When Mark Twain said: “The rumors about my death are greatly exaggerated,” he could well say this about Yiddish. Yiddish continues to be called dead language already for several centuries, and yet people who speak it can easily be found in any part of the world.
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In the old good times up to post-war years in Odessa, many spoke Yiddish. In Odessa, Yiddish was to some extent an international language, a language of communication. Yiddish was known even by inveterate hooligans. And at the same time with the hair dryer.
Endless borrowings from Yiddish have firmly established themselves in the Russian language. They can be found in the books of Isaac Babel and the songs of Alexander Rosenbaum, in thieves' jargon and on TV screens. They still live on the Odessa streets.
You probably also heard some of these words: azohen wei, wazmir, slamazl... If you ask about their meaning, the interlocutor usually finds it difficult to give even an approximate description, and then states: “This cannot be translated!”
The difficulty is that the words in Yiddish are ambiguous and often express completely opposite qualities. Such a Yiddish that, in addition to grammar, it is important to know who said, to whom he said and why he said.
It is all the more interesting to understand all the shades of these colorful words and expressions, which were once an integral part of the vocabulary of our grandfathers and grandmothers. "So simple!" gives you great opportunity do it without resorting to dictionaries.
As they say in Odessa
As a matter of fact, one should write “az oh-n-wei”, which literally translates: “When you want to say“ oh! and “wei!”. “Oh” is understandable, you can’t say that from a good life, but “wei” means “woe”.
AT different occasions it is used to express sympathy, panic, anxiety or displeasure. If you ask a Jew: “How are you?”, And in response to hear: “Azokhen wei ...” - this means that his deeds are bad, all that remains is to groan. I remember a song where a Jew with sadness in his eyes repeated: "Azochen wei", - in our opinion, "alas and ah."
Isaac Babel puts the following words into the mouth of his heroine: “If gefilte fish is made with bones, then azochen wei to our Jews.” That is, if the fish is cooked without removing the bones from it (which is contrary to the law on the Sabbath), such Jews are worthless.
This expression may have an ironic connotation. Like: “Oh-ho-ho, yes really! What little things! Just scared!” A parody of the tankmen's anthem "Azochen way, and our tanks are fast" is circulating on the Internet. In this context, phraseological units do not at all reflect regret, sadness, or longing.
In a humorous sketch about a rehearsal in the Odessa theater, the history of Russia is presented as a conversation between Boris Godunov and the boyars, while everyone uses Yiddish through the word. Boris's monologue begins with the words: "Azokhen wei, comrades of the boyars." The phrase began to be used frequently by Russians.
Do you remember the song about Myasoedovskaya Street?
“Decent people live there.
(Voice-over) Azochen way!
No one steals or drinks there…”
In Makarevich's song "Freyles", a Jew wooes and, having received a refusal, says: "Pour it quickly, azochen wei."
AT full force the ambiguity of Yiddish was revealed in the widely used word "shlemazl". It came from Hebrew: “sheilem mazal” is “ complete happiness". But if someone tells you that Rabinovich's son-in-law is just a helmet, do not rush to congratulate Rabinovich, he has nothing to have fun with.
The best scientific definition Shlemazla was given by the great scientist Ibn Ezra, explaining the word as follows: “If you start making coffins, then people will stop dying now, and forever, and forever and ever. Amen!
And if you are engaged in the manufacture of candles, then the sun will become in the middle clear sky and will stand now, and forever, and forever and ever. Amen!" Now, I hope you understand what a helmet is?
The most adequate example of a helmet in cinema is Fantozzi from the Italian comedy of the same name. Partly - Mr. Bean, many heroes of Pierre Richard ("The Unlucky"), Ben Stiller.
Almost never used in Russia, but very common in Israel. As the saying goes folk wisdom: “The helmet is the one who knocks over a glass of wine on his trousers at a party. And shlomiel is the one on whose trousers the helmet overturns the glass. So if you were called a helmet - do not be upset, it can be worse.
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"Way's world!" translated from Yiddish "My God!". This is a phrase that a Jew can say in any situation. Especially if the situation arose unexpectedly and does not cause much optimism. One of the best Odessa puns on political topics was: "Weismir of violence we will destroy."
The concept of "kahal" in literally- this is the Jewish community, Jewish self-government with all the ensuing and inflowing advantages and disadvantages. And if you look into another dictionary, then kagal is just a noisy bunch.
But in the common Odessan dialect, it means a noisy, poorly managed company. And not necessarily Jewish. Why, for example, offend Russians or Ukrainians. They, too, can gather a noisy crowd.
In the everyday sense, "kagal" can mean a family, but big family. For example, good friends invited you to visit with your wife, but only together! And clearly marked - together!
But you didn’t seem to understand them and brought all your relatives and children with you! You, as they say, came with all the kagal. The owners can only faint.
At the core criminal slang Russian criminals lies the mixture Hebrew words from Yiddish and Hebrew. Thieves Fenya comes from the jargon of the representatives of the Jewish organized crime, the capital of which even before the revolution was considered Odessa.
Blat thieves jargon came to Russian from the Hebrew language after the places of compact residence of Jews in Russian Empire formed ethnic (in this case Jewish) organized crime groups.
The Jews spoke Hebrew and Yiddish, but the police did not understand them, since Jews serve in the police in tsarist Russia did not take. Therefore, gradually these terms, incomprehensible to the police, turned into a stable Russian thug jargon.
The word "fenya" itself comes from the Hebrew ofen - a way (apparently, a way of expression). "Ksive" in Yiddish - "document", "signature", "marriage certificate". Hence the thieves "ksiva" - "document, paper."
"Malina" sounds more than in Russian. A place where they meet, relax, drink, where everyone around is friendly. One word - raspberries! Meanwhile, in girlhood, raspberries were called "meluna" - in exact translation"overnight". Well, the sound and content matched very well!
On Fridays, Jewish communities distributed food to the poor. It was not always milk, but the name behind this assistance has been preserved. "Milk" - "halyav" in Hebrew. In Russian, where there is no “h” sound, it turned out “x” - “freebie”, and then “freebie”. I hope this word does not need to be translated.
Before World War II, 11 million Jews spoke Yiddish. Today exact number native speakers are unknown. Census data at the end of XX - early XXI centuries allow us to assert that largest number Yiddish-speaking Jews live in Israel (more than 200 thousand people).
Then follow the USA (about 180 thousand), Russia (more than 30 thousand), Canada (more than 17 thousand) and Moldova (about 17 thousand people). In total, according to various sources, from 500 thousand to 2 million people who speak Yiddish live on the planet.
An interesting fact: at the beginning of the twentieth century, Yiddish was one of the official languages Belarusian Soviet Socialist Republic, and the famous slogan "Proletarians of all countries unite!", written in Yiddish, immortalized the coat of arms of the republic.
Jewish principles of upbringing are filled with love for a small child, because the main commandment of the Jews is to love and cherish your child. That is why there are so many talents among Jewish children!
It turned out, to the question: “What are you doing now?” - you need to answer with two words in Hebrew ... Editorial World Travel will tell you how to master the ability to live here and now.
I often heard words around me, but only intuitively understood their meaning. I asked my mother what a "helmet" was, Mom, after thinking, could not answer the question. She only said "My grandmother called me that when I did something wrong."
And so, while surfing the Internet, I came across an article by Jan Berlin and decided to save it for those who, like me, often heard words and expressions, but did not know what they meant.
Way`s the world!("Wei from the world!" - "My God!"). Phrase general profile. There is no situation in which a Jew cannot say this. By at least, my grandmother of blessed memory reacted this way to all the messages of my grandfather of blessed memory: whether it was another loss of Chernomorets (and when did they win at all?), my chills after an hour and a half sitting in the sea or a new fateful Plenum of the Central Committee. And, mind you, for all this, like a real gentleman, she always had a couple of words (see above).
Helmet This word should be familiar to you. All Jewish children in childhood are "helmets". In the original, this is a Hebrew expression: "slam mazl" ("complete happiness"), but you know this Jewish happiness, especially complete ... forever, and if he decides to make candles, the sun will never set."
Shlomiel- Hardly used here, but very common in Israel. As folk wisdom says: "Shlemazl is the one who knocks over a glass of wine on his trousers at a party. And Shlomiel is the one on whose trousers the helmet knocks over a glass." So, if you were called a "helmet" - do not be upset, it can be worse.
Shaya- Actually, Shaya (Yeshayahu, Yeshaya) is a common Jewish name, the author even has cousin with that name. There are many Shai in the Jewish world, most of them are smart, but for some reason in the south of Ukraine this word is used in the meaning of "klut". They say that this is happening on behalf of one of the many Odessa madmen, but even my Kherson grandfather, blessed be his memory, often used to say to the author of these lines that he was a "shay". And he was always right.
Azoh'n'way("Az oh un wei" - "When [only it remains to say] "Oh!" and "Wei!"). The expression is ambiguous. If you are asked how you are doing, and you answer "Azokh`n`wei", - this is one thing. If they tell you: "Immediately stop doing nonsense, you will submit an article to a magazine tomorrow," and you answer: "I beg you, azokh`n`wey, this article" is another. And sometimes "Azokh`n `wei' can be used in the meaning of 'Montana' from a well-known anecdote*. Do you also remember the song about Myasoedovskaya Street?
And the expression "Azokh'n'way" is one of the few Yiddish expressions that does not begin with the letter "sh". But that's a completely different story...
If among your friends there is at least one Jew, then we can say that you are lucky. After all, next to you there is always a real storehouse of all kinds of phrases and words that are easy to apply to any life situation. Jewish expressions are very easy to remember and become a part of life, with them you can laugh at any problem and trouble.
Features of the Hebrew language
The Hebrew language is difficult to confuse with any other language, it has a bright accent and its own word formation system. Many experts believe that the language was created artificially by merging several ancient dialects.
In favor of this version, linguists cite a simple fact - the roots in words always consist of three letters. This can cause bewilderment in almost any linguist, besides Hebrew originally had an alphabet, which is very unusual. According to all the rules, any language is formed and develops from oral speech, in the future it acquires an alphabet and the people have a written language. Scholars believe that Hebrew successfully passed all these stages and was originally a single language with an alphabet. Moreover, over time, he continued to develop and enrich himself with new words. But the fact that the roots of many words are connected is surprising. Even without knowing the meaning of the word, you can always intuitively understand what in question during conversation.
Modern Jews have borrowed many words from foreign languages, but this did not benefit the Hebrew. It was filled with phrases alien in sound and meaning, which, by their education, cannot say anything to the Jews. Every year this process deepens, but amazing Jewish expressions still remain in use and delight those around them with their originality.
Yiddish is a special form of Hebrew
Almost every Jew speaks Yiddish. It's hard to explain what it is. Most likely, Yiddish is a separate form of the Hebrew language, which will be understood even by representatives of different communities. In ancient times, if two Jews could not find words to understand each other, they switched to Yiddish. In this case, any conversation became extremely clear.
Linguists claim that all unusual phrases are part of Yiddish. But the Jews themselves never separate classical Hebrew and Yiddish, they are fluent in both forms of their native language.
If you ask a Jew where all the words he uses come from, he will simply shrug his shoulders. These phrases were used by his grandparents, which means they will still be in use. long years. Although interest in their translation given fact does not detract.
You may have heard such phrases as "Shlomiel" or "Azochen Wei". What each of them means, the true Jew does not think, but on an intuitive level, he always understands when it is appropriate to insert this or that phrase. It is interesting that many words are used with completely different meanings, which can only be understood by a person who speaks Hebrew fluently.
Jewish expressions can cheer, console and scold. Many Odessans have the ability to cheer up the whole day with one word. No language in the world has such a message as the famous Jewish expressions in Yiddish.
Linguists believe that if you, for example, can translate the phrase "azokhen wei" into Russian in the correct interpretation, then you have every chance to learn how to correctly use numerous Jewish expressions. And this can already provide you with popularity in any society where humor and the ability to laugh at yourself are valued.
"Azochen wei" - what does this phrase mean?
This phrase is the most popular among Jews. They use it for almost every occasion and can give it any emotional coloring. The Russian translation of the phrase "azokhen wei" may take away a bit of flavor, but literally it can sound like "when you want to say oh and wei." A little unclear, isn't it? But for the Jews, everything is very clear here, this phrase was originally used only in moments of grief. She meant that things were going badly and difficult to fix. Interestingly, even in this interpretation, it is difficult for a foreigner to understand the meaning of "azokhen wei". The translation of this phrase into the Romance group of languages is almost impossible, it completely loses its meaning.
What is the meaning of "azokhen wei" in modern language?
Today, young people often use famous phrase for any reason. It retains its original meaning, but also acquires a new one. semantic load. For example, if you tell a Jew that he does not have time to do something on time, then he may well answer you with the phrase "azochen wei." Which means not at all regrets about lost time and opportunities, but something like "so be it." Moreover, only foreigners are mistaken in the intonation of this phrase, but the Jews always understand what they meant.
In some cases, the phrase is used with ironic overtones and expresses big doubt. In this case, they will definitely tell you "azokhen wei", which means "lie and don't lie." Linguists advise you to use Hebrew phrases with great care, in case of failure, you are sure to be ridiculed. Such is the Jewish people!
Who are you, mysterious helmet?
Every Jew in childhood was called a helmet, they don’t even try to think about the meaning of this word. It is used when the baby messes up or does something extraordinary. Many adults grow up, but still remain helmets. So what does this mysterious nickname mean?
In the exact translation, the word "shlemazl" is translated as "complete happiness." It is not surprising that children are called that. But do not forget that the Hebrew language is very ironic, so the word has a different meaning. In some cases, a loser, a sort of bungler who tries all the time, but cannot do everything right, will be called a helmet. Jews joke that if a slamazl decides to sell into the water during a drought, then a downpour will surely begin, which will go on for a whole month.
Shlomiel - a klutz of Jewish origin
If you come to Israel for the first time, you will think that the Jews swear at the word "Shlomiel". But in fact, this is not so, it has a slightly different meaning. If you try to translate "shlamiel" literally, you get something like " useless person". He is always trying to do something, but he only makes things worse for himself and those around him. This is his main difference from the helmet, which belongs to the breed of people who are totally unlucky.
To people uninitiated in the mysteries of Hebrew, both of these words seem identical, but a real Jew will never confuse one meaning with another. Residents of Israel say that this skill is in their blood.
"Good pornos to you!"
If you hear such a wish from a Jew, then do not rush to be offended, you can say that they wished you wealth and all kinds of wealth. Means it incomprehensible word"pornos" earnings that are not taxed by the state. That is, this is all that in our country falls under the category of "black cash".
Originally in Hebrew, "parnassus" referred to money that belonged to the community. They were spent only on religious needs and could not be taxed. Subsequently, the word gradually began to denote any amount of money received in addition to official earnings.
"A huchem a id" - a compliment or an insult?
The phrase "a huchem a id" is often heard in Jewish conversation, usually it refers to a person. That's just by its shade it is not too clear what exactly the interlocutors wanted to say to each other. Well, to be extremely precise, the Jews will perfectly understand what meaning they put in "a huchem a id." Let's try to clear things up a bit.
It's no secret that the Jews are considered a very cunning people. Each of them is able to benefit from almost any situation. But there is special category Jews, they are "a huchem a id." These include people who try too hard to outsmart others, and in the end it becomes noticeable to everyone around them. So he does not get what he wants "a huchem a id", for which he always remains ridiculed by his friends and numerous relatives.
Many of us have heard a lot of unusual Jewish words, each of them is able to make your own language much richer and more interesting. The main thing is not to make a mistake in their application, otherwise in a decent society they may simply not understand you.
Pacopampa, high in the northern Peruvian Andes, was the main ceremonial center founded c. 1200 BC The temple complex consisted of ascending terraces, the uppermost of which is considered the most sacred and exclusive. It is at this level that a team of archaeologists from Japan's National Museum of Ethnology and the Peruvian University of San Marcos recently discovered a tomb containing the remains of two people who lived c. 600 BC The objects buried with them testify that we have before us important members ancient society, noted the head of the excavations, Yuji Seki ( National Museum ethnology, Japan). Indeed, they were treated as powerful representatives of this and other worlds.
The burial of two people in Pacopampa, the main ceremonial center of northern Peru. A ceramic vessel was found here, which depicts a creature with the body of a snake and the head of a jaguar. Paint was also found to the left of the vessel
One of them was buried with a ceramic vessel that depicts a creature with the body of a snake and the head of a jaguar - it was believed that these animals possessed supernatural abilities, which can be transferred to priests. Snakes were considered residents underworld, and jaguars were supposed to be a kind of bridge between earth and sky. Another person was buried with a necklace of golden hollow spheres and a metal object with sinuous lines, probably depicting the movement of snakes. Also in the burial nearby, multi-colored minerals were randomly sprayed with skulls: red cinnabar, green malachite, dark brown hematite, shiny black magnetite, white calcite and blue azurite. Mr. Seki believes that the objects and minerals found in the burial suggest a connection between the dead not just with powerful animals, but also with metallurgy, which contemporaries would consider magical.
Multi-colored minerals were pulverized in the burial: red cinnabar, green malachite, dark brown hematite, shiny black magnetite, white calcite and blue azurite. Some of them are related to metallurgy
Some of the above minerals are quite often found in elite Andean burials. For example, cinnabar, a mercury mineral, was often used in the tombs of high-status individuals and must have been thought to protect the body from decay. The origin of cinnabar from the burial is still unknown, while isotope analysis of another cinnabar found in another Pacopampa burial in 2009 determined that it came from a mine a few hundred kilometers to the south, in the Peruvian central highlands. “Some of them are not available local minerals,” notes Richard Burger, an expert on early Andean civilizations from Yale University, who took part in the study of cinnabar from an early burial - They were used only special people at a special time." The couple buried in Pacopampa, however, enjoyed an even greater privilege. As far as Mr. Seki knows, finding all these pigments together is unprecedented.
Gold necklace with hollow beads. It was worn by one of the people found in the burial. The pattern in the form of the number 8 could symbolize the sinuous movement of snakes.
Mr. Seki believes that the discovery of other minerals in the burial, especially azurite and malachite, is very significant event. Both minerals are types of copper dihydroxocarbonate, which is believed to have been used to make copper items such as pins and needles - such a transformation must have made a strong impression. “Getting copper was a form of alchemy,” says Mr. Seki. “The raw materials, azurite and malachite, look completely different from the final product.” Therefore, it is very difficult to imagine that they can be used to obtain copper. Mr. Seki cited the example of the gold items found in Pacopampa, which were made from golden sand collected from the rivers. And this process was much clearer. Mr. Seki believes that both people buried in the recently discovered grave could well control the production or distribution of metal objects. He believes that their connection to copper production helped them become leaders with magical powers that deserved such an unusual burial.
Daniel Weiss, Senior Editor, Archaeology.
Source - j-l "Archaeology", March / April 2016.
