Yiddish Word of the Day: "Yenta"

Definition: A gossip, a busybody, someone who can't keep a secret.
Example Sentence: "As much as I love Aunt Becky, she's such a yenta! I told her about my new job, and within hours, the whole family was calling to congratulate me."

A Little History: The term "yenta," often used to refer to a gossipy woman, is a colorful example of the character portraits Yiddish words can create. Oddly enough, it originated from a female given name, Yente, which is likely derived from the Italian word "gentile." However, due to its association with the gossipy matchmaker character Yente in the play "Fiddler on the Roof," it has taken on its current connotation. It's a testament to the evolution of language and the enduring impact of cultural representations.