James Baquet

    Mark hears Ming mumbling some foreign words in the common room of their dorm.

    Mark: Hi, Ming. Still studying German?

    Ming: Not really. I mean, sort of.

    Mark: Ming, you seem confused. What’s the deal?

    Ming: Actually, the language I’m learning has some similarities to German, but also to Hebrew.

    Mark: Oh! You’re learning Yiddish?

    Ming: That’s right! How did you know? Jewish people living in Europe developed a language of their own that mixed German, Hebrew, and some others. It’s really interesting!

    Mark: Yes, it is. Lots of Americans know Yiddish words because they were used by Jewish entertainers, especially comedians.

    Ming: Yeah. That explains why it’s kind of fun.

    Mark: So what have you learned?

    Ming: Well, for example, if I hear some bad news — not really bad, but sort of annoying — I can say “Oy!” or “Oy vey!”

    Mark: That’s right. Like, “Hey Ming, your girl came by while you were out, and you missed her.”

    Ming: Oy, vey! I forgot she was coming! She’ll be so upset!

    Mark: Very good! What else have you learned?

    Ming: I love the words “schmaltz” and “schmaltzy.”

    Mark: Okay, how can you use them?

    Ming: I like rock ’n’ roll, but the music my parents listen to is kind of quiet and old-fashioned. So I can say, “Why do you listen to this schmaltz?”

    Mark: Yes, or “This music is so schmaltzy.”

    Ming: Right. But if I did that, they might accuse me of having chutzpah.

    Mark: And what is that, exactly?

    Ming: It’s something like “nerve” or, as the British say, “cheek.”

    Mark: Can you give me an example?

    Ming: Maybe you bargain with a seller and get a rock-bottom price on some goods. Then you go back and complain that they’re low quality.

    Mark: Good example. Another Yiddish word?

    Ming: I love to schmooze!

    Mark: Yes! Good one! To socialize, especially with a purpose.

    Ming: Right. Let’s say I’m running for class officer. I might go to a party and move around the room: shaking hands, laughing at people’s jokes, and generally trying to show what a great guy I am.

    Mark: Yeah, Ming, you’re a real schmoozer!

    Ming: Thanks? Now, here’s one that’s tough to spell: tchotchke.

    Mark: That’s like a little knock-knack or something, right?

    Ming: Right. It could be a souvenir, or maybe a promotional item like a key-chain with a company’s name on it.

    Mark: Right. Ming, you seem to really be having fun with this.

    Ming: I am! I love Yiddish!