ביצים
beytsim
The Yiddish word for "balls" is ביצים (beytsim).
In Yiddish, ביצים is a slang term for testicles. Much like its English equivalent, it is often used metaphorically to describe someone possessing courage or audacity, such as "having the balls" to perform a difficult task.
Meaning: slang for testicles (noun)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ביצים is a slang term.
How do you pronounce it?
beytsim
Did you know?
- The word ביצים literally means 'eggs' in both Yiddish and Hebrew. While English uses 'balls', the Yiddish slang relies on the visual similarity to eggs.
- In some idiomatic uses, saying something is ביצים can be a way of saying it is worthless or 'nothing', similar to how 'balls' is used in some other Mediterranean slang.
- Because the word is so closely tied to the word for 'eggs', it can be used in wordplay involving food, a common feature in Yiddish wit.
Examples in context
- דו האָסט נישט די ביצים.You don't have the balls.This sentence demonstrates how to use ביצים to describe a lack of courage.Tatoeba #10665794 by shekitten, translation #6607227 by shekitten
- ער האט גרויסע ביצים.er hot groyse bitsims.He has big balls.
Example conversation
Chana is criticizing Avraham for being too scared to speak up.
- חנה Chanaאברהם, דו ביסט צו שrecked!Avraham, du bist tsu shrekked!Avraham, you are too scared!
- אברהם Avrahamאיך בין נישט שrecked.ikh bin nisht shrekked.I am not scared.
- חנה Chanaדו האָסט פשוט נישט קיין ביצים.du host pshust nisht keyn beytsim.You simply have no balls.
- אברהם Avrahamלאָז מיך אין רוה!loz mikh in ruh!Leave me alone!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
