pilpul

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Definitions

  • n. A form of debate and analysis used in Talmudic study.

  • n. Subtle theoretical debate or argumentation over fine points; hairsplitting.

Example Sentences

  • "For Goldman, responding to Almi, this was merely pilpl ('splitting hairs' – the rabbinical method of a detailed discussion of Talmudic issues); these questions were to be solved by theology, not by science, thereby distinguishing between their domains of competence and jurisdiction." (source)

  • "Come on, Shimon, I want a simple answer—don't give me all that pilpul..." (Glinert)

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Languages of Origin

  • Textual Hebrew
  • Yiddish

Etymology

  • TH פילפול pilpul > Y פּילפּול pilpl

      • Who Uses This

      • Orthodox: Jews who identify as Orthodox and observe halacha (Jewish law)
      • 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]).
      • Yiddish and English: A Century of Yiddish in America, by Sol Steinmetz (Tuscaloosa, 1986).
      • The Joys of Hebrew, by Lewis Glinert (New York, 1992).

      Alternative Spellings

      peelpool, pilpool, peelpul, pilpl, peelpl

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