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| OHCC LIVING | JUNE 2021 | 17 Yiddish Club In the Catskills of New York, it is claimed that an ingenious gentleman crossbred a Guernsey cow with a Holstein to get a Goldstein. This cow does not moan "Moo," but "Nu." A "Nudnik" asked, "which is more important, the sun or the moon?" "What a silly question" snapped the "Klutz." "The moon of course! It shines at night when we really need it. But who needs the sun to shine when it's already broad daylight?" The words Nu, Nudnik and Klutz would bring a chuckle not only to Yiddish speakers, but also to people who have no knowledge of the Yiddish vernacular. These words and hundreds more have become part of the American lexicon which we now label as "Yinglish." Yiddish now exists in colloquial English in the United States. Words and phrases from Yiddish are now encountered in contemporary books, magazines, and newspapers. We also hear "Yinglish" on television and in movies. The following are just a few examples of Yiddish words which have influenced our American vocabulary. 1. NU is the word most frequently used aside from "OY." "NU" is a remarkably versatile interjectional, questioning, or expletive word. "NU" is the verbal equivalent of a sign, a frown, a grin, or a sneer. These two letters can convey pride, or deliver scorn. Here are several variations on this two-letter word. A. "Nu?" (Well?) B. "Nu?" (How are things with you?) C. "Nu?" (What is new?) 2. KLUTZ - A fool, a clumsy, slow witted, graceless person, an inept blockhead. The word even sounds klutz-like. "He fell while walking his dog. What a klutz!!" 3. NUDNIK - A pest, a nag, a monumental bore. A nudnik is more than a nuisance. To merit the status of a nudnik, the person must be a persistent talkative, obnoxious nag. A nudnik's purpose in life is to bore the rest of humanity! "She doesn't stop texting me. What a nudnik!!" 4. OY - Oy is not a word, it is almost a language. It's uttered in many ways depending on the actual situation. It could be a protest, a shout of dismay or delight. No matter how the word "Oy" is used, it is one of the most expressive exclamations in Yiddish. "Oy" may express anything from ecstasy to horror. Examples of usage: Minor fear - "Oy! It could be a mouse!" "When I realized what problems she had; all I can say is oy!" Revulsion - "Oy, how could you eat snails!" "Oy!" Zei gezunt (stay healthy) everyone! ~ Don Kent, Past Vice President