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Schlep Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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schlep

[สƒlep ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

carrying heavy

To schlep means to carry or drag something heavy or cumbersome with effort. It often implies a sense of weariness or inconvenience associated with the act of transporting the item.

Synonyms

drag, haul, lug, tote.

Examples of usage

  • I had to schlep all my luggage up the stairs.
  • He schlep his groceries from the store every week.
  • Don't make me schlep that heavy box!
  • She schlep the camping gear through the mud.
Context #2 | Noun

heavy load

A schlep can refer to a burden or a heavy load that needs to be carried or moved. This usage emphasizes the weightiness or difficulty involved in the task.

Synonyms

burden, load, weight.

Examples of usage

  • Taking the schlep to the car was exhausting.
  • After that schlep, I need a break.
  • His schlep was full of books and equipment.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In the show 'Seinfeld', the character George Costanza often uses 'schlep' to describe his burdensome life.
  • Comedian Jerry Seinfeld has referenced everyday struggles involving schlepping in his stand-up routines, making it a humorous term.
  • The movie 'Schlep' (2017) humorously portrays the challenges of moving and the physical and emotional toll of dragging your belongings.

Psychology

  • The act of schlepping can cause frustration, which affects motivation and mental well-being.
  • Metaphorically, 'schlepping' can describe emotional burdens we carry, illustrating the stressors in our lives.
  • People often describe their difficult tasks or obligations as 'schlepping', reflecting a psychological state of being overwhelmed.

Literature

  • Many authors use 'schlep' to convey relatable characters who face physical or emotional burdens, resonating with readers.
  • In children's books, the character who โ€˜schlepsโ€™ often learns valuable lessons about teamwork or gaining strength through struggle.
  • The term captures the essence of struggle and perseverance, making it a recurring theme in modern storytelling.

Daily Life

  • In daily conversations, 'schlep' expresses the hassle of carrying groceries or moving boxes, common tasks everyone encounters.
  • People often use it humorously to describe not just physical labor but also tedious chores like cleaning or organizing.
  • The word highlights the sometimes comedic aspects of hard work, making it relatable in various situations.

Origin of 'schlep'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Schlep' comes from Yiddish, where it originally meant 'to drag' or 'to haul'.
  • It entered American English in the early 20th century and quickly became popular among English speakers.
  • The term reflects the experience of Jewish immigrants carrying burdens in new environments.

The word 'schlep' originates from Yiddish, stemming from the verb 'shlepen', meaning to drag or pull. It reflects a common experience in Eastern European Jewish communities, particularly when speaking of carrying heavy items or feeling burdened by certain tasks. The term gained popularity in American English in the mid-20th century, especially in urban areas with significant Jewish populations. Its informal usage has since spread beyond its original ethnic context, making it a part of everyday vocabulary in American slang. The emotional connotation associated with 'schlep' often conveys a sense of weariness or frustration, making it a relatable term for various situations involving laborious movement or effortful tasks. As such, it has adapted over time and can describe both physical and metaphorical burdens, increasing its utility in modern language.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,546, 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.