Yiddish Dictionary

Yiddish is a language that has words and phrases that have found their way into the mainstream, despite the mainly Jewish use of it today. It has even made its way into some pop culture, like when character Linda Richman (Mike Myers) would get “ferklempt” during Saturday Night Live skits in the 1990s.

According to the definition provided by YourDictionary, Yiddish is spoken mainly by Eastern European Jews and their descendents. It is a Hebrew language with parts borrowed from Hebrew, Russian, Polish, and other languages.

Persons studying Jewish culture, languages, and traditions may find it useful to learn about the history of Yiddish. Torah students may also want to learn various aspects of the language. Academics studying Hebrew or a related language can benefit from a basic understanding of Yiddish. Religious converts may find it easier to assimilate into the church if they understand Yiddish phrases and words.

YourDictionary’s Yiddish Dictionaries

YourDictionary provides a listing of recommended resources for the Yiddish language in the Languages section. While some common Yiddish words can be looked up in the main dictionary, it is best to seek out a specialty dictionary for more extensive use. Dictionaries included are:

• On-line Yiddish Dictionary: Options for searching out a Yiddish word include searching by English word, Yiddish spelling of a word in English letters, or using the Hebrew letters. You can search by Roman, Hebrew, or English letter as well. Resulting information after typing in an English word includes the Romanized spelling of Yiddish, pronunciation, part of speech, and a link to more information. Results may also be multiple if the word is part of a phrase or has several definitions. See the grammar tables section for more information on practical use of the language.
• The Ariga Glossary of Yiddish Expressions: Scroll through the various listings to find the Yiddish expression (spelled in English letters) and the needed definition. Frequently used slang-like phrases are also included in this listing.
• Glossary of Jewish Terms: Find a short listing of terms from Jewish, Hebrew, and Yiddish languages by English spelling. A helpful pronunciation key is at the top of the page, and links to further information are in many of the definitions.
• English-Yiddish-English Online Dictionary: Translate back and forth between English and Yiddish with this conversion site. It does take a few moments for the results to load, however. Actual definitions are not provided for the results.
• Judaism Glossary: A brief glossary covering the major terms used in Yiddish and Judaism. Scroll through the English alphabetical listing to find the term needing definition.

Online Yiddish Dictionary and Glossary Sources

More than just the resources listed at yourDictionary are available for finding Yiddish terms and definitions. Additional Web sites include:

• Bubby’s Yiddish/Yinglish Glossary: A listing of Yiddish expressions with definitions provided by the Web site host. Easy to understand, this Web site is helpful for those who need help with everyday phrases and words. Some may find the colored words and patterned background make the site somewhat difficult to read. Audio files are available for some entries.
• Yiddish Dictionary: A large alphabetical listing of Yiddish phrases and expressions. English translations are provided, though some have further definitions where needed.
• Yiddish Dictionary of Words, Phrases, Expressions & Slang: Regularly used words and phrases are defined in this short glossary. Find terms that have made their way into mainstream culture like “bubkis,” “kvetch,” “shlep,” and “tuchis.”

Yiddish is an expressive language that often employs much emotion in pronunciation. To learn more about the history of Judaism and Yiddish, visit the Yiddish Language and Culture page from Judaism 101. Those wishing to indulge in the more vulgar side of the Yiddish language may find listings at The Alternative Yiddish Dictionary interesting, although there is much profanity within this particular site.

The Yiddish language is one that has survived for hundreds of years. Not only has it found a home with the millions of present day speakers, but also worked its way into the everyday vernacular of English speaking people.