The Family Jewels

Posted by Word Camel on January 31, 2002

I was wondering about this phrase as it used to describe male genitalia.

For years I've wondered specifically if this might relate to the German word "Schmuck" meaning ornament, decoration or jewels and the Yiddish word "Schmuck" meaning penis. I understand that the Yiddish word is related to the word for "snake" - which would make sense.

Anyone have any insights?

Thanks,

C

• Re: The Family Jewels ESC 01/31/02 (9)
  • Re: The Family Jewels Michael 02/01/02 (8)
    • Re: "Putz" and "schmuck" R. Berg 02/01/02 (7)
      • Re: Size Doesn't Matter Word Camel 02/01/02 (6)
        • Re: Size Doesn't Matter The Fallen 02/01/02 (5)
          • Re: Just out of curiosity... Word Camel 02/01/02 (3)
            • Re: Just out of curiosity... The Fallen 02/01/02 (2)
              • Re: Useful to know Word Camel 02/01/02 (1)
                • Re: Useful to know ESC 02/01/02 (0)
          • Re: Size and Yiddish (not for the delicate of constitution) The Fallen 02/01/02 (0)