Shlemiel

Pronunciation: shlu-MEEL
Definition: a clumsy, inept, unlucky bungler. (Some define bluntly as an idiot, but I feel that’s in poor taste.)
Example Sentence: The schlemiel spilled the soup on the schlemazel.

Some Fun Thoughts:

Today we cover the schlemazel’s narrative counterpart and personal nightmare: the schlemiel. The definitions of both are almost similar—bad luck and terrible misfortune often plague the person. The difference, however, is that schlemiels tend to have an air of incompetence surrounding their misfortune, whereas the schlimazel is simply unfortunate. Meaning, the schlemiels make their own bad luck. It would be like if Two-Face from Batman had a coin where both sides were tails and he only called heads.

For a fun history of schlemiels in Jewish Comedy, I definitely encourage reading this article on My Jewish Learning. At any rate, I’ll see you tomorrow, but have a wonderful Friday!