Re: "Putz"
and "schmuck"
Posted by R. Berg on
February 01, 2002 In Reply to: Re: The Family
Jewels posted by Michael on February 01, 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
: : JEWELS - "Many of the terms for the male genitals refer to the value
of these organs - thought by some to be man's most precious possessions. These
include 'family jewels,' 'jewelry,' 'trinkets,' and 'treasure' (also used for
the female genitals). Even the Yiddish term 'schmuck' is a pejorative use of the
low German term for 'jewels' and implications of value shape such other euphemisms
for male genitals as 'private property,' 'ladies' treasure,' and 'ladies' delight."
From the "Wordsworth Book of Euphemism" by Judith S. Neaman and Carole G. Silver
(Wordsworth Editions, Hertfordshire, 1995)
: : That reminds me of a scene from
"My Favorite Year." Paraphrasing here. Alan Swann (Peter O'Toole) accidentally
goes into the Ladies Room. Lil (Selma Diamond) tells him, "This is for ladies
only." He answers, "And this, mum, is also for ladies only. But sometimes I have
to run a little water through it."
:
: In the US, the family jewels refer
to the testicles. I also understand, in the US, that "Scmuck" is a large penis,
while "Putz" is a small one. This is not necessarily the proper use of the the
terms. The term, I was told, is Schmuck = "You're a big "d*ck - "Putz = "You're
a little d*ck". This is a derogatory term when referring to, not their genital
size, but their attitude.
These connotations aren't evident in Leo Rosten's
discussions of the two words ("The Joys of Yiddish," McGraw-Hill, 1968):
"Literally,
'putz' is vulgar slang for 'penis.' But the vulgarism is rarely used to designate
the member; the word 'shmuck' does that. As used, 'putz' is a term of contempt
for: 1. A fool, an ass, a jerk. 2. A simpleton or yokel; an easy mark."
Rosten
gives two meanings for "shmuck" (which he spells without the first "c"):
"1.
(Obscene) Penis. . . . 2. (Obscene) A dope, a jerk, a boob; a clumsy, bumbling
fellow."
I've never heard that the two words imply any difference in size, in
the US or elsewhere.
- Re: Size Doesn't Matter Word Camel
02/01/02 (6)
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