Schlemiel: meaning, definitions and examples

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schlemiel

 

[ shle-MEEL ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

fool, incompetent

A 'schlemiel' is a Yiddish term used to describe a person who is inept or clumsy, often failing to take advantage of opportunities. The term carries a humorous connotation and is typically applied to someone who has a persistent tendency to be unlucky or to bring misfortune to themselves. It's commonly used in Jewish culture to underscore the characteristics of someone who continually mismanages their circumstances, often leading to a series of comical mishaps.

Synonyms

blunderer, bungler, fool

Examples of usage

  • He is such a schlemiel; he always spills his drink at parties.
  • In the movie, the schlemiel somehow always manages to get into trouble.
  • Despite being a schlemiel, he has a heart of gold and is always willing to help others.

Translations

Translations of the word "schlemiel" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น schlemiel

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคถเฅเคฒเฅ‡เคฎเฅ€เคฒ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Schlemiel

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ schlemiel

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัˆะปะตะผั–ะปัŒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ szlemiel

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ทใƒฅใƒฌใƒŸใƒผใƒซ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท schlemiel

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ schlemiel

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท schlemiel

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์Š๋ ˆ๋ฐ€

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุดู„ูŠู…ูŠู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ schlemiel

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ schlemiel

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ–ฝ้›ท็ฑณๅฐ”

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ schlemiel

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ schlemiel

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัˆะปะตะผั–ะปัŒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒจแƒšแƒ”แƒ›แƒ˜แƒš

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ลŸะปะตะผะธะปัŒ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ schlemiel

Etymology

The term 'schlemiel' has its origins in Yiddish, a language that blends elements of German, Hebrew, and Aramaic, and it was developed by the Jewish communities of Central and Eastern Europe. The exact etymology of the word is somewhat unclear, but it is believed to derive from the German word 'schlemihl,' which conveys a similar sense of a foolish or unlucky person. The use of 'schlemiel' in popular culture has been reinforced by its appearance in various media, including literature and film, often portraying the classical archetype of the well-meaning but hapless character. This archetype resonates with audiences because it reflects a universal truth about human nature: we all make mistakes and can sometimes seem foolish, leading to light-hearted empathy towards those labeled as schlemiels. Over time, the term has transcended its original cultural context and can now be widely understood in English-speaking societies as a humorous marker of incompetence.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,411, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.