Schlemiel: meaning, definitions and examples
๐คฆโโ๏ธ
schlemiel
[ shle-MEEL ]
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
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:
๐ต๐น schlemiel
๐ฎ๐ณ เคถเฅเคฒเฅเคฎเฅเคฒ
๐ฉ๐ช Schlemiel
๐ฎ๐ฉ schlemiel
๐บ๐ฆ ัะปะตะผัะปั
๐ต๐ฑ szlemiel
๐ฏ๐ต ใทใฅใฌใใผใซ
๐ซ๐ท schlemiel
๐ช๐ธ schlemiel
๐น๐ท schlemiel
๐ฐ๐ท ์๋ ๋ฐ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุดููู ูู
๐จ๐ฟ schlemiel
๐ธ๐ฐ schlemiel
๐จ๐ณ ๆฝ้ท็ฑณๅฐ
๐ธ๐ฎ schlemiel
๐ฎ๐ธ schlemiel
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะปะตะผัะปั
๐ฌ๐ช แจแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ ละปะตะผะธะปั
๐ฒ๐ฝ 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.