P

arlez vous Francais? 
Hablas Espanol? Du 
redst Yiddish?
Your answer to any of the 
above is proba-
bly “no” or per-
haps “a bissel.”
Actually, you 
do know more 
than you think 
since so many 
English words 
have come to us 
from other languages and are 
now in common parlance.
Yiddish is a prime example, 
especially since the forms of 
the words have not been 
changed since they were 
“adopted.” Let’s examine 
some. 
If you invested in some-
thing and got no return, you 
may say you have bupkis 
(literally goat droppings). The 
investment was probably 
dreck (rubbish — a more PC 
translation). The guy who sold 
you on it was most likely a 

gonif (thief).
Have you tried some new 
technology and had trouble 
employing it? No doubt you 
encountered a glitch (mal-
function). Of course, you had 
suggestions from friends who 
love to kibbitz (give unwanted 
advice). Do not kvetch (com-
plain); it will do no good.
Each of us knows some-
one who is a self-proclaimed 
maven (expert).
His boasting could drive 
you meshuggah (crazy).
It is late at night and you 

just must have a nosh (snack). 
OY! (exclamation of distress). 
Well, make sure it does not 
contain shmaltz (chicken fat) 
or you are going to regret it.
Does your house need a 
thorough cleaning to get rid 
of built-up shmutz (dirt)? Just 
wait; Pesach cannot be far off. 
 
 
 
 If you get complaints about 
your housework, tell the 
busybody to get their shnoz 
out of your business. Tell 
them to remain shtum (quiet). 
Every tchotchke (knickknack), 
by the way, does not have to 

be dusted every time!
You deserve me-time: Sit 
on your tush (bottom); watch 
soap operas, starring a zaf-
tig (buxom) actress playing 
a yenta (gossip), that make 
you verklempt (choked with 
emotion). Just do not get into 
drinking; no one likes a shik-
ker (drunk).
Note to Yiddish speakers: I 
do not wish to hear from you 
about my transliterations or 
translations: That is verboten 
(forbidden). Just leave me to 
my shtick (“comic” actions). 

Sy Manello
Editorial 
Assistant

Jewish Inventors

Can you unscramble the names of these Jewish inventors?

1. Think favors synods

2. Hey Mr lard

3. Aces arising

4. Archy ink mover

5. Ravels suits

See answers in next week’s issue. For answers to the Feb. 29 puzzle, see page 47.

Universal Usage

JUST FOR FUN

54 | MARCH 7 • 2024 
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