest, di

Company

Get, der

Divorce; divorce document (Hebrew)

Getchke

Statue

Getlekh

Divine

Getrank, dos

Drink

Getray

Faithful

Getroyen

(v.) Trust

Gevald geshreyeh

Good grief!

Gevald, gevalt

Heaven forbid! (exclam.)

Gevaldikeh zach

A terrible thing! (Often ironically)

Gevet, dos

Bet

Geveyntlekh

Ordinary, common, usual

Geviks, dos

Plant

Gevinen

(v.) Win

Gevirts, dos

Spice

Gevis

Certain

Gevisn, dos

Conscience

Gevlnen

(v.) Gain

Gevorene kroyvim

Relatives by marriage

Gevoynhayt, di

Habit

Gey gezunterheyt!

Get out of here! (unfriendly; said with sarcasm)

Gey gezunterheyt!

Go in good health! (friendly; said with warmth)

Geyn, gey

(v.) Go

Gezets, dos

Law

Gezunde tsores

Healthy troubles. Troubles one should not take too seriously.

Gezunt, dos

Health; (adj.) 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)

Gikh

Quick

Gikhkayt, di

Speed

Gintsik

Favorable

Gisn

(v.) Pour

Gitte neshomah

Good soul

Glatik

Smooth

Glaykh

Equal; level

Glaykhgiltik

Indifferent

Gleichvertel

Wisecrack, pun, saying, proverb, bon mot, witticism

Glentsndik

Magnificent

Gletn

(v.) Caress

Gleybn

(v.) Believe

Glezel tai

Glass of tea

Glezel varms

Comforting or soothing (lit., glass of warmth)

Glid

Penis

Glik, dos

Happiness, luck, piece of luck

Gliklekh

Happy

Gliklekhn nay-yor

Happy new year

Glitch

Minor malfunction

Gloib mir

Believe me

Glok, der

Bell

Gloybn, der

Belief

Gloybn

(v.) Believe

Gloz, di

Glass

Glustiyah

Enema

Gold, dos

Gold

Goldene medina

The golden country, America

Goldeneh chasseneh

Fiftieth wedding anniversary

Goldeneh medina

The golden country, America

Golem

Clumsy; sluggish

Goles, der

Exile

Gombe, di

Chin

Gonif, ganef, der

Thief, dishonest person, crook, thief, burglar, swindler, embezzler, unscrupulous businessman (often used as a general term of insult)

Goot gezugt

Well said

Gopl, der

Fork

Gorgl, der

Throat, neck

Gornish helfn

Beyond help

Gornisht

Nothing, emptiness

Gortn, der

Garden

Gote-vorte

A good piece of information or short concise Torah commentary.

Gott, der

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, der

Any person who is not Jewish (Hebrew)

Goyeh, di

Gentile woman (Hebrew)

Goyim, di

Non-Jewish persons (Hebrew)

Goyish(e)

Pertaining to goyim (Hebrew)

Goyishe kop

Opposite of Yiddishe kop. Generally used to indicate someone who is not particularly smart or shrewd: gullible, slow one (definitely offensive.)

Goyrl, der

Fate

Gratsyez

Graceful

Grauber

Coarse, uncouth, crude person

Grauber yung

Coarse, uncouth, crude young man

Gray

Grey

Greykhn

(v.) Extend

Grays

Big, large

Grayz, der

Error

Greener

Greenhorn, new immigrant (Yinglish)

Greps

Belch; a burp if it's a mild one

Greykhn

(v.) Reach

Greys, di

Extent

Greyt

Ready

Grin

Green

Gring

Easy

Grivines

Onions fried in chicken fat/p>

Grob(e)

Coarse, crude, profane, rough, rude; obscene

Grober

Coarse, uncouth, crude person

Grober finger

Thumb

Grobn

(v.) Dig

Grois-halter

Showoff, conceited person

Groisseh gedilleh

Big deal! (sarcastically)

Groisser gornisht

Big good-for-nothing

Groisser putz

Big penis! Big prick! (derogatory or sarcastic; vulgar)

Grooten

(v.) Take after; favor

Grosse

Big

Groylik

Horrible

Groyser

A big person

Groyser finger

Middle finger

Groyser tsuleyger

Big shot (sarcastically)

Groyskayt, di

Greatness

Groyulik

Appalling

Groz, dos

Grass

Grube

Coarse, crude, profane, rough, rude

Gruber yung

Coarse, uncouth, crude young man

Gruntik

Thorough

Guf, der

Body

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

Good

Gut far him

Serves him right!

Gut gezugt

Well said

Gut Shabbos

Good Sabbath

Gut yontif

Happy Holiday

Gut; gutt

Good

Guthartsikayt, di

Kindness

Gutskayt, di

Goodness

Gutte neshome

Good soul, person

Gvald, di

Force

Gvaldeven

(v.) Scream

Gvul, der

Limit

Gvure, di

Strength

 
H

Hagem

Although

Haimish

Down-to-earth, sympatico, approachable

Haimish punem

A friendly face

Haiseh vanneh

Hot bath

Haissen

(v.) Hate

Hak, di

Axe

Hak flaish

Chopped meat

Haken a tsheinik

Boring, long-winded and annoying conversation; talking for the sake of talking (lit., to bang on the teapot)

Hakhnose, di

Income

Halb

Half

Halbe nahkht, di

Midnight (half-night)

Haldz, der

Throat

Haldzn

(v.) Hug

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

Hamavin yavin

Used to justify a cryptic statement or obfuscate instead of illuminate (lit., the understander will understand)

Hamer, der

Hammer

Hamoyn

Common people

Handlen

(v.) Bargain; do business; act; trade

Hanoe, di

Fun

Hanoe hobn (fun)

(v.) Enjoy

Hant, di

Hand

Hantekh, dos

Towel

Hantgelenk, dos

Wrist

Harb

Harsh

Harbst, dos

Autumn, fall

Hargenen

(v.) Kill

Hart

Hard

Harte mogen

Constipation

Harts, dos

Heart

Hartsvaitik

Heartache

Has, der

Hatred

Haskome, di

Agreement; approval, consent

Hatslokhe, di

Success

Haynt

Today

Haynt bay nakht

Tonight

Haynt in ovnt

Tonight (if before midnight)

Haynttsaytik

Contemporary

Hecher

Louder

Hefker

Stray, ownerless

Heflekh

Courteous; polite

Heft, di

Notebook

Heizel

Whorehouse

Hekdish

Decrepit place, a slum-house, poorhouse; a mess

Hekherr

Above

Hekhsher

Seal of approval

Held, der

Hero

Heldish

Brave

Heldzel

Stuffed neck flesh; sort of a neck-kishke

Helfand, der

Elephant

Helfn

(v.) Help; aid; assist

Helft, di

Half

Hemd, dos

Shirt

Hendler, der

Dealer

Hengen

(v.) Hang

Hentshke, di

Glove

Hern

(v.) Hear

Hert zich ein

Listen here

Heskem, der

Agreement

Hetsken zich

Shake and dance with joy

Heybn

(v.) Heave; lift

Heykh, di

Height

Heylik

Holy; sacred

Heyln

(v.) Heal

Heym, di

Home

Heymish

Homelike

Heypekh, der

Opposite

Heys

Hot

Heysn

(v.) 1. Be called; mean

Heytsn

(v.) Heat

Hikevater

Stammerer

Hilf, di

Help

Himl, der

Sky; heaven

Hintn

(adv.) Behind, in back

Hirsh, der

Deer

Hit zich

Look out

Hitl, dos

Cap

Hitn

(v.) Guard

Hits, di

Heat; fever

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)

Hodeven

(v.) Cultivate

Hofenung, di

Hope

Hofn

(v.) Hope

Hogl, der

Hail

Hoizer gaier

Beggar

Hoizirer

House-peddler

Hok

1. Yak; 2. nag; 3. strike, hit

Holishkes

Stuffed cabbage

Holts, dos

Wood

Homar, der

Lobster

Hondl

(v.) Haggle, bargain; do business; act; trade

Honik, der

Honey

Hopken

(v.) Hop

Hor, di

Hair

Host

(v. sing.) Have (you)

Hot

(v. sing.) Has (he/she); have (you)

Hotel, der

Hotel

Hoykh

High; tall; hump on a hunchback (slang)

Hoyt, di

Skin

Hoyz, dos

House

Hoyzn, di

Trousers

Hoz, der

Rabbit

Hulyen

(v.) Carouse

Hulyen

Hellraiser

Humor, der

Humor

Hun, di

Chicken

Hundert

Hundred

Hundertster

Hundredth

Hunger, der

Hunger

Hunt, der

Dog

Hut, der

Hat

 
I

Ibberbuttle

Senile

Iber

Above, over, in excess of, more than

Iberbaysn, dos

Breakfast

Iberbaytn

(v.) Alter

Iberik

Excessive

Iberkern

(v.) Upset

Iberkhazern

(v.) Repeat

Iberklern

(v.) Reconsider

Iberlozn

(v.) Leave behind

Iberraysn

(v.) Interrupt

Ibersetzn

(v.) Translate

Ibershraybn

(v.) Copy, transcribe, rewrite

Ibershrekn

(v.) Frighten

Iberton

(v.) Change clothes

Iberyogn

(v.) Pass

Ich vais

I know

Ich vais nit

I don't know

Idee, di

Idea

Iker, der

Principle, tenet; people of substance

Ikerdik

Basic, essential

In

In, within, into; at

In a noveneh

For a change; once in a blue moon

In a vokh arum

Next week

In di alteh guteh tseiten

In the good old days

In di oygn

To one's face (lit., in the eyes)

In ergets nit

Nowhere

In gantsn

All; entirely; altogether

In miten drinen

In the middle of; suddenly, right in the middle of everything

In ovnt oder afdernakht

In the evening (until about midnight)

In oysland

Abroad

Indzl, der

Island

Ineveynik

Inside; indoors

Informatsye, di

Information

Inhalt, der

Contents

Inlendish

Domestic

Inteligent

Intelligent

Inteligents, di

Intelligence

Interesant

Interesting

Inyen, der/dos

Affair; matter

Inzhenir, der

Engineer

Ipish

Bad odor, stink

Ir

(sing.) Her; (pl.) you

Ir gefelt mir zaier.

You please me a great deal

Itst

Now

Itstik

Present, current

Iz

(v. sing.) Is (he/she)

Iz brent mir ahfen harts

I have a heartburn

 
K

Kaas (in kaas oyf)

Angry (with)

Kaas, der

Anger

Kabaret forshtelung

Floor show

Kabole, di

Receipt

Kabolesponem, dos

Welcome

Kabtsn, der

Pauper

Kaddishel, der

Baby son; endearing term for a boy or man (Hebrew)

Kadokhes, dos

Fever

Kadokhes mit koshereh fodem

Absolutely nothing (lit., fever with a kosher thread)

Kaftan

Long coat worn by religious Jews

Kakameyme

Crazy

Kakapitshi

Conglomeration

Kal vachomer

Just so; a principle of scriptural interpretation whereby a conclusion is drawn from a minor premise or more lenient condition to a major or more strict one (lit. "all the more so").

Kalamutneh

Dreary, gloomy, troubled

Kalb, dos

Calf

Kalbfleysh, dos

Veal

Kale, kalleh, di

Bride (Hebrew)

Kalekeh, di

A new bride who cannot even boil an egg

Kalleh moid

A girl of marriageable age

Kallehniu, di

Little bride

Kalt

(adj.) Cold

Kalta neshomeh

A cold soul

Kalye makhn

(v.) Spoil

Kalyeh

Bad, wrong, spoiled

Kalyekeh

Cripple; misfit; also, anybody not good at their craft or sport

Kam, der

Comb

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

Kamtsn, der

Miser

Kamtsoness

Miserly

Kaneh

Enema

Kapelye, di

Band

Kaporeh, kapores

Atonement, sacrifice; forgiveness; (slang) good for nothing (Hebrew)

Karabeinik

Country peddler

Karger

Miser, tightwad

Kark, der

Neck

Karsh, di

Cherry

Karte, di

Map

Kartl, dos

Card

Kartofl, der

Potato

Kas, der

Anger

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

Kastn, der

Chest

Kats, di

Cat

Katsev, der

Butcher

Katshke, di

1. Duck; 2. talker, chatterer, chatterbox, 3. windbag

Katshkedik

Ducky, swell, pleasant (Americanism)

Katsisher kop

Forgetful (lit., cat head)

Kave, di

Coffee

Kayen

(v.) Chew

Kayer, der

Jaw

Kayklen

(v.) Roll

Kaylekhik

Round

Kayn ayn horeh

Said to ward off evil, especially when speaking of one's good fortune (lit., not one evil eye) (Hebrew)

Kayor, der

Dawn

Kazatskeh

Lively Russian dance

Kegener, der

Opponent

Kegn

Against

Keisenik

Angry person; excitable person, hothead

Keler, der

Basement

Kelner, der

Waiter

Kelyner

Little one

Kemat

Almost, practically

Kemfer

Fighter (usually for a cause)

Ken

(v.) Know

Ken zein

Maybe, could be

Kenen

(v.) Be able to; know (a skill or language)

Kentik

Visible

Ker, der

Turn

Kereven

(v.) Steer

Kerper, der

Body

Keseyderdik

Continual

Keshene, di

Pocket

Kesl, der

Kettle

Kestl, dos

Box

Ketsl, dos

Kitten

Keylim, di

Dishes

Keyn

1. (prep.) to; 2. (art.) not a, not any; no, nothing, none; not anything (used in negative sentences)

Keyn mol nisht

Never

Keyn mol nit

Never

Keyser, der

Emperor

Keyserine, di

Empress

Keyt, di

Chain

Keyver, der

Tomb

Kez, der

Cheese

Khalat, der

Robe

Khalishes

Ugly

Khanfenen

(v.) Flatter

Khapn

(v.) Catch

Kharote hobn

(v.) Repent

Khasene, di

Wedding (Hebrew)

Khaver, der

Friend (Hebrew)

Khaye, di

Animal

Khazer, der

Pig; greedy lout, cheapskate, selfish person (lit., pig)

Khazerai

1. Swill, pig's feed; 2. anything bad, unpalatable, rotten; 3. trash, junk

Khemye, di

Chemistry

Kheshbn, der

Accounting, bill, calculation

Kheyfets, der

Thing, article, object

Kheylek, der

Share

Kheyn, der

Charm

Kheyrem

Ban (Hebrew)

Khezhbn, der

Account

Khezhbn-firer

Accountant

Khidesh, der

1. Innovation, novelty; 2. surprise, astonishment

Khokhme, di

Wisdom; bright idea (Hebrew)

Kholem, der

Dream

Kholemen

(v.) Dream

Khorev makhn

(v.) Ruin

Khotsh

Although; at least

Khoydesh, der

Month (Hebrew)

Khoyv, der

Debt; duty

Khshad, der

Suspicion

Khurbn, der

Destruction, ruin, catastrophe, the Holocaust

Khuts

Except

Khuts dem

Besides

Khvalye, di

Wave

Ki mat

Almost

Kibbitz

(v.) Offer unsolicited advice as a spectator

Kibbitzer

Teaser, jokester, meddlesome spectator

Kikh, di

Kitchen

Kikhl, dos

Cookie

Kil

Cool

Killeh

Hernia

Kimpet-tsettel

Childbirth amulet or charm (from the German "kindbettsettel" meaning "childbirth label")

Kimpetoren, di

Woman in labor or immediately after the delivery

Kin, der

Chin

Kind, dos

Child

Kind un kait

Young and old

Kinder, dos

Children

Kinderlach, dos

Diminutive, affectionate term for children

Kine, di

Envy

Kine-ahora

Said to ward off evil, especially when speaking of one's good fortune (lit., not one evil eye) (Hebrew)

Kinig, der

King

Kinigin, di

Queen

Kinigl, dos

Rabbit

Kinstlekh

Artificial

Kinstler, der

Artist

Kirtsung, di

Abbreviation

Kish mir en toches

Kiss my backside (slang)

Kishef macher

Magic-worker

Kishka, kishkeh, kishkes

Stuffed derma (sausage dish); guts, intestines. Also can describe a person's emotions

Kishn, der

Cushion, pillow

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

Kishorn, der

Fault

Kitslen

(v.) Tickle

Klainer

Little one

Klainer gornisht

Little prig (lit., a little nothing)

Klal, der

Public

Klang, der

Sound

Klaperkeh, di

Talkative woman

Klapn

(v.) Knock

Klas, der

Class

Klaybn

(v.) Choose; (v.) select; (v.) gather

Klayder, di

Clothing, attire

Klayder machem dem mentshen

Clothes make the man

Klemt beim harts

Clutches at my heartstrings

Kleyd, dos

Dress

Kleyn

Little; little one

Klezmer, der

Musician

Klimat, der

Climate

Klipeh, di

Gabby woman, shrew, a female demon

Klog, di

1. Woe; 2. plague

Klog iz mir (a ...)

Woe is me!

Klogmuter

Complainer, chronic complainer

Klole, di

Curse; oath

Klop

Bang, a real hard punch or wallop

Klor

Clear

Klots, der

Log

Klotz

Ungraceful, awkward, clumsy person; bungler

Klotz kasheh

Foolish question; meaningless question

Kloymersht

Not in reality, pretended (lit., as if it were)

Kloyster, der

Church

Klug

Wise, 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, dos (pl. knaidlach)

Dumplings usually made of matzoh meal, cooked in soup

Knekhl, dos

Ankle, knuckle

Knepl, dos

Button, knot; hymen, virginity; money tied in a knot in a handkerchief

Kni, der

Knee

Knien

(v.) Kneel

Knish

Baked dumplings filled with potato, meat, liver or barley

Knobl, der

Garlic

Knocker

Big shot; man of achievement; braggart, showoff

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)

Kokhn

(v.) Boil

Kol, dos

Voice

Kolboynik

Rascally know-it-all

Kolir, der

Color

Komandeven

(v.) Boisterous (loud and naughty)

Komar, der

Mosquito

Komisch

Funny

Kompliment, der

Compliment

Konkurs, der

Contest

Kontsert, der

Concert

Konyak, der

Brandy

Koorvah

1. Trollop, hooker, prostitute; 2. a woman who trades on her sexuality for money, gifts or position.

Kop, der

Head

Kop oif di plaitses

Good, common sense (lit., a head on the shoulders)

Kopete, di

Hoof

Kopveytik, der

Headache

Kopye, di

Copy

Korb, der

Basket

Korbn, der

Victim; scapegoat (Hebrew)

Korev, der

Relative

Kosher

1. Clean, based on Jewish dietary laws; 2. legitimate (slang) (Hebrew)

Kostn

(v.) Cost

Koved, der

Respect, honor, reverence, esteem (Hebrew)

Koyakh, der

Strength (inner strength), energy; power (Hebrew)

Koydem kol

First of all

Koyfn

(v.) Buy

Koyl, di

Bullet

Koyln, der

Coal

Koym

Hardly

Koymen, der

Chimney

Koyne, der

Customer

Koyshbol

Basketball

Kraft, di

Vigor

Kraftik

Vigorous

Krank, krenk, di

Sickness

Krankayt, di

Illness, sickness

Kranknshvester, di

Nurse

Krassavitseh, di

Beauty, a doll, beautiful woman

Kravat, der

Necktie

Kraytekhts, dos

Herb

Krayz, der

Circle

Krechts

Groan, moan

Krechtser

Blues singer, a moaner

Kreftik

Hearty

Krel, di

Claw

Kreplach

Small pockets of dough filled with chopped meat and are eaten in soup; nothing, valueless (slang)

Kretshme, di

Inn

Krigeray, di

Quarrel

Krign

(v.) Get, receive, acquire

Krign zikh

(v.) Quarrel

Krikhn

(v.) Creep

Krist, der

Christian

Kroivim

Relatives

Krom, di

Shop

Krots

(v.) Overcome inertia, motivate oneself to action (lit., scratch)

Krug, der

Jug

Kruk, der

Hook

Ku, di

Cow

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)

Kufert, der

Trunk

Kugel, der

Pudding

Kuk im on

Look at him

Kukn, kuk

(v.) Look

Kukn durkh di finger oyf

Shut one's eyes to..., connive at..., wink at...

Kultur, di

Culture

Kum

(v.) Come (command)

Kumedike vokh

Next week

Kumen

(v.) Come

Kumen tsu gast

To visit

Kuni leml

Nerd

Kunst, di

Art

Kunts, di

Trick

Kunyehlemel

Naive, clumsy, awkward person; nincompoop; Casper Milquetoast

Kuper, dos

Copper

Kuppe drek

A piece of feces

Kurts

Short, brief

Kurveh

Whore, prostitute

Kush, der

Kiss

Kushinyerkeh

Cheapskate; woman who comes to a store and asks for a five cents' worth of vinegar in her own bottle

Kushn

(v.) Kiss

Kuzin, der/di

Cousin

Kuzinen, di

Cousins

Kvatsh

Boneless person, one lacking character; a whiner, weakling

Kvell, kvellen

(v.) 1. Beam with joy, burst with pride, glow with pride and happiness, beam; be delighted; 2. express pleasure in a gentle manner; 3. exclaim joyfully or proudly, especially in boasting about the achievements of a family member.

Kvenklen zikh

(v.) Hesitate

Kver

Across, crosswise

Kvetch, der

Whiner, complainer

Kvetch, kvetsh, kvetshn

(v.) Whine, complain

Kvitsh

Shriek, scream, screech

 
L

L'chai'im

To life! (traditional Jewish toast); To your health, skoal (Hebrew)

L'chatchila

Preferably, as a first choice, at the beginning, at the outset

Lachen mit yash-tsherkes

Forced or false laugh; laugh with anguish

Laidik-gaier

Idler, loafer

Lakeh

Funnel

Lakhlutn

Absolutely

Lakhn

(v.) Laugh

Lam, di

Lamb

Lamdn, der

Scholar, erudite person, learned man

Lamed vovnik

A wise and learned person. One of the 36 wise and righteous persons each generation traditionally produces.

Land, dos

Country

Lang

Long

Lang leben zolt ir

Long may you live!

Lange loksch

Tall thin person, a long tall drink of water (lit., a long noodle)

Lantsman, der (pl. lantslaite)

Neighbor, a fellow countryman, and by usage, a fellow Jew

Lapeh

Big hand

Lastoyto, der

Truck

Lav dafke, lav davka

Not necessarily

Layb, dos

Flesh

Layblekhe kroyvim

Blood relatives

Layen

(v.) Lend

Laydn

(v.) Suffer

Laylekh, der

Sheet

Layseh mogen

Diarrhea

Laytish

Respectable

Leb

(v.) Live

Lebedik

Alive, lively

Lebedikeh velt (a ...)

A lively world!

Lebediker

Lively person

Leben ahf dein kop

Words of praise: well said; well done (lit., a long life upon your head)

Lebn

(v.) Live

Lebn, dos

Life

Lebn geblibener

Survivor

Lebst a chazerishen tog

Living high off the hog!

Leck, shmeck

Done superficially (lit., lick, smell)

Leder, di

Leather

Lefl, dos

Spoon

Leibtsudekel

Sleeveless shirt (like bib) with fringes, a talit katan, worn under a shirt by male orthodox Jews

Leiden

(v.) Suffer

Lekherlekh

Ridiculous

Lektsye, di

Lesson

Lekn

(v.) Lick

Lemechel

Quiet person

Lemeshkeh

Milquetoast, bungler

Leml, dos

Lamb

Lemoshl

For instance

Lempl, dos

Lightbulb

Lend, di

Hip

Lerer, der

Teacher

Lernen

(v.) Teach; study

Lernen zikh

(v.) Learn

Leshem shoma'im

Idealistically, "for the sake of heaven." (Hebrew)

Lesof

Finally

Lets, der

Clown; a mocker

Letst

Last; final

Levaye, di

Funeral

Levone, di

Moon

Leyb, der

Lion

Leyd ik

Empty

Leyenen, leynen

(v.) Read

Leygn

(v.) Lay

Leykenen

(v.) Deny

Lezem gayne

Leave them be

Lib hobn

(v.) Love; like

Libe, di

Love

Liblekh

Affectionate

Libn

(v.) Love

Libshaft, di

Love; affection

Lichticheh

Happy, shining, radiant, beaming (lit., lit up)

Lid, dos

Song

Lig in drerd

Get lost! Drop dead! (lit., bury yourself!)

Lign, der

Lie

Lign zogn

Tell a (v.) lie

Ligner, di

Liar

Likht, dos

Candle

Lila

Purple

Limenad, der

Lemonade

Limene, di

Lemon

Links

Left

Lip, di

Lip

Lise

Bald

Litvak (pl., litvakes)

1. Those who spoke Litvisher Yiddish: Jews in Lithuania, Latvia, Belarus, and in the Suwałki region of NW Poland; 2. term used to connote shrewdness and skepticism; 3. a person who speaks with a northeastern Yiddish accent

Lobbus

Little monster

Lokh, di

Hole

Lokh 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

Lom

Lame

Lominer gaylen

Clumsy fool (lit., a golem: a Frankenstein monster created by the Lominer Rebbe)

Lomir geyn

Let me go

Lomp, der

Lamp

Lonke, di

Meadow

Lontsh, der

Lunch

Loshn, dos

Language

Loybn

(v.) Praise

Loyfn

(v.) Run

Loyn, der

Wages

Loyz

Loose

Loyzem gayne

Let them go! Leave them alone! Let them be!

Loz mich tsu ru

Leave me alone! (lit., leave me in peace!)

Lozn

(v.) Let, permit leave alone

Luft, di

Air

Luftkilung

Air conditioning

Luftmentsh, der

Person who has no business, trade, calling, nor income (lit., air man)

Luftpost, di

Airmail

Luksus, der

Luxury

Luze zein shah

Let there be quiet; silence!

Luzzem

Let him/her be, leave him/her alone

Lyalke, di

Doll

 
M

Mabl, der

Flood

Machareikeh

Gimmick, contraption

Machen; makhn

(v.) Make

Macher; makhr

Big shot, person with access to authorities, man with contacts

Machetenista, di

Your child's mother-in-law

Machetunim, di

Your child’s in-laws

Machshaifeh

Witch, a conjurer, someone with psychic or supernatural powers

Macht shnel

Hurry up

Mahrk, der

Market

Maidel, di

Unmarried girl, teenager

Maideleh, di

Little girl (affectionate term)

Maise, di

Story

Maise mit a deitch

Story with a (moral) twist

Maiven, maven, der

Expert, connoisseur, authority (also, sarcastically)

Make, di

Plague; wound, boil, curse

Makh, makhn

(v.) Make

Makheteneste, di

Your child's mother-in-law

Makhmes

Because of, on account of, due to

Makhn ash un porekh

Destroy

Makhn khoyzek fun

(v.) Mock

Makhshir, der

Tool

Mekhutn, der

Your child's father-in-law

Malakh, der

Angel (Hebrew)

Malakh-amoves

Angel of death (Hebrew)

Malene, di

Raspberry

Malke, di

Queen (Hebrew)

Malpe, di

Monkey

Malyer, der

Painter

Mame, di

Mother, mom, mommy

Mame-loshin

Yiddish (lit., mother’s tongue)

Mameleh

Mother dear

Mamen

(v.) Mother

Mamoshes

Substance, people of substance.

Mamshekh zayn

(v.) Continue, proceed

Mamzer, der

Bastard, disliked person, untrustworthy (Hebrew)

Mamzerook, der

A naughty little boy

Man, der

Man; husband

Mandl, der

Almond; tonsil

Mandlbroyt, der

Almond bread

Mantl, der

Cloak; overcoat

Mape, di

Map

Marants, der

Orange

Marts, der

March

Mase, di

Mass; burden

Mashgiach

Inspector, overseer or supervisor of kashrut in restaurants and hotels. (Hebrew)

Mashin, di

Machine

Mashmoes

Probably

Mashugga

Simply crazy

Maskim zayn

(v.) Agree

Matbeye, di

Coin

Matern

(v.) Torment

Maternish, dos

Torment

Materyal, der

Material

Matkes

Underpants

Matone, di

Gift

Matrats, der

Mattress

Matros, der

Sailor

Matsliakh zayn

(v.) Succeed

Maven, maiven, der

Expert, connoisseur, authority (also, sarcastically)

May, der

May

Mayle

Merit, virtue; benefit, advantage

Mayn

(poss. pron.) My, mine

Maynster

Mechanic, repairman, workshop proprietor

Mayrev, der

West

Mayse, di

Story

Maysem, di

Actions, deeds

Mazel, mazl, dos

Luck (Hebrew)

Mazel tov

Good luck (lit., good star) Generally used to convey congratulations (Hebrew)

Mazeldiker kravat

Lucky tie

Mazldik

Fortunate; lucky

Me zogt

They say; it is said

Mebl, das

Furniture

Mechaieh, mechaiyeh

Great pleasure, joy, delight; orgasmic, out of this world wonderful!

Mechuleh

Finished unsuccessfully, ended unhappily; bankrupt

Medine, di

Country

Meditsin, di

Medicine

Megillah, di

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!

Meisseh meshina

Curse on one’s enemies (lit., a horrible death)

Mekhaber, der

Author

Mekhaye

Great pleasure, joy, delight; orgasmic, out of this world wonderful!

Mekhaye zayn zikh

(v.) Delight

Mekhile, di

Pardon, forgiveness

Mekler, der

Broker, agent; go-between

Mel, di

Flour

Melamed, der

Teacher (in a Jewish school) (Hebrew)

Menie, di

Difficulty

Menlekh

Masculine

Menner vash tsimmer

Men's room

Mentsh, der

1. A special, decent, person; 2. a good person who always does the right thing; 3. one who can be respected

Mentshheyt, di

Humanity

Mentshlekh

(adj.) Human

Mentshlekhkeyt

Human decency

Menuvel

A person who is always causing grief, can get nothing right, and is always in the way.

Mer

More

Merste

Most

Merstns

Mostly

Meser, der

Knife

Meshaer zayn

(v.) Suppose

Meshugas, dos

Craziness, madness, insanity

Meshuge, meshugedik

Mad; insane

Meshuge ahf toit

Crazy as a loon. Really crazy

Meshugeneh, di

Mad, crazy, insane female

Meshugener, der

Mad, crazy, insane male

Meshugoyim, di

Crazy people

Meshumed, der

Jewish man who has been baptized; apostate

Meshumedeste, di

Jewish woman who has been baptized; apostate

Metsieh, di

1. Bargain, prize package (often used sarcastically); 2. lucky break

Mevater zayn oyf

(v.) Sacrifice

Mevayesh zayn

(v.) Humiliate

Meydele, di

Girl (affectionate)

Meydl, di

Girl

Meyhayem vohole

From this time on, prospectively

Meyle

Nevertheless

Meynen

(v.) Believe; think; mean, intend

Meynung, di

Opinion; view

Mezinka

A special dance for parents whose last child is getting married

Mezumen, dos

Cash

Midber, der

Desert (Hebrew)

Midkayt, di

Fatigue

Mies

Ugly; obscene; loathsome; dirty

Meiskeit, di

Ugliness

Miglekh

Possible

Mikh

(obj.) Me

Mikoyekh

About, concerning, with reference to

Milchidik

Pertaining to a dairy food

Milkh, di

Milk

Milkhome, di

War

Milyon, der

Million

Milyontster

Millionth

Min tor nit

One (or you) mustn't

Minister, der

Minister

Minut, di

Minute

Mir

(dat.) Me

Mirtsishem

God willing

Mish mash

Combination, mess, hodgepodge

Mishegoss

Craziness, insanity, wacky idea, foolish notion

Mishn

(v.) Mix

Mishpet, der

Trial

Mishpetn

(v.) Judge

Mishpokhe, di

Extended family; family, kin

Mist, dos

Garbage

Misteryez

Mysterious

Mistome

Probably

Mit

With

Mit a vokh tsurik

A week ago

Mit ale pistshefkes

With all of the extras

Mitgefil, dos

Sympathy

Mitn, der

Middle

Mitn derinnen

All of a sudden, suddenly

Mitn grobn finger

Quibbling, stretching a point

Mitog, der

Dinner

Mitogtsayt

Noon

Mitvokh, der

Wednesday

Mitzvah, di

Good deed

Mizinik, der

1. Youngest son in an immediate family; 2. pinky

Mizinke, di

Youngest daughter

Mizrakh, der

East (Hebrew)

Moadim l’simcha

Happy holiday (Hebrew)

Modern

Modern

Modne

Strange

Moishe kapoyer

1. A person who does everything backward; 2. not knowing what one wants

Moishe mekhuyev

High-class shnorror; one who lives off the patronage or favors of others and is thus obligated to them for his existence.

Moishe pupik

Jerk

Moler, der

Painter

Moment, der

Moment

Mommellah, di

Affectionate term for a little girl (lit., little mother)

Momzer

Bastard, disliked person, untrustworthy (Hebrew)

Monashke, di

Nun

Montik, der

Monday

Moralish

(adj.) Moral

Morgn, der

1. Morning; 2. (adv.) tomorrow

Morgn afdernakht

Tomorrow night (if before midnight)

Morgn banakht

Tomorrow night (if after midnight)

Morgn in ovnt

Tomorrow night (if before midnight)

Mos, di

Measure

Moshl, der

Example

Mosser

Squealer

Mossik

Mischief maker, prankster, naughty little boy, imp

Motiv, der

Motive

Motor, der

Motor

Mouzik

Mischief maker, prankster, naughty little boy, imp

Moyd, di

Maid

Moyde zayn

(v.) Admit

Moyde zayn zikh

(v.) Confess

Moyekh, der

Brain; mind

Moyel, der

Circumciser

Moykhl zayn

(v.) Forgive

Moyl, dos

Mouth

Moyre, di

Fear

Moyredik

Fearful

Moysef zayn

(v.) Add, append

Moyz, di

Mouse

Mozlen, di

Measles

Mume, di

Aunt

Mumkhe, der

Expert

Murashke, di

Ant

Mut, der

Courage

Mutek

Brave

Muter, di

Mother

Muter, di

Mother

Mutshen

(v.) Torment

Mutshen zich

(v.) Suffer, toil, slave

Muttelmessig

Meddlesome person, kibbitzer

Muzey, der

Museum

Muzik, di

Music

 
N

N'vayle

Shroud; inept person

Na

Here. Take it. There you have it.

Naches, der/dos

Pleasure, delight, joy, gratification, especially from children.

Nacht falt tsu

Night is falling; twilight

Nadan

Dowry

Nafka, nafkeh, di

Loose woman, tart, slut

Naidlechech

Rare thing

Naket

Bare, naked

Nakhes, dos

Satisfaction

Nakht, di

Night

Nakn, der

Neck

Nalv

Naive

Nar, der

Fool

Nar ainer

You fool, you

Narish

Stupid; foolish; silly

Narishkayt, di

Folly, foolishness

Narvez

Nervous

Nas

Wet

Natirlekh

Natural

Nay

New

Nayes, di

News

Nayfish

Weak, pathetic, ineffectual person of little or no consequence

Naygerik

Curious

Naygerikayt, di

Curiosity

Nayn

Nine

Naynter

Ninth

Nayntseter

Nineteenth

Nayntsik

Ninety

Nayntsikster

Ninetieth

Nayntsn

Nineteen

Nebech

(interj.) It's a pity.

Nebish

A nonentity, simpleton, weakling, unfortunate person, awkward person, loser; unlucky person (Yinglish)

Nebechel

Nothing, a pitiful person; or playing role of being one

Nechtiker tog

An impossible occurrence; Forget it! Nonsense! (lit., yesterday's day)

Nechuma

Consolation (Hebrew)

Nechvenin

(v.) Masturbate

Nefesh, der

Soul; person; creature (Hebrew)

Nekhtik

Yesterday's

Nekhtn

Yesterday

Nem zich a vaneh

Go take a bath! Go jump in the lake!

Nemen

(v.) Take

Nepl, der

Fog, mist

Nepldik

Foggy

Nervez

Nervous

Neshome, di

Soul (Hebrew)

Neshomeleh

Sweetheart, sweet soul

Nesie, di

Voyage, long trip

Neyder, der

Vow

Neyen

(v.) Sew

Neyn

No

Neytik

Necessary

Neytikayt, der

Necessity

Niderik

Low

Nief, der

Adultery

Nishkosheh

(v.) Bearable, tolerable, fair; not so bad, satisfactory

Nisht geferlech

I've seen worse, not so bad, not too shabby (lit., not dangerous)

Nisht gefloygen

Nobody is going to believe that! (lit., it won’t fly)

Nisht gefonfit

Don't hedge. Don't fool around. Don't double-talk.

Nisht getrofen

So I guessed wrong!

Nisht gut

Not good, lousy

Nisht gutnick

No-good person

Nisht kefelecht

No big deal!

Nisht naitik

Not necessary

Nishtikeit

1. A nobody; 2. nothing, or possibly less than nothing

Nit ahin, nit aher

Neither here nor there

Nit der

Neither

Nit enlekh

Unlike

Nit farginen

(v.) Envy, begrudge

Nit gidacht gevorn

It shouldn't come to pass

Nit heint, nit morgen

Not today, not tomorrow

Nit kain farshloffener

A lively person (lit., not a lazy one)

Nit kosher

Impure food; anything not good (slang)

Nit tsuzamen

Apart; not together

Nit yener

Neither

Nito

Away (absent)

Nito far vos (farvos)

You're welcome! (in response)

Nitsn

(v.) Use

Nodi, di

Needle

Noent

Near, close

Nokh

1. After; 2. yet, still, more; further; else; 3. another, additional; 4. as early as

Nokhamol

Again, one more time

Nokh ander

1. Successively; 2. all the better

Nokh dem

Afterwards, after this, after that

Nokh nisht

Not yet

Nokhamol

Again

Nokhamolik

Repeated

Nokhgebn

(v.) Yield

Nokhgeyn

(v.) Follow

Nokhkumen

(v.) Accede to

Nokhmitog, der

Afternoon

Nokhshlepper

Hanger-on, unwanted follower

Nokhyogn

(v.) Pursue; chase

Nomen, der

Name

Nor

Only

Nor Gott vaist

Only God knows

Normal

Normal

Nosh

(v.) 1. Snack; eat a little something; munch; graze; 2. (n.) the object of the noshing.

Nosher

One who snacks a lot

Nosheray

Snack food, junk food

November, der

November

Noyt, di

Need; distress

Noz, di

Nose

Noztikhl, der

Handkerchief

Nu, shoyn

Move, already. Hurry up. Let's go. Aren't you finished?

Nu?

So? Well?

Nudnik

Pest, bore; annoying person, badgerer; pesty nagger, nuisance, obnoxious person (Yinglish)

Nudzh, nudzhe

Pest, bore, annoying person, badgerer (Yinglish)

Nudzhn, nudzhen

(v.) Bore, annoy persistently

Nukhshlepper

Hanger-on, unwanted follower

Nul, der

Zero

Numer, der

Number; issue (of a periodical)

Nus, di

Nut

Nuts, der

Use, benefit; profit, advantage

Nutsik

Useful

Nutsn

(v.) Use

 
O

Ober

But

Ober yetst (itst)?

So now?

Obtshepen

Get rid of

Och un vai!

Alas and alack: woe be to it

Oder, der

Adar, the twelfth/thirteenth month of the Jewish calendar

Oder, der

Vein; blood vessel

Oder

1. Or; 2. either

Ofitsir, der

Officer

Ofn

Open

Oft

Often, frequent

Ohmain

Amen

Oi, a shkandal

Oh, what a scandal!

Oi gavult (gevald)

Oh, give me strength! Cry of anguish, suffering, frustration or for help (German gewald: power)

Oi, oy

Denotes disgust, pain, astonishment or rapture

Oi, vai

Oh, woe! Expression of dismay or hurt

Oi vai iz mir

Oh, woe is me!

Oif tsu lokhes

For spite

Ois-shteler

Braggart

Oisgeshtrobelt

Overdressed woman

Oisgeshtrozelt

Decorated (beautiful)

Oisgevapt

Flat (lost its fizz)

Oiver botel

Absentminded: getting senile

Oks, der

Ox

Oktober, der

October

Okurat

That's right! Ok! Absolutely! (Sarcastically: Yeah, sure!)

Okuratner mentsh

Orderly person

Olreitnik

Nouveau riche (Americanism: alrightnick)

On

Without

On a nutsn

Useless

On a sof

Endless

Onbaysn, der

Lunch

Onfirn

(v.) Manage

Onfreg, der

Inquiry

Ongeblozzen

Conceited; peevish, sulky, pouting

Ongematert

Tired out

Ongepatshket

Cluttered, disordered, scribbled, sloppy, muddled, overdone; ornate, overdecorated; too dense to be understood

Ongeshtopt

Very wealthy (lit., stuffed)

Ongetrunken

Drunk

Ongetshepter

Bothersome hanger-on

Ongevarfen

Cluttered, disordered

Ongisn

(v.) Pour

Onheyb, der

Beginning

Onheybn

(v.) Begin

Onkel, der

Uncle (also fetter)

Onkhapn

(v.) Seize; grasp

Onkuken

(v.) Gaze

Onkumen

(v.) Arrive

Onlenen zikh

(v.) Lean

Onrirn

(v.) Touch

Onshikenish

Pesty nagger, hanger-on

Onshteln

(v.) Employ

Onton

(v.) Dress, clothe

Onton zikh

(v.) Get dressed

Ontsindn

(v.) Light, kindle

Onvayzn

(v.) Indicate; instruct

Onvern

(v.) Lose

Onzaltsen

(v.) Give one the business; bribe; soft-soap; sweet talk (lit., to salt)

Onzogn

(v.) Announce; inform; notify

Operatsye, di

Operation

Opfal, der

Garbage

Opgeflickt

Done in! Suckered! Milked!

Opgehit

Careful

Opgehitener

Pious person

Opgekrochen

Shoddy

Opgekrocheneh schoireh

Shoddy merchandise

Opgelozen(er)

Careless dresser

Opgenart

Cheated, fooled

Ophaltn

(v.) Stop

Opklekn

(v.) Blot

Opleygn

(v.) Postpone

Oplozn

(v.) Release, abandon

Opnar

Deceit, deception, subterfuge; hoax

Opnarer, der

Trickster, shady operator

Opnarn

(v.) Cheat

Opnarerei

Deception; tom-foolery

Opositsye, di

Opposition

Opruen

(v.) Rest

Opshatsn

(v.) Appreciate

Opshmaysn

(v.) Spank

Opshteln

(v.) Halt

Opteyln

(v.) Separate

Optsapn

(v.) Drain

Opvegn

(v.) Weigh

Opzogn

(v.) Dismiss

Oranzh

Orange

Orem

Poor

Orem, der

Arm

Oreman, der

Poor man, without means

Oreman-maintesh, dos

Poor woman, without means

Oremkayt, di

Poverty

Orevnik, der

Hostage

Orntlekh

Honest

Ort, der

Place

Ot azaih

That's how, just like that

Ot gaist du

There you go (again)

Ot kimm ich

Here I come!

Otem, der

Breath

Otemen

(v.) Breathe

Ov, der

Av, the sixth month of the Jewish calendar

Ov, der

Ancestor

Oves, di

Ancestors; the Patriarchs

Ovnt, der

Evening

Oyb

If

Oybershter in himmel

God in heaven

Oybn

Above

Oych a bashefenish

Also a V.I.P.! A big person! (said derogatorily, sarcastically, or in pity)

Oych mir a leben

This too is a living. This you call a living?

Oydekn

(v.) Uncover

Oyer, der

Ear

Oyf

1. On, at, upon; 2. for

Oyf a mol

Suddenly, all at once

Oyf an emes

Seriously

Oyf dem

On the, in the (oyf dem = oyfn)

Oyf tsleuchis

Wouldn't you know it, unfortunately

Oyf tsu lehakhes

For spite, in order to spite

Oyf tsurik

Backward

Oyfdekn

(v.) Discover

Oyfele, dos

Infant

Oyffir, di

Conduct

Oyfgekokht

Furious

Oyfgekumener

Come upper, upstart

Oyfhern

(v.) Quit; cease, stop

Oyfheybn

(v.) Pick up; raise, lift

Oyfhitn

(v.) Preserve

Oyfn kol

Aloud

Oyfn oyg

Roughly, approximately (lit., in an eye)

Oyfrikhtik

Sincere

Oyfshteyn

(v.) Rise; erect

Oyfton

(v.) Accomplish

Oyftretn

(v.) Perform

Oyftu, der

Accomplishment, achievement

Oyfvaksn

(v.) Grow up; mature

Oyfvekn

(v.) Awaken

Oyfzukhn

(v.) Look up; find

Oyg, dos (pl. oygn)

Eye

Oyg oyf oyg

In private, face-to-face

Oygust, der

August

Oykh

Also, too

Oylem, der

Crowd, public, audience

Oyrekh, der

Guest

Oys

Over

Oys shiddech

The marriage is off.

Oysbahaltn

(v.) Conceal

Oysblik, der

View

Oysbrekhn

(v.) Vomit

Oysdruk, der

Expression

Oysergeveynlekh

Unusual (sometimes used as "great")

Oysfirn

(v.) Accomplish

Oysforshn

(v.) Investigate

Oysgedart

Skinny, emaciated

Oysgefinen

(v.) Discover

Oysgefins, dos

Invention

Oysgehorevet

Exhausted

Oysgematert

Tired out, worn out

Oysgemutshet

Worked to death, tired out

Oysgeposhet

Fat, overweight (lit., well grazed)

Oysgeputst

Dressed up, overdressed; over decorated

Oysgeshpilt

Exhausted, played out

Oysgeshprait

Spread out

Oysgletn

(v.) Smooth

Oysglykhen

(v.) Straighten

Oyshaltn

(v.) Bear, endure

Oyshitn

(v.) Protect

Oyskern

(v.) Sweep

Oysklaybn

(v.) Pick

Oysland

Foreign country, countries

Oyslender, der

Foreigner

Oysleyzgelt, dos

Ransom

Oyslozn

(v.) Omit

Oysmaydn

(v.) Avoid; evade, elude

Oysnem, der

Exception

Oysnveynik

By heart

Oysreynikn

(v.) Clean

Oysrinen

(v.) Leak

Oysshrayen

(v.) Exclaim

Oystaytshn

(v.) Interpret

Oyston

(v.) Undress

Oysvurf

Outcast, unliked, unpopular person

Oysznoygn fun finger

Concoct, invent (a story)

Oyszogn

(v.) Reveal

Oyto, der

Car

Oytobus, der

Bus

Oytomobile, der

Automobile

Oytser, der

Treasure

Oyvn, der

Oven, stove

Ozere, di

Lake

 
P

Padeshve, di

Sole

Padloge, di

Floor

Pakhdn, der

Coward

Pakn

(v.) Pack

Pamelech

Slow, slowly

Panik, di

Panic

Papa-mama

Parents

Papir, dos

Paper

Parech

Low-life, a bad man

Park, der

Park

Parnose, di

Livelihood, living

Parshiveh

Mean, cheap

Parshoyn, der

Person

Partatshnek

Inferior merchandise or work

Pas, der

Passport

Pasazhir, der

Passenger

Pasik

Suitable

Pasirn

(v.) Happen

Pasirung, di

Event

Paskenen

(v.) Judge, rule

Paskidnye

Rotten, terrible

Paskudnik, paskudnyak

Disgusting, revolting, evil, odious person; nasty fellow; ungrateful; hypocrite

Pasirn

(v.) Happen

Pasn

(v.) Be proper, be fitting, to suit

Past nit

It isn't proper.

Pastekh, der

Shepherd

Patern

(v.) Waste

Patsh, potch, der

Slap

Patshn

(v.) Clap

Patteren tseit

(v.) Lounge around; waste time

Payess

Long side curls worn by Hasidic and other ultra-Orthodox Jewish men.

Payats, der

Clown

Payn, di

Anguish

Pazronish

Extravagant

Pekl, dos

Bundle; package

Pen, di

Pen

Penets, der

Slice

Perfekt

Perfect

Perzenlekh

Personal

Perzon, di

Person

Petsl, petseleh, dos

Young boy; toddler (boy), small male child; small penis (vulgar)

Peygern

(v.) Die (animal)

Pfui, phooey

Designates disbelief, distaste, contempt

Pileven

(v.) Nurse

Pilke, di

Ball

Pilot, der

Pilot

Pilpl

1. Talmudic debate; 2. a discussion that wanders completely away from the subject; 3. an argumentative, hair-splitting discussion

Pinkt kahpoyer

Upside down; just the opposite

Pinktlekh

Accurate, exact

Pinktlekh

Prompt

Pintl

1. Dot, point; essence; 2. the "spark" of Jewishness within all Jews

Pisha paysha

Card game for two players, one of whom is usually a child

Pishechts, dos

Urine

Pisher, der

1. Male infant; 2. a little squirt, a nobody; 3. innocent; 4. naive; 5. beginner, novice; 6. wet behind the ears

Pishn

(v.) Urinate

Pisk, der

Mouth (slang) big mouth, loudmouth (insulting)

Pisk-malocheh

Big talker, little doer (one who talks a good line but does nothing)

Piste kayleh

Shallow person (lit., an empty barrel)

Pitsel

Wee, tiny

Pitsele

Toddler, small child

Pitshetsh

Chronic complainer

Pitsvinik

Little nothing

Piyane, di

Piano

Plagen

(v.) Work hard, sweat out a job, suffer

Plagen zich; mutshen zikh

(v.) Suffer

Plan, der

Plan

Planeven

(v.) Plan

Plaplen

(v.) Chatter

Plate, di

Record

Platke-macher

Malicious gossip, troublemaker, rumormonger

Plats, der

1. Place; 2. split, crack; 3. burst, explosion

Platsn, platz, plotz

(v.) Burst, bust your guts out; explode with emotion

Platsn zuls du

May you explode

Plazhe, di

Beach

Pleytse, di

Shoulder

Plimenik, der

Nephew

Plimenitse, di

Niece

Plosher

Overly talkative person, boaster, gossip

Pluchet

Heavy rain

Plutsemdik

Sudden

Plutsling

Suddenly

Plyoot

Boaster, bigmouth, braggart, boor, loudmouth

Plyotkenitseh, di

Gossip

Polirn

(v.) Shine, polish

Politsey, di

Police

Politsyant, der

Policeman

Polke, di

Thigh (humorous)

Pomidor, der

Tomato

Ponim, punim, dos

Face (Hebrew)

Poo-poo-poo

Simulated spitting three times to avoid the evil eye

Pooter veren

Getting rid of (lit., making butter)

Pooter veren fon emitser

Getting rid of someone; e.g., "ich geh' veren pooter fon ihr," "I'm going to be getting rid of her!"

Popugay, der

Parrot

Por, di

Couple, pair

Poseyakh

Rolling out dough

Poshet

Simple

Potch, patsh, der

A light, cup-handed slap

Potchke

(v.) Experiment, dabble, fool around or "mess" with

Potchkied

Overdone, overwrought

Potsevateh

Dimwit, someone who is "out of it."

Poyer, der

Peasant

Pozitsye, di

Position

Praven

Celebrate

Prayz, der

Price; cost

Preglen

(v.) Fry

Preplen

(v.) Mutter, mumble

Presn

(v.) Iron

Pretendirn

(v.) Pretend

Prezhinitse

Scrambled eggs with milk added

Prietsteh, di

Princess; finicky girl; prima donna (having airs, giving airs; being snooty)

Pripitchok

Long, narrow wood-burning stove

Privat

Private

Probe, di

Test

Problem, di

Problem

Prost

Coarse, common, vulgar

Prostaches

Low-class people

Prostak

Ignorant boor, coarse person, vulgar man

Prosteh leit

Simple people, common people; vulgar, ignorant, low-class people

Proster chamoole

Low-class, stupid person

Proster mentsh

Vulgar man, common man

Prosteun

Unrefined; simple

Provints, di

Province

Pruvn

(v.) Try; attempt

Psak, der

Judgment

Pshat, der

Sense (Hebrew)

Ptsha

Cows’ feet in jelly

Punim, ponim, dos

Face (Hebrew)

Punkt

Exactly

Pupik, der

Navel, belly button, gizzard, chicken stomach

Pupiklech

Dish of chicken gizzards

Pushke, di

1. Tin can; 2. charity box

Pust

Empty

Pustunpasnik

Loafer, idler

Puter, di

Butter

Putz

(slang) Jerk, fool; penis (vulgar) (Yinglish)

Pyate, di

Heel

Pyesse, di

Play, drama

 
R

R', reb

1. Mr.; 2. rabbi; 3. title given to a learned and respected man

Radio, der

Radio

Rakhmones, dos

Pity; compassion, mercy (Hebrew)

Rakl, dos

Shrimp

Ratevn

(v.) Save; save a life

Rav, der

Rabbi, religious leader of the community (Hebrew)

Raybn

(v.) Rub

Raye, di

Evidence

Raykh

Rich, wealthy

Raykhkayt, di

Wealth

Raysn

(v.) Tear

Razirn

(v.) Shave

Reb, R'

1. Mr.; 2. rabbi; 3. title given to a learned and respected man (Hebrew)

Rebbe, der

Rabbi (Hebrew)

Rebbe fon Stuts

A phrase used to explain the unexplainable. Similar to blaming something on the fairies or a mystical being.

Rebbitsen, di

The rabbi's wife (often sarcastically applied to a woman who gives herself airs, or acts excessively pious); pompous woman

Rebe, der

Teacher; rabbi (Hasidic) (Hebrew)

Rebiniu

"Rabbi dear!" Term of endearment for a rabbi

Rechielesnitseh

Dowdy, gossipy woman

Rede, di

Speech

Redlshtul

Wheelchair

Redn

(v.) Speak; talk

Redn on a moss

To chatter without end

Redn tsu der vant

Talk in vain or to talk and receive no answer (lit., talk to the wall)

Redt zich ayn a kind in boich

Imaginary pregnancy; imaginary anything.

Redt zich ayn a kreynk

Imaginary sickness

Refue, di

Cure

Rege, di

Instant

Regenen

(v.) Rain

Regirung, di

Government

Regn, der

Rain

Regnboygn, der

Rainbow

Reich

Rich, wealthy

Rekhenen

(v.) Reckon, figure; count

Rekhiles, dos

Slander

Rekht, der

Right

Rekl, dos

Skirt

Rekomendirn

(v.) Recommend

Religye, di

Religion

Religyez

Religious

Rer, di

Pipe

Reshime, di

List

Restoran, der

Restaurant

Retekh, der

Radish

Retsiche, di

Murder, murderousness

Reyakh, der

Smell

Reyd, di

Talk, speech, language, discourse

Reykhern

(v.) Smoke

Reyn

Clean; pure

Reynikn

(v.) Clean

Reytlen zikh

(v.) Blush

Reytsn

(v.) Tear

Reytsn zikh mit

(v.) Bait, harass

Riboynoy-shel-oylom!

God in heaven, Master of the Universe (Hebrew)

Richtikeh

Real, right, correct, proper, legal

Richtiker chaifets

The real article! The real McCoy!

Rikhter, der

Judge

Rikhtik

Correct, right

Rikhtn zikh oyf

(v.) Expect, anticipate

Rikhtung, di

Direction

Rinen

(v.) Leak

Rirevdiker

Lively person

Rirn

(v.) Move

Ritch in kop (a ...)

Crazy (in the head)

Riz, der

Giant

Rod, di

Wheel

Rolleh

Role in a play

Roman, der

Novel

Rooshisher

Definitely not a Litvak; coming from Ukraine, White Russia; the Crimea, Russia itself

Roseh

Mean, evil person

Rot, der

Council

Roy

Raw

Roykh, der

Smoke

Roykhn

(v.) Smoke

Royt

(adj.) Red

Royz, di

Rose

Rozeve

Pink

Ru, di

Rest

Rufn

(v.) Call

Ruik

Quiet

Rukn

(v.) Move (oneself; slide

Ruktish

Portable table

 
S

S'art eich?

What does it matter to you? Does it matter to you?

S'teitsh

Listen! Hold on! How is that? How is that possible? How come?

Sachel, seykhl, der

1. Reason, common sense, good sense; 2. street smarts; 3. tact, diplomacy

Safta, di

Grandmother (Hebrew)

Sakone, di

Danger

Sakonedik

Dangerous

Salat, der

Salad

Samet, der

Velvet

Say ... say

Both ... and

Say vi say

Anyway, in any case

Saydn

Unless

Sayn

His

Sekunde, di

Second

Sendvitsh, der

Sandwich

September, der

September

Seykhl, der

1. Reason, common sense, good sense; 2. street smarts; 3. tact, diplomacy

Sezon, di

Season

Sgule, di

Remedy

Sh'gootsim

Plural of shaigets (offensive)

Sh'koyakh!

Thank you!

Sha!

Shh! Quiet! Hush! Please keep quiet (gently said)

Sha shtil!

Be quiet!

Shaav

Cold spinach soup, sorrel grass soup, sour leaves soup

Shabbes, shabes, der

Saturday; the Sabbath (Hebrew)

Shabbes goy

Someone doing the dirty work for others (lit;, gentile doing work for a Jew on Sabbath)

Shabbes klopper

A resident of a neighborhood whose job it was to bang on the shutters of Jewish homes to announce the hour of sundown on Friday

Shadkhin, shadchin, der

Matchmaker or marriage broker

Shagets, shaigets

Non-Jewish male (offensive); wild Jewish boy

Shaigets ainer

Derogatory term for irreligious Jewish boy, one who flouts Jewish law

Shalach mohnes

Customary gifts exchanges on Purim, usually treats (Hebrew)

Shalom

Peace (a watchword and a greeting) (Hebrew)

Shalom aleichem

Peace to you; "Hello" (response is "aleichem shalom") (Hebrew)

Shalom bayit

Domestic harmony (lit., peace of the house) (Hebrew)

Shammes; shamus

Sexton, beadle of the synagogue, also, the taper used to light other candles on a menorah, a policeman (slang)(Hebrew)

Shande, di

Shame, disgrace

Shandhoiz

Brothel, whorehouse

Sharf

Sharp

Shat, shat, hust

Quiet. Don't get excited

Shatn

(v.) Harm

Shatnes

Proscription against wearing clothes that are mixed of wool and linen (Hebrew)

Shav

Cold spinach soup, sorrel grass soup, sour leaves soup

Shayle, di

Question, queston regarding ritual purity

Shaynen

(v.) Shine

Shefedik

Abundant, plentiful

Sheltn

(v.) Curse

Shemevdik

Bashful, shy

Shenk, di/der

Bar, pub, tavern

Shenken

(v.) Forgive

Shepen naches

Enjoy; gather pleasure, draw pleasure, especially from children

Sheps, der

Sheep

Sheptshen

(v.) Whisper

Sher, di

Scissors

Sherer, der

Barber

Shern

(v.) Shear

Sheylen

(v.) Peel

Sheyn

Beautiful, pretty, nice

Sheyneh gelechter

Hearty laugh (sarcastically: some laughter!)

Sheyneh kepeleh

Good looking, good thoughts (lit., pretty head)

Sheyneh maidel

Pretty girl

Sheyneh punim

Pretty face

Sheyneh raineh keporah

Nothing to regret (lit., beautiful, clean sacrifice)

Sheynkayt, di

Beauty

Sheynkayt-salon

Beauty parlor

Sheytl, shaitel, sheitel, der

Traditional Jewish woman's wig

Shidach, der (pl. shiduchim)

Match, marriage, betrothal; arranged marriage (Hebrew)

Shif, di

Ship

Shifl, dos

Boat

Shihi-pihi

Mere nothings

Shik-yingel

Messenger

Shiker

(adj.) Drunk

Shiker, der

Drunkard

Shikern

(v.) Get drunk

Shikn

(v.) Send

Shikse

Non-Jewish girl (offensive)

Shiltn

(v.) Curse

Shirem, der

Umbrella

Shisl, di

Bowl, basin

Shisn

(v.) Shoot

Shitarayn

Pour it in into a bowl

Shiter

Sparse, lean, meager

Shiva, di

Mourning period of seven days observed by family of deceased (lit., seven (Hebrew))

Shkapeh

Hag, mare; worthless

Shkar, der

Reward

Shkheyne, di

Neighbor

Shkheyneshaft, di

Neighborhood

Shklaf, der

Slave

Shklaferay, dos

Slavery

Shkots

Berating term for mischievous Jewish boy

Shlang, di

1. Snake, serpent; 2. a troublesome wife; 3. penis (vulgar)

Shlatten shammes

Communal busybody, tale bearer; messenger

Shlayfn

(v.) Sharpen

Shlekht

1. Very bad, evil; 2. badly; 3. poorly

Shlekht veib

Shrew (lit., a bad wife)

Shlemazel, shlimazel, der

Luckless person; unlucky person; one with perpetual bad luck; unlucky oaf

Shlak, der/dos

1. Apoplexy, stroke; 2. evil; 3. nuisance

Shlemazel, shlimazel, dos

Bad luck, misfortune

Shlemiel, der

Dummy; clumsy bungler, an inept person, butter-fingered; dopey person

Shlep

Drag, carry or haul, particularly unnecessary things, parcels or baggage; move slowly; to go somewhere unwillingly or unwantedly

Shlepn

(v.) Drag, pull, carry, haul

Shlepper

Sponger, panhandler, hanger-on; dowdy, gossipy woman, freeloader

Shlingen

(v.) Swallow

Shlisl, der

Key

Shlisn

(v.) Close

Shlof, der

Sleep

Shlofn

(v.) Sleep

Shlog zich kop in vant

Break your own head! (lit., bang your head on the wall)

Shlog zich mit Gott arum!

Go fight City Hall! (lit., go fight with God)

Shlogn, shlugn

(v.) Strike, hit; beat

Shlok

Inferior or shoddy merchandise or literature (Yinglish)

Shlokmeister

Someone who deals in shoddy goods.

Shlooche

Slut

Shlos, der

Lock

Shloser, der

Mechanic, locksmith

Shlub

A jerk; a foolish, stupid, worthless or unknowing person, second rate, inferior

Shlug

(v.) Beat

Shlump

Careless dresser, untidy person; as a (v.) verb idle or lounge around, slob (Yinglish)

Shlumper

Lost soul; slob

Shlumperdik

Unkempt, sloppy

Shmadn

(v.) Baptize (a Jew); proselytize

Shmalts, dos/di

Chicken fat or rendered cooking fat; thick, insincere praise; overdone or gross sentimentality (slang)

Shmaltzy

Sentimental, corny (Yinglish)

Shmate, shmata, di

Rag, anything worthless

Shmaysn

(v.) Lash, whip

Shmegeggie

Buffoon, idiot, fool; a silly, foolish dolt

Shmei

1. Stroll aimlessly about; 2. windowshopping

Shmeikel

1. To butter up; 2. to swindle, con, fast-talk

Shmeis

Bang, wallop

Shmek, der

Smell

Shmek tabik

Nothing of value (lit., a pinch of snuff)

Shmekele, shmekl, der

Little penis, as on a young boy (in baby talk, "mekki")

Shmekn

(v.) Smell

Shmendrik, der

Pathetic loser, hapless soul, nincompoop; an inept or indifferent person; same as shlemiel

Shmeykhl, dos/der

Smile

Shmeykhlen

(v.) Smile

Shmir, der

1. Spread, coat like butter; 2. bribe; 3. the whole package, the entire deal

Shmirn

(v.) Smear, grease; bribe

Shmo

Shortened version of schmuck but not as vulgar: 1. jerk, annoying person; 2. stupid person; 3. idiot, fool; 4. naive person, one easy to deceive (Yinglish)

Shmol

Narrow

Shmontses

Trifles, folly

Shmooze

Chat, idle talk, chitchat

Shmuck

Self-made fool; (vulgar) asshole, obscene for penis; derisive term for someone who is intentionally nasty or uses their power for ill (Yinglish)

Shmue, di

Rumor

Shmuesn

(v.) Discuss, talk, chat

Shmulky

A sad sack

Shmuts, dos

Dirt

Shmutsik

Dirty, soiled

Shnaps, der

Whiskey, same as bronfen

Shnaydn

(v.) Cut

Shnecken

Little fruit and nut coffee rolls

Shneider, der

1. Tailor; 2. in gin rummy card game, to win game without opponent scoring

Shneiderke, di

Tailor

Shnel

Quick, quickly

Shney, der

Snow

Shnips, der

Necktie

Shnook

A patsy, a sucker, a sap, easy-going, person easy to impose upon, gullible

Shnorer, der

A beggar who makes pretensions to respectability; sponger, a parasite, one who always looks for a handout or constantly borrows but never returns

Shnoz, shnozzle

Nose (Yinglish; slang)

Shnur, di

Daughter-in-law

Sho, di

Hour

Shochet

Ritual slaughterer of animals and fowl (Hebrew)

Shofer, der

Driver

Shokente, di

Neighbor

Shokhn, der

Neighbor

Shoklen (zikh)

v.) Shake; rock, sway

Sholekhts, di

Shell

Sholem, der

Peace (Hebrew)

Sholiakh, der

Messenger

Shosey, der

Highway

Shotn, der

Shadow; shade

Shoymer, der

Guard, watchman (Hebrew)

Shoymer mitzves

Pious person (Hebrew)

Shoyn

Already; now

Shoyn ainmol a metsieh

What a bargain!

Shoyn fargessen?

You have already forgotten?

Shoyn genug

That's enough

Shoyn tsayt

It's about time

Shpas, der

Joke

Shpatsir

A walk without a particular destination

Shpatsirn

(v.) Walk

Shpayzkrom, di

Grocery

Shpiel; shpil

Play; sales pitch (slang)

Shpigl, der

Mirror

Shpilekhl, dos

Toy

Shpilkes

1. Nervous energy; 2. jitters; 3. nerves; 4. impatient (lit., pins)

Shpiln

(v.) Play; perform; game

Shpitol, der

Hospital

Shpits

End, the heel of the bread

Shpitsfinger

Toes

Shpitsik

Pointed sense of humor, witty, sarcastic, caustic

Shpogel nei

Brand-new

Shporn

(v.) Save

Shprakh, di

Language

Shpreyen

Drizzle

Shpringen

(v.) Jump

Shprits, der

Shower, spray

Shrayber, der

Writer

Shraybn

(v.) Write

Shraybtish, der

Desk

Shrayen

(v.) Shout

Shrek, der

Alarm; fear, terror

Shrekevdik

Timid

Shreklekh

Horrible, terrible, awful

Shreklekheh zach

A terrible thing

Shrekn

(v.) Terrify

Shroyf, dos

Screw

Shtarbn

(v.) Die

Shtark, shtarker, der

1. Strong, brave person; 2. thug, hoodlum

Shtark gehert

Smells bad (used only in reference to food) (lit., strongly heard)

Shtark vi a ferd

Strong as a horse

Shtayf

Stiff

Shtayg, di

Cage

Shtaygn

(v.) Ascend

Shteg, der

Path

Shtele, di

Street

Shteln

(v.) Put

Shteln zikh oyg oyf oyg mit....

To confront

Shtendik

Steady, constant, always; permanent

Shtern, der

1. Forehead; 2. star

Shtetl, dos

Village or small town (in the "old country")

Shteyn

(v.) Stand

Shtiferish

Naughty

Shtik, shtick, dos/di

1. Thing, piece, bit; 2. act, routine; 3. eccentricity

Shtik drek

(Vulgar) Piece of feces; unwholesome person

Shtik goy

Idiomatic expression for one inclined to heretical views, or ignorance of Jewish religious values

Shtik holts

Person with no personality

Shtik naches

Grandchild, child, or relative who gives you pleasure; a great joy

Shtikl, dos

Small bit or piece; a morsel, sliver, anything less than a mouthful

Shtiklech, shtiklach

Tricks; small pieces

Shtikn

(v.) Choke

Shtil

Silent; quiet

Shtilinkerait

Quietly

Shtilkayt, di

Silence; quiet

Shtime, di

Voice

Shtimm zich

Shut up!

Shtimtsetl

Ballot

Shtimung, di

Mood

Shtinker

Squealer, stool pigeon

Shtits

(n.) Support, grant

Shtitsn

(v.) Support; advocate

Shtolts, der

1. Pride; 2. one who is unreasonably and stubbornly proud, has excessive self-esteem

Shtolts

Proud

Shtot, di

City

Shtoyb, der

Dust

Shtrafeeren

Threaten

Shtrebn

(v.) Strive

Shtreng

Severe

Shtrengkayt, di

Severity

Shtrikl, dos

String

Shtrof, di

Punishment

Shtrofn

(v.) Punish

Shtrudel

Sweet cake made of paper-thin dough rolled up with various fillings

Shtshur, der

Rat

Shtub, di

House

Shtudirn

(v.) Study

Shtul, di

Chair

Shtum

Quiet, mute

Shtunk

A guy who doesn't smell too good; a stink (bad odor) a lousy human

Shtup

1. Push, shove; 2. bribe; 3. (vulgar) sexual intercourse

Shtup es in toches!

(Vulgar) push it up your rectum (ass)!

Shtupn

(v.) 1. Push, shove; 2. to give a bribe; 3. (vulgar) sexual intercourse

Shturem, der

Storm

Shtus, der

1. Nonsense; 2. A minor annoyance that arises from nonsense

Shudden

Big mess

Shuflod, der

Drawer

Shukh, der

Shoe

Shul, shule, di

1. School; 2. synagogue (colloquial)

Shuld, di

Fault

Shuldik

Guilty

Shuldik zayn

(v.) Owe

Shum

(art.) A, an, no (in negative sentences)

Shushken

(v.) Whisper

Shutef, der (pl. shutfim)

Partner, associate

Shvachkeit

Weakness

Shvakh

Weak; feeble, pale; tepid, unsubstantial

Shvanger

Pregnant

Shvants

1. Fool; 2. (vulgar) penis

Shvarts

Black

Shvartser, der

Black person (impolite)

Shvayg

Shut up

Shvegerin, di

Sister-in-law

Shvengern

Be pregnant

Shver

Difficult; heavy

Shver, der

Father-in-law

Shverts azayan Yid

It's hard to be a Jew

Shvester, di

Sister

Shvesterkind, dos

Cousin

Shveyr arbiter

Hard worker

Shveys, der

Sweat, perspiration

Shviger, di

Mother-in-law

Shvimen

(v.) Swim

Shvindel

Fraud, deception, swindle

Shvindeldik

Dizzy, unsteady

Shvitsbod

Steam bath

Shvitser

1. Show-off; 2. one that sweats a lot

Shvitsn

(v.) Sweat

Shvoger, der

Brother-in-law

Shvue, di

Oath

Shvunts

Lacking courage, gutless

Shygets

Non-Jewish male (offensive)

Sibe, di

Cause

Sie haut gevain a courva in de momma's bouch

She was a whore in her mother's belly.

Simantov

Wishing good luck or expressing congratulations. Often used with mazel tov (lit., a good sign) (Hebrew)

Simcha

Joy; celebration; also refers to a joyous occasion (Hebrew)

Simen, der

Sign (Hebrew)

Sitsfleish

Patience that can endure sitting (lit., sitting meat)

Skeyne, di (pl. skeynes)

Old woman

Skeynim, der

Old man

Skhires, di

Salary

Sloy, der

Jar

Smetteneh

Sour cream; cream

Smontsess

Gadgets

Sobaka killev

Very doggy dog

Sod, der

Secret (Hebrew)

Sof, der

End

Sof kol sof

Finally, in the end

Sofek, der

Doubt

Sofekdik

Doubtful

Sofvokh, der

Weekend

Soldat, der

Soldier

Soykher, der

Merchant

Soyne, der

1. Enemy, 2. someone who thwarts one’s success

Sparzhe

Asparagus

Spektakl, der

Spectacle

Spetsyel

Special; especially

Stade, di

Herd

Statue, di

Statue

Stav, der

Pond

Stelye, di

Ceiling

Stikel

Small bit or piece; a morsel

Stolyer, der

Carpenter

Strasheh mich nit

Don't threaten me

Strashen

(v.) Threaten, disturb

Sude, di

Feast (Hebrew)

Sufit, der

Ceiling

Svet gornisht helfen

It wouldn't help

 
T

T'noim

Betrothal, engagement

Taam, der

Taste, flavor; atmosphere; good taste

Taam gan eyden

Fabulous (lit., a taste of the Garden of Eden) (Hebrew)

Tabak, der

Tobacco; snuff

Tahkeh

Really! Is that so? Certainly!

Tahkeh a metsieh

Really a bargain! (usually said with sarcasm)

Tahm

Chopped herring

Taiglech

Small pieces of baked dough or little cakes dipped in honey

Take, takeh

Indeed, really

Takhlis, der

Practical purpose, result; essence, substance; worth; basics

Taksi, di

Taxi

Talant, der

Talent

Talmid, der

Student (Hebrew)

Talye, di

Waist

Tamaveter

Feebleminded person

Tamer

Perhaps

Tandaitneh

Inferior

Tante, di

Aunt

Tantsn

(v.) Dance

Tapn

(v.) Feel

Tararam

Big noise, big deal

Tash, di

Bag, pocketbook, purse

Tate, tateh, der

Father, papa, daddy, pop

Tatelleh

Little father, little man (affectionate way of referring to a boy or man)

Tatemame, di

Parents

Tateniu

Father dear (God is addressed this way by the pious; tateniu-foter means “God our Father”)

Tateniu-Foter

God, our Father

Tatinka

Papa, daddy, pop

Tayen

Conceal

Tayer, teier

1. Expensive; precious; 2. adorable

Tayer haltn

(v.) Cherish

Taykh, der

River

Tayneg, der

Pleasure, delight

Taynen

(v.) Argue, contend

Tchotchke, tsatske, di

Little plaything, ornament, bric-a-brac, toy, souvenir, knick-knack

Teater, der

Theater

Tei-yerinkeh

Sweetheart, dearest

Telegram, di

Telegram

Teler, der

Plate

Televisye, di

Television

Temp

Dolt

Temper kop

Dullard

Tepekh, der

Carpet; rug

Terets, der

Excuse

Tetik

Active

Tetikeyt

Activity

Tey, di

Tea

Teyg

Dough, batter

Teykef

Immediately

Teyl, der

Part

Teyln zikh

(v.) Share

Tfile, di

Prayer (Hebrew)

Tif

Deep

Tinef

Junk, poorly made

Tint, di

Ink

Tipirn

(v.) Type

Tipshes, dos

Folly

Tir, di

Door

Tish, der

Table

Toches, der (pl. tekheser)

Buttocks, behind, fanny (butt)

Toches in droissen

Bare behind

Toches-lecker

Brown-noser, apple-polisher, ass-kisser

Tochter, di

Daughter

Toes, der

Mistake

Tog, der

Day

Togshul, di

Day school

Tomid

Always

Ton

(v.) Do

Toomel, tuml, der

Confusion, noise, uproar; noisy chaos

Tormoz, der

Brake

Toyb, di

Pigeon

Toyer, der

Gate

Toygn

(v.) Be fit (for), be good (for), be right (for); be adequate

Toyt

Dead

Toyve, di

Favor, kindness

Toyznt

Thousand

Toyzntster

Thousandth

Tragedye, di

Tragedy

Tragish

Tragic

Traif, trayf

Opposite of kosher(lit., torn). Forbidden food, impure, contrary to the Jewish dietary laws, non-kosher (Hebrew)

Traifeneh bicher

Forbidden literature

Traifener bain

Jew who does not abide by Jewish law (derisive, scornful expression)

Traifnyak

Despicable person; one who eats non-kosher food

Trakht

Thinks

Trakhtn

(v.) Think

Traybn

(v.) Drive

Trefn

(v.) Guess

Trefn oyfn oyg

(v.) Make a guess

Trefn zikh mit

(v.) Meet

Trenen

(v.) Tear, rip

Trep, di

Stairs

Trepl, dos

Step

Trepsverter

The zinger one thinks of in retreat. The perfect retort one summons after mulling over the insult (lit., step words)

Trer, di

Tear

Tretn

(v.) Step

Trikenen, trukn

(v.) Dry

Trinkn

(v.) Drink

Trof

(v.) Meet

Trog gezunterhait

Wear it in good health

Trogedik

Pregnant

Trogn

(v.) Carry; bear; wear

Trombenik

A bum, no-good person, ne'er-do-well; a faker

Trop

Accent (as in stress)

Troyer, der

Sorrow

Troyern

(v.) Grieve, mourn

Trukn

(v.) Dry

Truskavke, di

Strawberry

Tsaar, der

Grief (Hebrew)

Tsaddik

Pious, righteous person (Hebrew)

Tsap, der

Goat

Tsar gidul bonim

Travail of raising children

Tsatske, di

1. Toy, doll, plaything; 2. something cute; 3. an overdressed woman; 4. a sexy girl

Tsatskeleh

Bimbo

Tsatskeleh der mamehs

Mother's favorite! Mother's pet!

Tsavoe, di

Will

Tsayt, di

Time

Tsaytik

Ripe

Tsaytung, di

Newspaper

Tsdoke, di

Charity (Hebrew)

Tsebrekh a fus

Break a leg.

Tsebrekhn

(v.) Smash

Tsedrait, tsedreyt (in kop)

Scatterbrained; crazy, screwy, lunatic; confused, disoriented (in the head); impractical

Tsedraiter kop

Bungler

Tseereh

Face (usually used as putdown)

Tseeshvimmen

Blurred

Tsehitsn

(v.) Excite

Tsemishn

(v.) Confuse

Tsemishn

(v.) Mix

Tsemishnich

Confusion

Tsemisht

Confused, befuddled, mixed-up

Tsemoln

(v.) Grind

Tsen

Ten

Tsenter

Tenth

Tsesheydung, di

Separation

Tseshpreytn

(v.) Spread

Tseteyln

(v.) Divide

Tsetl, der

Note

Tsetretn

(v.) Trample

Tsetumult

Confused, bewildered

Tsevishen-shtotisheh telefonistkeh

Long distance operator

Tseykhenen

(v.) Draw

Tseylem, der

Cross

Tseyln

(v.) Count

Tshaynik

Teapot

Tshepn

(v.) Touch

Tshepn (zikh tsu)

(v.) Annoy, irk, plague, bother, attack unwantedly

Tsheppah

Bait; goad or provoke to a fight; to annoy or badger

Tshuve, di

Reply (Hebrew)

Tshvok, der

Nail

Tsi

Whether

Tsibele, di

Onion

Tsien

(v.) Pull

Tsig, di

Goat

Tsigangnye/bobkelekh

Small portions

Tsigar, der

Cigar

Tsigeloisen

Compassionate, rather nice

Tsiginner bobkes

Jocular, truly valueless. Also used to describe black olives (lit., goat droppings)

Tsigl, der

Brick

Tsikhtik

Tidy, neat

Tsiklen zich

The cantor's ecstatic repetition of a musical phrase

Tsil

Aim

Tsiln sich

(v.) Aim; direct; intend; plan; aspire

Tsimer, der

Room

Tsimmes

1. Sweet carrot compote; 2. a fuss; a major issue made out of a minor event (slang)

Tsin, dos

Tin

Tsireven

(v.) Mend

Tsirk, der

Circus

Tsiterdik

Tremulous or trembling

Tsiterik

Anxious, nervous

Tsitern

(v.) Tremble, shiver

Tsitskeh

Breast, teat, udder

Tsivildivit

Crazy, wild, overwhelmed with too many choices

Tsivilizatsye, di

Civilization

Tsnueh

Chaste

Tsofn, der

North

Tsol, di

Number

Tsoln

(v.) Pay

Tsolung, di

Payment

Tson, der

Tooth

Tsondokter, der

Dentist

Tsonpaste, di

Toothpaste

Tsore, di

Trouble (Hebrew)

Tsoredik

Miserable (Hebrew)

Tsores, tsouris, di

Trouble, misery, suffering (Hebrew)

Tsu

1. Towards; in order to; at; 2. too

Tsu gezunt!

Gesundheit! (to wish good health to a person who has just sneezed)

Tsudekn

(v.) Cover

Tsufal, der

Accident, chance, coincidence

Tsufelik

Accidental, fortuitous, incidental

Tsufil

Too much! Too costly!

Tsufridn

Glad

Tsug, der

Train

Tsugebn

Add; admit

Tsugob

Addition, accessory

Tsuker, der

Sugar

Tsukukn zikh

(v.) Watch

Tsuleygn tsu

(v.) Add; apply

Tsulib

Because of; on account of

Tsulehakhesnik

Spiteful person

Tsum

To (the...); for (the...); on the occasion of; at

Tsum bayshpil

For instance

Tsum glik

Happily

Tsumakhn an oyg

To fall asleep

Tsunemen

(v.) Remove

Tsung, di

Tongue

Tsurik

Again (from an original state)

Tsurikkrign

(v.) Recover

Tsurikkumen

(v.) Return

Tsuriktsien

(v.) Withdraw

Tsushpiln

(v.) Accompany (on an instrument); favor (luck, weather, etc.)

Tsushteln

(v.) Furnish; supply; deliver; provide

Tsutritlekh

Accessible

Tsutroy, der

Confidence

Tsutsheppenish

1. Hanger-on, unwanted companion, pest; 2. nuisance

Tsutsien

(v.) Attract

Tsutsik

Ambitious or energetic person

Tsuzamen

Together

Tsuzog, der

Promise

Tsuzogn

(v.) Promise

Tsvantsik

Twenty

Tsvantsikster

Twentieth

Tsvayg, di

Branch

Tsvelf

Twelve

Tsvelfter

Twelfth

Tsvey

Two

Tsvey hundert

Two hundred

Tsvey mol

Twice

Tsvey un tsvantsik

Twenty-two

Tsveyendik

Double

Tsveyt

Second

Tsviling, der

Twins

Tsvishn

Between; among

Tsvuak, der

Hypocrite

Tulpan, der

Tulip

Tuml, tummel, der

Confusion, noise, uproar, unruly commotion, general disorder

Tumler

A noise-maker (person); an agitator

Tung, di

Deed, act

Tunkl

Dark

Turme, di

Prison

Tut vai dos harts

Heartbroken

Tuts, der

Dozen

Tvue, di

Grain

 
U

Umbadingt

Absolute, unconditional

Umbakant

Unknown

Umberufen

Unqualified, uncalled for; God forbid (deprecation to ward off the evil eye)

Umbeshrien

God forbid! It shouldn't happen!

Umet, der

Sadness

Umetik

Sad

Umetum

Everywhere

Umfaln

(v.) Collapse

Umgeduldik

Petulant

Umgelumpert

Awkward

Umgerekht

Unjust

Umgeveyntlekh

Extraordinary; unusual

Umglik, dos

1. Misfortune, accident; calamity; 2. undoing; 3. born loser, unlucky one

Umgliklekh

Unfortunate

Umkern

(v.) Return

Umklor

Obscure

Umkoved, der

Dishonor

Ummeglikh

Impossible!

Umpshoresdik

Adamant, uncompromising

Umru, di

Anxiety

Umruik

Anxious

Umshteller

Braggart

Umshuldik

Innocent

Umveg, der

Detour

Umverdik

Unworthy

Umvisndik

Ignorant

Umzin, der

Nonsense

Umzist

Free; for nothing

Umzitstiger fresser

Freeloader, especially one who shows up only to eat (and eat!)

Un

And

Un langeh hakdomes

Cut it short! (lit., without a long introduction)

Undzer

Our

Ungerbluzen

Bad mood, surly (lit., swollen with anger)

Ungerissen beheiman

A totally stupid person: not wild, just dumb (lit., an untamed animal)

Universitet, der

University

Unter

Under; beneath

Unter fir oygn

Privately

Untergeyn

(v.) Go down

Unterhern

(v.) Eavesdrop

Unterkoyfn

(v.) Bribe

Unternemung, di

Undertaking

Untersheyd, der

Difference

Untershmeichlen

(v.) Butter up

Untershte sheereh

Bottom line

Untervarfn

(v.) Abandon (a child); plant (stolen goods)

Untervelt mentsh

Racketeer

Untn

Below, underneath, downstairs

Ut azoy

Just like that

Utz

Goad, needle, bother, nag

 
V

Vai is mir

Woe is me!

Vai vind iz meine yoren

Woe is me and my years!

Vais ich vos

Stuff and nonsense! Says you! (lit., know from what)

Vaitik, der

Ache

Vaks, der

Wax

Vaksn

(v.) Grow

Vald, der

Woods; forest

Valgeren zich

(v.) Wander around aimlessly

Valgerer

Homeless wanderer

Vance; vants, di

Pest; a nobody (slang) (lit., bedbug)

Vandern

(v.) Wander

Vaneh

Bath, bathtub

Vannit

Where (from)? Short for "fon vannit kimmt ihr?" (lit., where do you come from?)

Vant, di

Wall

Vants, di

Pest; a nobody (slang) (lit., bedbug)

Varem

Warm; affectionate

Varemen

(v.) Heat

Varfn

(v.) Throw

Varfn an oyg

(v.) Look out for; guard; mind (lit., throw an eye at)

Varnishkes

Round noodle dough stuffed with meat, potato, etc. and fried

Vart

Wait! Hold on!

Vartn

(v.) Wait

Vaser, dos

Water

Vashn

(v.) Wash

Vashtsimer, der

Bathroom

Vashtsimer far menner

Men's room

Vashtsimer far froyen

Women's room

Vate, di

Cotton

Vatrones, dos

Generosity

Vayb, dos/di

Wife

Vaybl, dos

Young married woman

Vayblekh

Feminine

Vayl, vayle

Because, since, as long as, while

Vayn, der

Wine

Vayntroyb, di

Grape

Vays

(adj.) White

Vayt

Far; distant

Vayte kroyvim

Distant relatives

Vayter

Further

Vayzn

(v.) Show

Vaze, di

Vase

Veg, der

Road; way

Vegn

1. About, regarding, concerning, on; 2. way, path, road

Vegn

(v.) Weigh

Veibernik

Debauchee

Veibershe shtiklach

Female tricks

Vein

(v. pl.) Will (we/they)

Vein

(v.) Want

Veis vi kalech

Pale as a sheet!

Vek-zaiger, der

Alarm clock

Vekhter, der

Watchman

Vekn

(v.) Wake

Vel

(v. sing.) Will (I)

Velkh

(rel. pron.) Which, who, that

Velkher

Which

Veln

(v.) Want

Velosiped, der

Bicycle

Velt, di

World

Vemen barestu?

(Vulgar) Who are you kidding? (lit., who are you screwing?)

Ven

When

Ver

(v.) 1. Become; 2. (pron.) who

Ver derharget

Drop dead (lit., get yourself killed)

Ver dershtikt

Choke yourself!

Ver farfallen

Get lost! (lit., go into hiding)

Ver farvalgert

Get lost! Go away!

Ver geharget

Drop dead (lit., get yourself killed)

Ver tsuzetst

Go to hell! (or its equivalent)

Ver vaist?

Who knows?

Veren a tel

(v.) Be ruined

Veren ferherret

(v.) Get married

Verklempt

Extremely emotional, overwhelmed. On the verge of tears (See "farklempt")

Vern

(v.) Become

Vershtickt

Choking, gagging.

Vert, di

Worth; value

Vesp, di

Wasp

Vest

(v. sing.) Will (you)

Vet

(v. sing.) Will (he/she); (v. pl.) will (you)

Veter, der

Weather

Vetshere, di

Supper

Vey is mir, oi vey

Cry of agony, distress, misery, pain

Vey ton

(v.) Hurt; 2. ache

Veykh

Soft

Veykhn

(v.) Soak

Veynen

(v.) Cry, weep

Veyniker

Less

Veytik, der

Pain, ache, hurt

Veytikdik

Painful

Veyts, der

Wheat

Vi

1. How; 2. that; 3. as, like

Vi a barg

Large as a mountain

Vi gait dos gesheft?

How's business?

Vi gait es eich?

How goes it with you? How are you? How are you doing?

Vi geyts?

How goes it? How are things? How's tricks?

Vi haistu?

What's your name?

Vi ruft men eich?

What is your name?

Vi ruft men...?

What is the name of...?

Viazoy?

How come?

Vider

Again

Vielen dank

Many thanks

Vifil

How much, how many; how far

Vikhtik

Important

Vild

Wild; savage

Vilde chayea

1. Wild animal, savage; 2. unruly child; 3. uncontrolled person

Vilde khaye

Unruly child (wild Indian)

Vilder mentsh

A wild one; a wild person

Vilstu

Do you want...

Vinken

(v.) Wink

Vinkl, der

Corner; angle

Vint, der

Wind

Vinter, der

Winter

Vintik

Windy

Vintl, dos

Breeze

Vintshn

(v.) Wish

Vintsik

Few

Vintsiker

Less

Visikayt

Awareness

Vishn

(v.) Wipe

Visn

(v.) Know

Vits, der

Joke

Vitsik

Witty

Vitslen

(v.) Joke

Vo den

What else? What else would you expect?

Vog, di

Weight

Voglen

(v.) Wander around aimlessly

Vogn, der

Cart

Voiler yung

Roughneck (sarcastic expression)

Vokh, di

Week

Vol, di

Wool

Volf, der

Wolf

Volkn, der

Cloud

Volvl

Cheap

Voncin

Pest; a nobody (slang) (lit., bedbug)

Vontses, di

Moustache

Vorem, der

Worm

Vorenen

(v.) Warn

Vort, dos

Word

Vortshen

(v.) Grow

Vortshpiel

Pun, witticism

Vos

What, which

Vos far a

What kind of

Vos iz?

What's the matter?

Vos machstu?

How are you (sing.)?

Vos macht a yid?

How's it going?

Vos macht ir?

How are you (pl.)? How do you do?

Vos maint es?

What does it mean?

Vos noch?

What else? What then?

Vos tut zich?

What's going on? What's cooking?

Vos vet zein

What will be

Vos vet zein, vet zein!

What will be, will be!

Vos zogt ir?

What are you saying?

Voyl

Nice

Voynen

(v.) Dwell; occupy

Voynort, dos

Residence

Voynung, di

Dwelling

Vu

Where

Vu es iz

Anywhere

Vuhin gaitsu?

Where are you going?

Vund, di

Injury; wound

Vunder, der

Marvel

Vunderlekh

Wonderful, marvelous

Vursht, der

Sausage

Vuss

What

Vyzoso

1. Idiot (after youngest son of Haman, archenemy of Jews in Book of Esther); 2. penis

 
Y

Yachneh, di

A coarse, loud-mouthed woman; a gossip; a slattern

Yachsen, der

Man of distinguished lineage, highly connected person, privileged character

Yagde, di

Berry

Yahrtseit

Anniversary of the day of death of parents or relatives; yearly remembrance

Yak, di

Jacket

Yalla

'Bye (slang)

Yam, der

Ocean (Hebrew)

Yanuar, der

January

Yarshenen

(v.) Inherit

Yashir koyech

May your strength increase (Hebrew)

Yatebedam

A man who threatens; one who thinks he's a "big shot"; a blusterer

Yeder

Each, every

Yederer, der

Everyone

Yedie, di

1. Message; news; announcement; 2. knowledge in a given field

Yefayfiyeh

Beauty; woman of great beauty

Yeneh velt

The other world; the world to come

Yenems

Someone else's

Yenemsvelt

Faraway; miles from anything remotely familiar (lit., someone else's world)

Yenna veld

The other world; the world to come; in the next world; a share in the world to come

Yenta, yenteh

Busybody; a gossip; vulgar or sentimental woman; a gabby or talkative woman; a female blabbermouth

Yentsen

(v.) Fornicate; whore (Vulgar)

Yerid, der

Uproar

Yerlekh

Yearly; annual

Yeshive bocher, der

Student of talmudic academy

Yeshuvnik

Farmer, rustic

Yesoyme, di

Orphan

Yesurim

Agony

Yiches; yikhes

Pedigree, ancestry, family background, nobility

Yidishe tokhter

Jewish girl

Yidisher kop

Smart person (lit., Jewish head)

Yidishkayt

Jewishness

Yingeh tsatskeh

A young doll. A living doll.

Yires-hakoved

Awe (Hebrew)

Yo

Yes

Yofi

Good, wonderful (lit., beauty) (Hebrew)

Yold

(n.) Fool

Yontefdik

Festive; sharp (referring to clothes)

Yontev, der

Holiday (Hebrew)

Yor, dos

Year

Yorgelt

Annuity

Yorik

Year-long, annual, yearly

Yortog, der

Anniversary

Yosem, der

Orphan

Yoyresh, der

Heir

Yoysher, der

Justice, fairness, integrity (Hebrew)

Yuchna, di

1. Coarse, loud-mouthed, boorish woman; 2. fish wife

Yugnt, di

Youth

Yugntlekh

Youthful, juvenile

Yukel

Buffoon

Yuli, der

July

Yung

Young

Yung mit bainer

Powerful, strongly built person

Yung un alt

Young and old

Yungatsh, der

Street urchin, scamp, young rogue

Yungelayt

Young people

Yunger-man

Young man

Yungermantshik

A young, vigorous lad; newlywed

Yuni, der

June

Yutz

Hapless, clueless, annoying socially clumsy guy

 
Z

Zaft, der

Juice

Zaftik

Pleasantly plump and pretty. Sensuous looking (lit., juicy)

Zaftikeh moid!

Sexually attractive girl

Zaideh, der

Grandfather

Zaier gut

Okay (lit., very good)

Zaier shain gezogt!

Well said! (lit., very beautifully said!)

Zakh, di

Thing

Zal, der

Hall, auditorium

Zalts, di

Salt

Zamd, dos

Sand

Zamlen

(v.) Collect; gather

Zamlung, di

Collection

Zay; zayn

1. (v.) To be, is; bin = an 2. (adj.) his, its

Zay(t) gezunt

Stay well, goodbye

Zay(t) oykh gezunt

Goodbye to you (in response)

Zayd, di

Silk

Zayde, der

Grandfather

Zayen

(v.) Filter

Zayer naytik

Very necessary (often used sarcastically)

Zayn

1. (v.) to be, is; bin = an 2. (adj.) his, its

Zaynen

(v. pl.) Are (we)

Zaynen do

There are

Zayt

(v. pl.) Are (you)

Zayt, di

Side

Zaytik

Unnecessary, extraneous, unimportant, irrelevant

Zen

(v.) See

Zee est vee a feigele

She eats like a bird

Zeeskyte

Sweetie

Zeh nor, zeh nor

Look here, look here!

Zei mir frailich

Be happy!

Zei mir gezunt

Be well!

Zei mir matriach

Be at pains to... Please; make an effort.

Zei nit a nar

Don't be a fool!

Zei nit kain vyzoso

Don't be an idiot! Don't be a damn fool!

Zei(t) gezunt

Be well! Goodbye! Farewell

Zeiner, der

Soldier

Zeiseh

Sweet

Zeit (mir) moychel

Excuse me! Be so good as... Forgive me!

Zeit azoy gut

Please (lit., be so good)

Zeitn

Rare; seldom

Zekhtseter

Sixteenth

Zekhtsik

Sixty

Zekhtsikster

Sixtieth

Zekhtsn

Sixteen

Zeks

Six

Zekster

Sixth

Zelbik

Same

Zelig

Blessed (used mostly among German Jews in recalling a beloved deceased)

Zeltenkeit

Rare thing

Zeml, der

Roll

Zen

(v.) See

Zeneft, der

Mustard

Zer

Very

Zetsn zikh

(v.) Sit down

Zets, der

Shove, push, bang; (vulgar) a sexual experience

Zey

They; them

Zeyde, der

Grandfather

Zeyer

Their; very

Zeyf, di

Soap

Zeyger, der

Clock

Zeygerl, dos

Watch

Zhaleven

(v.) Be sparing, miserly

Zhlob

Crude, unrefined person; boor, hick, yokel; slob

Zhuk

Beetle

Zhulik

Faker

Zhuri, di

Jury

Zhurnal, der

Magazine; journal

Zi

She; her

Zibeter

Seventh

Zibetsik

Seventy

Zibetsikster

Seventieth

Zibetsn

Seventeen

Zibetster

Seventeenth

Zibn

Seven

Zidlen

(v.) Curse

Zidlvort, dos

Abusive word, curse word

Zidn

(v.) Boil

Ziftsn

(v.) Sigh

Zikh fardinen

(v.) Merit

Zikher

Sure; certain

Zikorn, der

Memory

Zilber, dos

Silver

Zind, di

Sin

Zindik nit

Don't complain. Don't tempt the gods

Zindikn

(v.) Sin

Zingen

(v.) Sing

Zinger, der

Singer

Zinken

(v.) Sink

Zint

Since

Zis

Sweet

Ziseh neshomeh

Sweet soul

Ziseh raidelech

Sweet talk

Ziskeit

Sweetness, sweetheart (Also endearing term for a child)

Zits

Sit

Zitsflaish

Patience, assiduity, diligence; perseverance (lit., sitting meat)

Zitsn

(v.) Sit

Zitsn ahf shpilkes

Sitting on pins and needles; to fidget

Zitsn shiveh

Sit in mourning

Zitsort, dos

Seat

Zitsung, di

Meeting

Zoftig

Pleasingly plump (lit., juicy)

Zog a por verter

Say a few words!

Zogen a ligen

Tell a lie

Zogerkeh

Woman who leads the prayers in the women's section in the synagogue

Zogn

(v.) Say; tell

Zoineh

Prostitute

Zok, der

Sock

Zokher, der

Male

Zokn, der

Old man

Zol dos zayn

That should be

Zol zein

Let it be! That's all!

Zol zein azoy

Okay! Let it be so!

Zol zein gezunt

Be well!

Zol zein mit glik

Good luck!

Zol zein mit mazel!

Good luck!

Zol zein shah!

Be quiet. Shut up!

Zol zein shtil!

Silence! Let's have some quiet!

Zorg, di

Care

Zorg zich nit

Don't worry!

Zorgn zikh

(v.) Worry

Zoyer

Sour

Zug gornisht

Say nothing

Zukhn

(v.) Look for

Zumer, der

Summer

Zun, der

Son

Zun, di

Sun

Zuninkeh

Dear son! Darling son!

Zuntik, der

Sunday

Zununtergang, der

Sunset

Zup, di

Soup

Zy

Go


Spelling and Pronunciation

Spelling: The Yiddish language is written using a variant of the Hebrew alphabet, thus the words are transliterated from their Hebrew spelling and many spelling versions exist for the same word. Also, different spelling versions exist because Yiddish pronunciation varied according to the region of the speaker: the main "dialects" were Litvak (Lithuanian) and Galitsianer (Galacian); some differences in pronunciation (and thus rendering into the Roman alphabet) were so great as to make speakers sometimes unintelligible to each other. In this Glossary an attempt has been made to use the most common spelling variant. If you can't find the word listed where you expected it, try looking for it using a related vowel or consonant, e.g., "tzores" (trouble) can be found under "tsores." Some of these alternate spellings are cross-listed.

Nouns are indicated by the use of the definite article, "the," following the word. Since Yiddish, like German, has three genders, it's important to know the noun's gender. The nominative definite articles are: Der, masculine; dos, neuter; and di, feminine (or plural). Thus dos punim means "the face" (neuter) and der birger is "the citizen" (masculine). Not every noun is listed with its definite article: this page is a work in progress and is occasionally updated.

Pronunciation: Some letter sounds found in Yiddish are unknown in English, so letter combinations must be used to represent these sounds. The most common of these is the "ch" or "kh" sound found in German and Hebrew. Pronounce this like "Bach" (the composer) or "loch" (a lake in Scotland), not like child. Another letter is the "ts" (pronounced like "boots") and sometimes written as "tz."

Note on Hebrew etymology: Words indicated by the word "Hebrew" have been adopted into Yiddish; however, most have had their spelling and pronunciation changed considerably.


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