Chaim Yankel

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Pronunciations

Chaim Yankel (KHAH-yeem YAHNK-l) listen

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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)

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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

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