Yiddish Word of the Day: Shmatte

Pronunciation: SHMAH-teh
Definition: A rag, or an old, shabby piece of clothing.
Example Sentence: "Don't wear that shmatte to the interview! You need to make a good impression."

A Little History: "Shmatte," derived from the Polish word "szmata" meaning "rag," is a term that traveled with Yiddish-speaking Jews as they migrated across Europe. It entered the world of fashion to describe cheap or shoddy clothing. Today, "shmatte" humorously captures the idea of a piece of clothing that's past its prime, showing the Yiddish language's ability to find humor in everyday situations.