Word Power Quiz: How Well Do You Know These Yiddish Words?
Updated: Oct. 18, 2023
You're probably familiar with klutz, chutzpah and schmear, but these are only the beginning.
Yiddish Words Quiz
What does schmutz mean?
a) Dirt
b) Joke
c) Deli meat
Answer: a) Dirt
As in, “Only after my job interview did I realize I had schmutz on my shirt.”
Check out 13 cleaning hacks that can make quick work of schmutz.
What does schlep mean?
a) Run
b) Haul
c) Pass through
Answer: b) Haul
As in, “The heavy rain made schlepping the groceries several blocks to my house even harder.”
Test your knowledge of texting slang.
What does meshuggener mean?
a) Cute child
b) Foolish person
c) Important date
Answer: b) Foolish person
As in, “‘He must be a meshuggener if he thinks he can park that truck there,’ Maria scoffed.”
Here are 10 funny podcasts that’ll have you laughing out loud.
What does mensch mean?
a) Payment
b) Talent
c) Person of integrity
Answer: c) Person of integrity
As in, “Being called a mensch is a huge compliment.”
You’ll find plenty of mensches in this roundup of good news from around the world.
What does nosh mean?
a) Explain
b) Snack
c) Forget
Answer: b) Snack
As in, “Every weekend, Sophie and Ellen meet at the coffee shop to nosh and gossip.”
Consider yourself a foodie? Put your knowledge of cooking terms to the test.
What does bubbe mean?
a) Grandmother
b) Little one
c) Hot drink
Answer: a) Grandmother
As in, “Every year, Gordon makes his bubbe’s oatmeal cookie recipe.”
Here’s why passing down family recipes is the greatest gift.
What does kvelling mean?
a) Walking noisily
b) Crying
c) Rejoicing
Answer: c) Rejoicing
As in, “Tova was kvelling when her daughter graduated at the top of her class.”
Finding our Yiddish words quiz too easy? Try your hand at the ultimate Canadian trivia challenge.
What does bissel mean?
a) Little bit
b) Letter
c) Secret
Answer: a) Little bit
As in, “Clara had a big breakfast so she just wants to eat a bissel for lunch.”
Can you pass this quiz of fourth-grade spelling words?
What does shanda mean?
a) Assistance
b) Star
c) Scandal
Answer: c) Scandal
As in, “‘Did you hear about that bank manager who stole deposits?’” David asked. “‘What a shanda!’”
If you’re craving shanda, check out these shocking royal memoirs.
What does plotz mean?
a) Misunderstand
b) Burst with emotion
c) Hide
Answer: b) Burst with emotion
As in, “Don’t plotz, but the dog soiled the carpet again.”
Psst—these DIY carpet stain removers might come in handy.
What does schtick mean?
a) Weird idea
b) Ditty
c) Comic routine or gimmick
Answer: c) Comic routine or gimmick
As in, “Marie-Anne quit touring and is doing her shtick in Vegas now.”
Check out the best comedies on Netflix right now.
What does schlock mean?
a) Shoddy
b) Entertaining
c) Funny
Answer: a) Shoddy
As in, “Dad bought all these schlock souvenirs during our family vacation to Myrtle Beach.”
Give your brain a good workout with these printable crossword puzzles.
What does kvetch mean?
a) Complain
b) Laugh
c) Rush
Answer: a) Complain
As in, “‘No matter how hard we try to please Alexander, he always manages to find something to kvetch about,’ Sue said.”
Here’s expert advice on how to get what you want from customer service (without being a jerk).
What does mishegoss mean?
a) Craziness
b) Bundle of papers
c) Worrying trend
Answer: a) Craziness
As in, “Amid the mishegoss of rushing to catch her flight home, Sofia forgot to pack a toothbrush and toothpaste.”
Here are the travel mistakes everyone should make at least once.
What does schmooze mean?
a) Play
b) Chat
c) Introduce
Answer: b) Chat
As in, “Company management went to the convention to schmooze.”
Now that you’ve added these Yiddish words to your vocabulary, test your knowledge of Canadian slang.
