ma pitom

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Pronunciations

ma pitom (MAH pee-TOHM) listen
ma pitom (MAH PEE-tohm) listen

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Definitions

  • interj. An expression of surprise; What the heck? What are you talking about?

Example Sentences

  • "To Jerusalem? 95 shekalim, please." "Ma pitom! Last time we paid 70 shekalim!" (Glinert)

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Languages of Origin

  • Modern Hebrew

Etymology

  • מָה פִּתְאוֹם ma pit'óm, lit. 'what suddenly'

      • Who Uses This

      • Israel: Diaspora Jews who feel connected to Israel and have spent time there

      Regions

      • North America
      • Great Britain
      • South Africa

      Dictionaries

      • The Joys of Hebrew, by Lewis Glinert (New York, 1992).

      Alternative Spellings

      ma pit'om, mah pitom, mah pitom

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