מחותנים
mekhutonim
The Yiddish phrase for 'in-laws' is מחותנים (mekhutonim).
מחותנים refers to the parents of one's children's spouse.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the root meaning 'to marry' or 'to join', referring to the relationship created through marriage.
How does it change in a sentence?
מחותנים is a plural noun used to refer to the group of in-laws collectively.
How do you pronounce it?
mekhutonim
Did you know?
- While English uses 'in-laws' for any spouse's relative, מחותנים specifically describes the relationship between the two sets of parents. It is a word for the 'co-parents-in-law'.
- In some dialects, the term can be used with a hint of irony or humor to describe the delicate social dance of navigating boundaries between two sets of parents.
- The root of מחותנים connects it to the idea of a 'joining' or 'matching', similar to how one might match two pieces of a puzzle together.
Examples in context
- מחותנים זענען גוטע מענטשן.makhot'n zenen gute mentshen.The in-laws are good people.
Example conversation
Isaac and Miriam are discussing an upcoming family dinner.
- יצחק Yitzchakמתי מאכט מען די טיש פאר די מחותנים?mety macht men di tish far di machtonim?When are we setting the table for the in-laws?
- מרים Miriamדי מחותנים קומען אן ביי זעקס.di machtonim kumen an bay zeks.The in-laws are arriving at six.
- יצחק Yitzchakאיז אלעס גרייט פאר זיי?iz ales greyt far zey?Is everything ready for them?
- מרים Miriamיא, יצחק, אלעס איז גרייט.yo, Yitshok, ales iz greyt.Yes, Isaac, everything is ready.
