# Do you use certain foreign words/phrases exclusively rather your native language's words? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [December 15, 2019, 6:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-certain-foreign-words-phrases-exclusively-rather-your-native-languages-words/844883 "2019-12-15T06:27:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2019, 12:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-certain-foreign-words-phrases-exclusively-rather-your-native-languages-words/844883/41 "2019-12-17T12:54:12Z")
> [@zimaane](#): > > When I was in college I had a lot of Jewish friends, some of whom had grown up in Yiddish speaking households. So I learned and started saying putz (jerk) and schmaltzy (overly emotional) and quite a few others. Those, I think, have transitioned to the common American English lexicon. I didn’t grow up knowing any Jewish people, but words like putz, schmuck, schlep, spiel, shtick were reasonably known. Probably can add chutzpah in there, too, and if you were a curious sort, you might ask what those opening words of the Lavergne and Shirley tune meant (the meaning of those, schlemiel and schlemazel I didn’t learn until college, though.) What we didn’t know necessarily was that words like putz and schmuck are also words meaning “penis.” _Feh_ is a good one that I sometimes use that I picked up later in life. ---
**Author:** ![overlyverbose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/9dc877/32.png) [@overlyverbose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/overlyverbose)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2019, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-certain-foreign-words-phrases-exclusively-rather-your-native-languages-words/844883/42 "2019-12-17T14:45:32Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > Isn’t cumin _jeera_ (sometimes transliterated _zheera_) or is _khala_ a local language word? I should’ve clarified - khala is shorthand for khala jeera, which is black cumin. So, yeah, jeera = cumin. Khala jeera tastes a little different and is skinnier than typical cumin seeds. It could be a more northern way to say it since I think it’s used more often in north Indian cooking rather than south. Looking at Dr. Google, it does have a few alternate words depending upon where you are. Also, I’m a decent cook but a lazy speaker. ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanub/32/132_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2019, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-certain-foreign-words-phrases-exclusively-rather-your-native-languages-words/844883/43 "2019-12-17T15:17:20Z")
> [@digs](#): > > I think I’ll start saying “Kwim?”… > > Maybe people will assume it’s a foreign word with many layers of meaning. Used by globe-trotting femme fatales and men of mystery. Or [not](https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=qwim) 😛 I was only aware of the British slang and if someone ended a comment with KWIM, I’d wonder why they were insulting me. I pepper my speech with a lot of Brit slang; well, mostly curse words. I’m also another one to use a lot of Yiddish terms and it’s fun to see it rub off on my gentile co-workers. I’ve got everyone saying “schlep”, and “schmutz” and everyone’s favorite, “schmuck” . ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2019, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-certain-foreign-words-phrases-exclusively-rather-your-native-languages-words/844883/44 "2019-12-17T15:34:06Z")
> [@overlyverbose](#): > > I should’ve clarified - khala is shorthand for khala jeera, which is black cumin. So, yeah, jeera = cumin. Khala jeera tastes a little different and is skinnier than typical cumin seeds. It could be a more northern way to say it since I think it’s used more often in north Indian cooking rather than south. Looking at Dr. Google, it does have a few alternate words depending upon where you are. Also, I’m a decent cook but a lazy speaker. OK, I am familiar with the word _kala_ as “black” as in _kala namak_, “black salt,” and I’m pretty sure I have some kala jeera lying around somewhere in this house (I’m not Indian, but I do spend a lot of time in the South Asian community and have learned my herb and spice vocabulary pretty well, as I also love to cook. And _hing_ is so much nicer a word than “asafetida.” And _haldi_ rings better than “turmeric.”) ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2019, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-certain-foreign-words-phrases-exclusively-rather-your-native-languages-words/844883/45 "2019-12-17T15:38:39Z")
I remember when we were little our family exclusively used the Polish “dupa” for butt or rear end. We’re not Polish, I don’t know where that came from. ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2019, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-certain-foreign-words-phrases-exclusively-rather-your-native-languages-words/844883/46 "2019-12-17T15:45:27Z")
I’m big on the concept of _mitzvah_–Doing something good for another person simply because it makes you a better person. I’ve introduced it to quite a few people, using while doing one for them. ---
**Author:** ![Pleonast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pleonast/32/1183_2.png) [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2019, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-certain-foreign-words-phrases-exclusively-rather-your-native-languages-words/844883/47 "2019-12-17T16:01:35Z")
I have lots of words I’ve pick-pocketed from other languages. Usually to add some nuance different from common English words. _aniyo!_ from Korean meaning “no!” but more firm. _dubu_ from Korean meaning “tofu”. There’s a whole host of words that I use for Korean foods, but this one readily translates to “English” and I use Korean anyway. _kaiju_ from Japanese meaning “giant monster”. _kaja_ from Korean meaning “let’s go” and easier to say. _kapu_ from Hawaiian meaning “forbidden” but the most strong (like I’ll “kill” you if you do that). _jiji_ from Korean meaning “dirty” in the context of don’t touch that or put it in your mouth. _jinjja?_ from Korean meaning “really?”, as in “are you pulling my leg?”. _verboten_ from German meaning “forbidden” but more stern. I’m noting how I use the words, which is likely not exactly how they’re used by native speakers. I’ll probably think of more later. ---
**Author:** ![overlyverbose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/9dc877/32.png) [@overlyverbose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/overlyverbose)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2019, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-certain-foreign-words-phrases-exclusively-rather-your-native-languages-words/844883/48 "2019-12-17T16:13:26Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > OK, I am familiar with the word _kala_ as “black” as in _kala namak_, “black salt,” and I’m pretty sure I have some kala jeera lying around somewhere in this house (I’m not Indian, but I do spend a lot of time in the South Asian community and have learned my herb and spice vocabulary pretty well, as I also love to cook. And _hing_ is so much nicer a word than “asafetida.” And _haldi_ rings better than “turmeric.”) Yeah, we usually refer to asafetida as ass powder. As in, “Hey, hand over the ass powder. I need to spice the aloo.” Luckily the kids don’t call it ass powder outside of our house. ---
**Author:** ![Machine\_Elf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/82dd89/32.png) [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2019, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-certain-foreign-words-phrases-exclusively-rather-your-native-languages-words/844883/49 "2019-12-17T16:18:22Z")
“Daijoubu” is a Japanese word that means OK/fine/good enough/no problem. Wife is Japanese, and we use this word a lot around each other. We occasionally slip up and use it around people who don’t speak any Japanese, necessitating some explanation. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2019, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-certain-foreign-words-phrases-exclusively-rather-your-native-languages-words/844883/50 "2019-12-17T16:28:34Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > I remember when we were little our family exclusively used the Polish “dupa” for butt or rear end. We’re not Polish, I don’t know where that came from. WHOA! My mom is from Slovak parents, and I haven’t heard that word since I was a little kid. > [@Annie-Xmas](#): > > I’m big on the concept of _mitzvah_–Doing something good for another person simply because it makes you a better person. I’ve introduced it to quite a few people, using while doing one for them. Mitzvah actually means commandment (plural: mitzvot). Bar Mitzvah is Son of the Commandment, Bat Mitzvah is Daughter of the Commandment. Mitzvah has come to mean _good deed_ colloquially. ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2019, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-certain-foreign-words-phrases-exclusively-rather-your-native-languages-words/844883/51 "2019-12-17T16:37:54Z")
Yiddish/German and Spanglish and Archaic English (ie: yclept) bounce in and out, but this morning I misplaced Lake Superior for a moment and I called it Gitchee Goomi. I blame me mother, who would recite The Song of Hiawatha, like a good St Paul girl. ---
**Author:** ![Ashtura](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ashtura/32/2963_2.png) [@Ashtura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ashtura)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2019, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-certain-foreign-words-phrases-exclusively-rather-your-native-languages-words/844883/52 "2019-12-17T16:54:22Z")
I throw in spanish here and there. Gracias, most commonly. ---
**Author:** ![D18](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c57346/32.png) [@D18](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D18)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2019, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-certain-foreign-words-phrases-exclusively-rather-your-native-languages-words/844883/53 "2019-12-17T19:36:56Z")
> [@Hari\_Seldon](#): > > I use an occasional Yiddish word. Not just Gesundheit, but oy vey, Chutzpah, and a few others (some of them appear to have entered English). I also use a few French words since they have become standard in Montreal. For example, depanneur, for 7/11 type stores (I am not even certain what the English word is: convenience store, maybe). Well, in New York City, the English word for “depanneur” is “bodega”! 😉 ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2019, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-certain-foreign-words-phrases-exclusively-rather-your-native-languages-words/844883/54 "2019-12-17T21:39:24Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > _Feh_ is a good one that I sometimes use that I picked up later in life. I use “Feh” sometimes, though I’m as Gentile as they come. I picked it up while reading the X-Men comic books when I was in college in the '80s – [Lockheed](https://66.media.tumblr.com/97fc2374e69e543eb4d86c6b4f46b9c4/tumblr_nww6pabMM91ql5xn1o1_640.jpg), the miniature dragon which had adopted Kitty Pride in the books, didn’t usually speak, but he’d make vocalizations such as cooing, and he’d say “feh” when he was disgusted or annoyed. Not until I read your post here did I put two and two together: Kitty was a Jewish-American girl from the northern suburbs of Chicago, and clearly, Lockheed picked up that bit of Yiddish from her. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/i_love_me_vol.i/32/521_2.png) [@I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_Love_Me_Vol.I)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2019, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-certain-foreign-words-phrases-exclusively-rather-your-native-languages-words/844883/55 "2019-12-17T21:51:51Z")
I use the Dutch word ‘gezellig’ to refer to places that are especially ‘cozy’ or ‘homey’. ---
**Author:** ![DummyGladHands](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/49beb7/32.png) [@DummyGladHands](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DummyGladHands)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2019, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-certain-foreign-words-phrases-exclusively-rather-your-native-languages-words/844883/56 "2019-12-17T21:52:43Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > I remember when we were little our family exclusively used the Polish “dupa” for butt or rear end. We’re not Polish, I don’t know where that came from. Polish person here, I tell my feline overlords to move their dupas all the time. I also use schmutz for unknown yucky stuff. ---
**Author:** ![DummyGladHands](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/49beb7/32.png) [@DummyGladHands](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DummyGladHands)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2019, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-certain-foreign-words-phrases-exclusively-rather-your-native-languages-words/844883/57 "2019-12-17T21:54:51Z")
Dupas, damn you autocorrect ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2019, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-certain-foreign-words-phrases-exclusively-rather-your-native-languages-words/844883/58 "2019-12-17T22:36:45Z")
> [@I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](#): > > I use the Dutch word ‘gezellig’ to refer to places that are especially ‘cozy’ or ‘homey’. I"ll sometimes use the German _gemütlich_ for that (I assume it’s the same concept.). Or the noun form _gemütlichkeit_ for that idea of warmth/congeniality/friendliness/coziness. See? German is not all about _schadenfreude_ and _weltschmerz_. There’s nice German compound words out there! ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2024, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-certain-foreign-words-phrases-exclusively-rather-your-native-languages-words/844883/59 "2024-04-13T20:22:16Z")
Some people do feel certain foreign words don’t have more meaning than their English equivalent. (Gift link.) > **[Opinion | Some Words Feel Truer in Spanish](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/13/opinion/first-generation-bilingual-language.html?ugrp=u&unlocked_article_code=1.kE0.qJr_.N3IKCe9dfSvY&smid=url-share)** > > To me, a maleta meant family had arrived from Peru, carrying flavors, textures and memories of my birthplace. ---
**Author:** ![Bookkeeper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bookkeeper/32/281_2.png) [@Bookkeeper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bookkeeper)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2024, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-certain-foreign-words-phrases-exclusively-rather-your-native-languages-words/844883/60 "2024-04-14T04:46:36Z")
I’m in Ottawa, which is significantly bilingual, and use some French terms constantly. If I come across something unexpected, like a sudden traffic jam I will almost always say _Qu’est-ce se passe ici?_ Like **zimaane** I often use _Allons-y_ to get people moving. I will sometimes swear in French-Canadian (which is different from European French swearing) such as _Tabernac_\*. I also picked up _Bueno_ and _Scusi_ from a friend who grew up in Brazil and often spoke Portuguese to his (English) wife - they were both fluent in multiple languages. \*There is a story of a French bishop in WW1 visiting a section of the front held by a French-Canadian regiment who remarked approvingly afterwards on how religious the soldiers were. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-certain-foreign-words-phrases-exclusively-rather-your-native-languages-words/844883.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-certain-foreign-words-phrases-exclusively-rather-your-native-languages-words/844883.md?page=4)