Every Goy's Guide to Common Jewish Expressions

Every Goy's Guide To Common Jewish Expressions is a rather informative guide to Jewish and Yiddish expressions that many younger Jews (and people of other faiths) just don't know. It's cool to be able to leaf through this book and find new expressions or words to talk about with my friends. Some of my Christian friends love the expressions I teach them, too! As others note, the book is essentially a type of dictionary that lists roughly 500 Yiddish and Hebraic expressions and words and then gives their English translation. Some explanations are extremely funny; these ones are worth the cost of the book alone! The explanations usually range from one word up to two or three paragraphs. However, some definitions of words go into great detail--even discussing nuances of words--for two or three entire pages. You can really learn a lot! The beginning of the book has a guide that helps people correctly pronounce these words; and at the ending there are suggestions for where you can get some great Jewish food. Terrific! The quality of the paper isn't that hot; but the binding's made to last a while. Overall, this is an excellent book for anyone who wants to add a little extra Jewish/Yiddish flavor to their language, emails or writings. Even though it's currently out of print, the price of a used copy is well worth it. You'll learn and laugh--and that's great!

This is a must-have book for anyone who interacts with Jewish people, or really wants to get all the jokes in movies by Mel Brooks and Woody Allen (you'll be amazed at all you've missed)! Also great for Jews who remember their grandparents speaking Yiddish, but picked up very little to pass on to their own children. Naiman's writing and examples are hysterical, and achieve the very difficult task of translating many Yiddish words and sayings that have no English equivalent. The only downer is that this book is out of print and very hard to come by. Grab it while you can!

This book is a mitzvah if you need Yiddish translations. I keep it by my computer next to Websters so I can quote from it when I need Jewish flavoring in my e mails. A MUST for Jews and a wonderful gift for your non-jewish friends. There are many adorable jokes included.

I love this book. I bought my first copy 18 years ago, when I was a young and naive shikse engaged to a wonderful Jewish man. At first, it was a tool for self defense (Not such a Goyishe Kup after all,Bubby!). It was funny, breezy, and in very little time, it taught me what the in-laws were saying about me. Soon, I could zing them back in their own words! I recently bought a copy for each of my children. I hope they'll learn about their wonderful linguistic heritage...and laugh themselves silly in the process. Thanks, Mr. Naiman!