Zilch: meaning, definitions and examples
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zilch
[zɪltʃ ]
Definition
informal
Nothing; zero; a total absence of anything. Zilch is often used to emphasize the complete lack of something.
Synonyms
nil, nothing, zero.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| zilch |
Informal use, often to emphasize a total lack of something.
|
| nothing |
General use to indicate the absence of anything.
|
| zero |
Used in both formal and informal contexts to indicate a quantity of none. Often used with numbers and metrics.
|
| nil |
Used typically in British English, especially in sports scores.
|
Examples of usage
- After searching everywhere, I found zilch in the lost and found.
- Despite all his efforts, he received zilch in return for his hard work.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'zilch' likely originated in the United States around the 1930s, possibly influenced by the term 'zero'.
- Some suggest it might be derived from Yiddish, reflecting the immigrant influence on American slang.
- It represents a playful way to express the idea of emptiness or a lack of something.
Pop Culture
- You might hear 'zilch' in movies and television shows, often used for comedic effect when describing someone's financial situation.
- The word appears in songs, highlighting themes of despair or disappointment, such as in 'You get zilch for a …' lyrics.
- Several comedians use the term to poke fun at failed attempts or giving up expectations.
Linguistics
- 'Zilch' is part of a family of informal slang words that represent the concept of nothing, similar to 'nada' and 'bupkis'.
- In linguistic studies, it shows how American English incorporates playful expressions into everyday language.
- The term showcases the creativity in language, where a simple sound can convey a complex idea.
Psychology
- Using terms like 'zilch' can lighten conversations about failure, making it easier for people to handle tough news.
- Psychologists note that humor around such terms can help alleviate anxiety in stressful situations.
- Expressing feelings of 'zilch' can connect to common experiences of emptiness or lack, fostering community through shared language.
Literature
- Writers often use 'zilch' to create dialogue that captures a character's frustration, making stories relatable and humorous.
- In fiction, this term can signify disappointment in dreams, where characters feel they received nothing for their efforts.
- Literary critics sometimes point out its use as a form of colloquialism that reflects the cultural context of the time.
Translations
Translations of the word "zilch" in other languages:
🇵🇹 nada
🇮🇳 कुछ नहीं
🇩🇪 nichts
🇮🇩 nihil
🇺🇦 ніщо
🇵🇱 nic
🇯🇵 ゼロ (zero)
🇫🇷 rien
🇪🇸 nada
🇹🇷 hiçbir şey
🇰🇷 아무것도 없음 (amugeotdo eops-eum)
🇸🇦 لا شيء (la shay')
🇨🇿 nic
🇸🇰 nič
🇨🇳 无 (wú)
🇸🇮 nič
🇮🇸 ekkert
🇰🇿 ештеңе
🇬🇪 არაფერია (araperia)
🇦🇿 heç nə
🇲🇽 nada