10 Essential Yiddish Words for Academics

My piece on essential yiddish words for computer scientists clearly struck a chord. I realise however that some of my readers, not being computer scientists, may be feeling left out. Furthermore they may well feel that vocabulary necessary in their professional setting was omitted. It is for this reason I feel called upon to extend my earlier list with 10 further essential words for use by academics.

In writing this further list I wish to make it clear that many of the words on the earlier list can also be used. Clearly expressions such as 'Oy!', an expression of mixed distress, astonishment and resignation ("We need an additional resit exam paper"; "Oy!") and 'schlep', a long tiresome and inconvenient journey to the other side of the campus bearing a heavy load such as photocopied lecture notes, are handy. You may make free reference to that list. There are however, some additional words of particular application in academic work and I offer them here.

Gevalt. Can be used in combination with Oy (Oy gevalt!) or on its own. It essentially adds force to 'Oy'. Often translated, rather pitifully, as 'woe is me' demonstrating the difficulties of getting translation right. Universities often call forth the need for expressions of extreme surprise and distress. Thus "We somewhat overshot our recruitment target, there will be 150 students in your first year class"; "Oy gevalt!". 

Macher. Meaning 'big-shot', used to refer to people such as members of the synagogue council, charity committee organisers and the like. Can be used in an admiring way but, typically with yiddish words, not always. Could be used in reference to Pro-Vice-Chancellors, or in the US, Associate Deans. Never used of Deans and Heads of Department, of course. 

Frum (or Frummer). Orthodox or strictly religious. Sometimes meshugenah (mad) frummer to refer to extremes of religious observance. Obvious application to academic cultists who have total faith in a particular method, tool, approach or school of thought. 

Bubbe maisse. Literally grandmother's tale (equivalent to old wive's tale). Story  or fable hallowed by the retelling. Often of dubious accuracy, depends a bit on the grandmother, clearly. For instance, "Only research matters for promotion";  "A bubbe maisse!". 

Kibitz. Now in reasonably widespread use. In yiddish applied rather flexibly. A chorus of discordant and inconsistent criticism and advice offered by spectators (kibitzers). Invaluable in reference to the work of university committees. "You will have to present your proposal to the teaching committee"; "That is just an opportunity for them to kibitz!"). 

Mensch. A 'man'. Somebody who does the 'right thing'. Usually implies generosity and moral rectitude. A term of high praise and respect. In modern usage can be applied to a woman. Example "She let them take credit for the work, making no reference to her contribution"; "She is a mensch". 

Mitzvah. Familiar from "bar mitzvah". Really a Hebrew word with a religious interpretation but used popularly in yiddish. Translation is very difficult because it encompasses duty, onerous obligation and privilege or honour. Can be used in a sense tinged with light irony for those 'honours' requiring large amounts of work, a common feature of academic life. Thus, assuming office in a professional society, conference chair or even Head of Department are all "a mitzvah". 

Mishpoche. Family. In yiddish usage this covers a very broad range. The parents of distant cousins, even your parents friends children come under the broad umbrella of mishpoche. Traditionally "A discount? Of course, you are mishpoche". Academically, a reference to members of your 'clan', research group, former students, university department, the people you hang out with at conferences, and so on. 

Gornisht. Nothing, less than nothing in fact, really nothing at all. Thus, "I expected a review back on my paper after a year of waiting ... but gornisht." 

Broyges. Meaning strictly, angry. Used to refer to longstanding family disputes as when your Aunt Sadie will not talk to Aunt Beckie because she went to Uncle Arnold's wedding in the same dress she was intending to wear, this 45 years ago. Aunt Sadie is broyges. So, "His name was not put on the grant application and now he is broyges."