The following is a list of Yiddish words and phrases that I would like to use more in my every-day vocabulary. This is part reference for me and part reference for whoever else finds this. The following list is in no particular order, other than alphabetical.

• A Shande – Meaning “a shame” or “a disgrace”.
• Bubkes – Nothing, nada, zlich. All good words, but bubkes just has a nice ring to it when describing how much money I have in my wallet right now.
• Chazarai – From the Hebrew word for “pig” (khazer), this word perfectly describes my desk at home.
• Chutzpah – If you’ve got balls, you’ve got chutzpah.
• Gezunterheyt – The Yiddish form of saying “bless you” after someone sneezes. It literally means “health”.
• Glitch – Probably one of the better known Yiddish words, this has become more prevalent in the age of computer malfunctions.
• Keppe – Yiddish for head, but like most Yiddish words, it’s more fun to say than the English.
• Kvetch – I don’t complain, I kvetch.
• Mensch – A truly honorable person.
• Meshugaas – Craziness, but more fun to say.
• Nosh – Meaning snack food, this is something I should be able to use daily.
• Schlock – Know all that crap your family gets you on vacation that’s actually just made in factories in China? It’s schlock.
• Schlong – The only really vulgar word on my list, this is one of the best names for your wang, cock, dick, wiener, or whatever else you call it.
• Schnoz – Your nose, but again, more fun to say.
• Tchotchke – Trinkets, knick-knacks, or whatever else you call them.

Do you have more suggestions for this list? Please reply and share them!