Re: Size
Doesn't Matter
Posted by The Fallen on February
01, 2002 In Reply to: Re: Size Doesn't Matter
posted by Word Camel 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.
: :
: I agree
with R Berg. I've never heard these words used to imply size. Also, it's always
been clear, to me at least, that the term "The Family Jewels" refers to the turkey
AND all the trimmings - not simply to testicles.
As an owner of his own personal
set of family jewels, I'll stand up and be counted on the side of the idiom meaning
just the testicles. As back-up from a source that could not be any more reputable,
I'lll quote Anthony Michael Hall from that seminally (no pun intended... much)
classic movie "Weird Science", where, when stoned out of his mind in the blues
bar, he informs his fellow drinkers/tokers that he got kicked in "da fam'ly joolz".
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