קנצל
knekhel
The Yiddish word for 'heel' (anatomy) is קנצל (knekhel).
Meaning: anatomy: part of the foot (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
knekhel
Did you know?
- The word קנצל is a cognate of the German 'Knöchel', though in German 'Knöchel' usually refers to the 'ankle' rather than the 'heel'.
- While קנצל refers to the anatomy, the Yiddish word for a 'heel' of a loaf of bread or a similar end piece is often גאָרע (gore).
- Because Yiddish borrows heavily from various sources, you may find older texts using a Hebrew-rooted word for 'heel' instead of the Germanic קנצל in religious contexts.
Example conversation
Hannah is helping Abraham with his shoes.
- חנה Chanaאברהם, פֿאַר וואָס לויפֿט איר אַזוי שלאָו?Avraham, far vos loyft ir azoy shlo?Avraham, why are you walking so slowly?
- אברהם Avrahamאיך האָב אַ בלאַסטער אויפֿן קנצל.ikh hob a blaster oyfn kantsl.I have a blister on my heel.
- חנה Chanaלאָזט מיך זען דעם קנצל.lozt mikh zen dem kantsl.Let me see the heel.
- אברהם Avrahamאַ דאַנק, חנה.a dank, Khanah.Thank you, Hannah.
