Chaim Yankel

Edit

Pronunciations

Chaim Yankel (KHAH-yeem YAHNK-l) listen

Record a Pronunciation

Definitions

  • n. A nonentity.

  • n. A way of addressing a Jew with an unknown name.

Example Sentences

  • "While visiting with my 94-year-old mother earlier this year, we were talking about the everyday person on the street. She said, 'You know, Chaim Yankel!.' I instantly cracked up as she did as well." (source)

  • "I think my father used Chaim Yankel as an expression for an 'everyman' rather than a fool." (source)

Record a Sentence

Languages of Origin

  • Yiddish

Etymology

  • חיים יאַנקל khayim yankl (two common Jewish names)

      • Who Uses This

      • Older: Jews who are middle-aged and older
      • Ashkenazim: Jews with Ashkenazi heritage

      Regions

      • North America

      Dictionaries

      • The New Joys of Yiddish, by Leo Rosten and Lawrence Bush (New York, 2003[1968]).

      Alternative Spellings

      Chaim Yenkel, Haim Yankel, Haim Yenkel, Khayim Yankl, Khayim Yankel, Chaim Yankl, Khayim Yenkel

Notes

Edit     Something missing from this entry? Inaccurate? Feel free to suggest an edit.

Share this word: