Schmoe: meaning, definitions and examples
🤷
schmoe
[ ʃmoʊ ]
informal usage
The term 'schmoe' is a slang expression used primarily in American English to refer to a person who is considered to be foolish, ineffectual, or naive. It's often used in a light-hearted or derogatory manner to describe someone lacking in sophistication or street smarts. Generally, it conveys a sense of pity or affection towards the individual being described, suggesting that they are endearingly bumbling or inept rather than malicious or threatening.
Synonyms
dunce, fool, nincompoop, simpleton.
Examples of usage
- Don't be such a schmoe; just ask her out!
- He really is a schmoe sometimes, tripping over his own feet.
- Everyone loves him, even though he's a bit of a schmoe.
Translations
Translations of the word "schmoe" in other languages:
🇵🇹 idiota
- tolo
- bobo
🇮🇳 बेवकूफ
- मूर्ख
- अज्ञानी
🇩🇪 Trottel
- Dussel
- Idiot
🇮🇩 bodoh
- orang bodoh
- idiot
🇺🇦 дурень
- ідіот
- нездара
🇵🇱 idiota
- głupek
- debil
🇯🇵 バカ
- 愚か者
- アホ
🇫🇷 idiot
- imbécile
- crétin
🇪🇸 idiota
- tonto
- bobo
🇹🇷 salak
- aptal
- geri zekalı
🇰🇷 바보
- 멍청이
- 얼간이
🇸🇦 أحمق
- غبي
- جاهل
🇨🇿 idiot
- hlupák
- blbec
🇸🇰 idiot
- hlupák
- blbec
🇨🇳 傻瓜
- 笨蛋
- 愚蠢的人
🇸🇮 idiot
- neumen
- bedak
🇮🇸 fífl
- heimskur
- vitleysingur
🇰🇿 тупой
- ақымақ
- надан
🇬🇪 ბევრი
- სულელური
- იდიოტი
🇦🇿 axmaqlıq
- bidad
- əclaf
🇲🇽 idiota
- tonto
- bobo
Etymology
The term 'schmoe' likely originated from Yiddish, where the word 'schmuck' denotes a foolish or contemptible person. It emerged into American slang in the mid-20th century, reflecting the broader influence of Jewish culture on American English. The casual nature of the word has allowed it to morph into various contexts, often used humorously among friends or acquaintances. Its usage peaked in the 1960s and 1970s, when it became a staple in comedic routines and popular media, reinforcing the idea of the 'lovable loser' trope that characterizes many narratives in American pop culture. While the term can be seen as derogatory, it remains prevalent in informal conversation, often as a term of endearment rather than outright insult.