Yiddish is a High German–derived language historically spoken by Ashkenazi Jews. It was not until the mid-to-late 19th century, as first German Jews, then Central and Eastern European Jews, arrived in the nation, that Yiddish became dominant within the immigrant community. Some Yiddish words sound comical to an English speaker. Terms like shnook and shmendrik, shlemiel and shlimazel (often considered inherently funny words, the latter two used in the opening of Laverne & Shirley) were exploited for their humorous sounds, as were "Yinglish" shm-reduplication constructs, such as "fancy-schmancy". Yiddish constructions—such as ending sentences with questions—became part of the verbal word play of Jewish comedians, the success of whom influenced many other comedians and comedy writers.
Usage[]
While other characters reference it, over his time on Earth and with his enjoyment of humor, Mork starts to pick up on these Yiddish comedy influences both using catchphrases used by various famous Jewish comedians and Yiddish phrases themselves.
References[]
The most prominent Yiddish word used is Shiksa, which Mork uses frequently to describe Mindy, sometimes in fights, sometimes as an endearment / indicator of how attractive she is, but there are many others used across the course of the seasons.
- He does the entire funeral for 'Bob' his caterpillar in a Yiddish style.- Mork's Best Friend
- Mork tells Bossy the Cow 'Moo Gezunterheit.' Yiddish for Moo in Good Health - Mork in Wonderland, Part 2
- Mork refers to himself to Mandy as 'Morko the Shlug' Yiddish for Morko the Destructive/Annihilator - Mork in Wonderland, Part 2
- Exidor says he likes his women 'Zaftig', the Yiddish based word for Full figured/pleasingly plump. - Mork Gets Mindy-itis
- Mork refers to his impending ostracization, as the "shame and 'Shanda' of it all!" Yiddish for Scandalously Shameful. - Putting the Ork Back in Mork, Part 2
- The ghost of Deirdre' describes herself as full of 'Mishigas' the Yiddish word for 'Craziness' - A Morkville Horror
- Mork describes the new hotels 'on the strip' on Ork, using the Yinglish/Yiddish word Kenahora, meant to 'Keep the evil eye away'.- The Honeymoon (Part 3) and again to ward off bad luck as he's making gold - Midas Mork
- Mork tells Orson that Prophets on Earth are often regarded as Meshuggeneh, Yiddish for Crazy/Foolish - Clerical Error and again when Mindy tries to make fire when the tribesmen already have it - Gotta Run
- Mork asks Mindy if she'd like to keep the ball of tin foil as a 'Tchotchke' a Yiddish word, meaning 'Bric-a-brac or Souvenir'. - Looney Tunes and Morkie Melodies
- Mork, his memory drained, asks a non-responsive shop dummy whether it speaks Yiddish - I Don't Remember Mama
- Mork calls Mindy's perfectly pretty dress 'This Schmatta' Yiddish for 'This Rag' - The Mork Report
Animated Series[]
- The Greatest Shmo on Earth - the Word Shmo is used to mean fool but is a derivative/shortening of the Yiddish word Shmuck which means penis / dick.