ממזר
mamzer
The Hebrew word for bastard is ממזר (mamzer).
The word ממזר is used to describe a contemptible person. While it can be used as a slang insult, it also carries a specific historical and religious weight in a Jewish context.
Meaning: contemptible etc. person (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of the noun is ממזרת, and the plural form is ממזרות.
How do you pronounce it?
mamzer
When do people say it?
In a Jewish religious context, ממזר has a specific legal meaning referring to a person born from an adulterous or forbidden union. This carries a much heavier social stigma than the common English slang usage of the word.
Did you know?
- The term ממזר can be used in a paradoxical way to describe someone who is 'clever' or 'sly' in a mischievous manner, similar to calling someone a 'little rascal'.
- In Jewish law, the status of a ממזר is actually inherited and can pass down through generations, making the label a permanent genealogical status rather than a temporary insult.
- In ancient Hebrew texts, the root of ממזר is linked to the idea of 'straying' or 'wandering', implying a child who has wandered from the proper familial path.
Examples in context
- אתה ממזר חולה נפש.You're a sick bastard.This example shows how to use ממזר in an insult.Tatoeba #5797891 by fekundulo, translation #5780389 by mailohilohi
- טום הוא ממזר בר מזל.Tom is a lucky bastard.This example shows the use of ממזר in a descriptive, somewhat idiomatic way.Tatoeba #1462411 by Eldad, translation #1462015 by Spamster
- אני ממזר אנוכי, ואני קורא לכל המיזמים שלי על שמי.I'm an egotistical bastard, and I name all my projects after myself.This example shows how to use ממזר when describing oneself.Tatoeba #3896813 by fekundulo, translation #3896747 by fekundulo
- זה יליד מחוץ לנישואין שאני מכירHe is a child born out of wedlock that I know.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Noa tells Daniel about a coworker who stole her credit for a project.
- נועה Noaהוא לקח את כל הקרדיט מהפרויקט שלי.Hu lakach et kol ha-credit me-haproject sheli.He took all the credit for my project.
- דניאל Danielאיזה ממזר, זה לא פייר בכלל.Eizeh mamzer, ze lo fair bichlal.What a bastard, that's not fair at all.
- נועה Noaבדיוק, אני לא יכולה לסבול אותו.Bidyuk, ani lo yachola lisbol oto.Exactly, I can't stand him.
- דניאל Danielאת צריכה ללכת למנהל עכשיו.At tzricha lelechet la-menahel achshav.You need to go to the manager now.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
