Schmuck
Meaning: A stupid or contemptible person (Yiddish-American)
Yiddish-origin American insult meaning a stupid or contemptible person. Literally means 'jewel' (euphemism for anatomy) in Yiddish.
Examples
- Don't be such a schmuck. 批评crítica批判그렇게 바보같이 굴지 마.
- What a schmuck. 鄙视desprecio軽蔑정말 한심한 놈이군.
- He's a complete schmuck. 强烈批评crítica fuerte強い批判그는 완전한 한심이야.
- I felt like a schmuck.自嘲autodesprecio自虐바보같은 기분이 들었어.
Pronunciation
/ʃmʌk/
Usage Guide
Context: insults, self-deprecation, American
Tone: insulting or self-deprecating
✓ Do Say
- Don't be a schmuck.别犯傻了。No seas tonto del culo.バカなことするな。바보같이 굴지 마.
- What a schmuck.真是个蠢货。Menudo tonto del culo.なんてバカなんだ。정말 한심한 놈이군.
- I felt like a schmuck.我觉得自己像个蠢货。Me sentí como un imbécil.自分がバカみたいに感じた。바보같은 기분이 들었어.
✗ Don't Say
- Yiddish origin意第绪语起源Origen yidisイディッシュ語起源이디시어 기원
- American usage美国用法Uso estadounidenseアメリカで使用미국식 용법
Common Mistakes
- Yiddish origin—primarily American usage
- Has vulgar origins in Yiddish
Origin & History
Yiddish word adopted into American English. Literally means 'jewel' (euphemism).
Etymology: From Yiddish 'schmuck' (jewel, euphemism)
First recorded: Yiddish-American, early 20th century
Cultural Context
Era: 20th century
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal in America
Pop culture: Jewish-American comedy; Woody Allen films
Regional notes: American term from Yiddish. Not commonly used in UK.
Variations
Related Phrases
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