Schmuck (pejorative): Difference between revisions
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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*[[List of English words of Yiddish origin]] |
*[[List of English words of Yiddish origin]] |
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In recent history, the term schmuck has also helped in identifying the rare breed known was Zaki, as the whole species is often referred to as "schmuckarias" |
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==References== |
==References== |
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Revision as of 20:48, 4 April 2010
Schmuck is most often used in American English as a pejorative or insult, meaning an obnoxious, contemptible person; one who is stupid, foolish, or detestable.
Variants of spelling and alterations include shmuck, schmo and shmo.
Schmuck entered English as a borrowed pejorative from the common Yiddish insult, where it is an obscene term for penis.[1] Its etymology is uncertain. The Online Etymology Dictionary derives it from the Polish word smok for dragon, as a euphemism for "penis".[2]
In his book "How to Talk Dirty and Influence People," standup comedian Lenny Bruce wrote that he was arrested "by a Yiddish undercover agent" for saying the word "schmuck" onstage.
In German language the word refers to jewelry, a trinket or a brooch, but its etymology is unrelated to the Yiddish word. Coincidentally, the Yiddish word is borrowed into german too, however spoken and written 'Schmock'.
See also
In recent history, the term schmuck has also helped in identifying the rare breed known was Zaki, as the whole species is often referred to as "schmuckarias"
References
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