Jewish Grammar Rules

1. Phrase statements as questions. Instead of telling Ida she looks gorgeous, ask her, "How stunning do you have to look?"
   
   
2. Instead of answering questions definitely, answer with another question. When someone asks how you feel, answer, "How should I feel?"
   
   
3. Whenever possible, end questions with "or what?" This allows the other person to interject another question: "Has she grown up, or what?"; "Can you remember when she was just a baby, or what?" (About now, a spontaneous rendition of "Sunrise, Sunset" should be expected.)
   
   
4. Begin questions with "What?" Example: "What, my kishka's not good enough for you?"
   
   
5. Drop last word in sentence (which is typically a direct or indirect object): "What, do you want to get killed going alone? Ira will go with" (drop "you").
   
   
6. Move subject to end of sentences: "Is SHE getting heavy, that Esther?"
   
   
7. Use "that" as a modifier to infer contempt: "Is Esther still dating that Norman fellow?"
   
   
8. Use "lovely" to describe actions taken by someone else that the listener should have done too: "We got a lovely note from the Rabinowitzes for hosting Seder." (Translation: "What, you didn't eat charosis and drink Manichevitz?")

Vocabulary:

1. "Sch--", as a prefix to anything, suggests disapproval: "Cadillac schmadillac, you're suddenly too good for the Lincoln?"
   
   
2. Learning to pronounce "sch" properly is the first step in speaking Hebonics like a real Jew. Nothing makes us giggle harder than the sound of Gentiles say, "It's not raining, just spritzing." It's the same "ssshhh" sound as the prompt to be quiet.
   
   
3. Schmuck--Most commonly used as "jerk", but can also be used as a "sucker," as in , "Why am I always the schmuck who gets left with the check?"
   
   
4. Schmoe--See schmuck.
   
   
5. Schmata--Rag, as in, "Why does she wear those schmatas, that Esther?"
   
   
6. Schmaltz--Literally means chicken fat, but when used in conversation it's sappy or corny. "The movie was OK, but why such a schmaltzy ending?"
   
   Just because Jews are asking questions, doesn't mean they're going to wait around for an answer. If you've got something to say, speak up. Jump right in there with a hearty, "What, are you crazed? That's not the way to fix a leaky faucet!" (You will never use this phrase, however, since Jews do not do home or car repairs.)
   
   Interrupt often. It shows that you are interested in the conversation. If you're talking and Jews don't interrupt, they're bored.
   
   Practice Question: You're on the freeway, when a sports car speeds past you, weaves between cars and drives recklessly. Your Jewish passenger asks, "Who gave that maniac a driver's license?" Wrong answer: "In the 1950s, the United States made an economic decision to encourage automobile ownership over public transportation to support the automotive industry which created jobs and stimulated the economy. Ever since, most anyone can get a driver's license." Correct answer: "Morons."
   
   Gentiles can also profit from learning the nuances of Hebonics.When shopping in the garment district, a Jewish shop owner may seem insulted at your low ball offer on merchandise. He may shout, "What, I'm the schmuck who shouldn't feed his children?" The untrained Gentile simply cannot translate this phrase to its true meaning, "Let the negotiations begin."
   
   

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