שװײַג
shvayg
The Yiddish phrase "shut up" is translated as שװײַג (shvayg).
The command שװײַג is used to tell someone to stop talking. For a more idiomatic and colorful way to express this, similar to the English expressions "shut your trap" or "shut your beak", you can use פֿאַרמאַכן דעם פּיסק.
Meaning: "Stop talking." (intj)
Which one should you use?
The form שװײַג is the singular imperative, whereas the form שװײַגט is used when addressing more than one person.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase פֿאַרמאַכן דעם פּיסק is an informal and idiomatic way to tell someone to shut up.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The imperative שװײַג is used for a single person, while the 2nd person plural imperative form is שװײַגט.
How do you pronounce it?
shvayg
Did you know?
- The word פּיסק in the phrase פֿאַרמאַכן דעם פּיסק literally refers to an animal's 'snout' or 'beak' rather than a human mouth.
- The root of שװײַג is shared with the German word schweigen, but in Yiddish, it is often used with a distinct cultural intensity that can range from a gentle hush to a sharp rebuke.
- If you were to use שװײַג toward a stranger in a formal setting, it would be considered a major breach of 'kulturnale' or cultural etiquette.
Example conversation
Two people are arguing in a living room.
- בערל Berelבאַקוק דאָס, איך זאָג דיר!bakuk dos, ikh zog dir!Look at this, I'm telling you!
- מרים Miriamבערל, שװײַג שוין!Berl, shvayg shoyn!Berl, shut up already!
- בערל Berelוואָס פאַסירט מיט דיר?vos fasirt mit dir?What is happening with you?
- מרים Miriamאיך וויל האָבן אַ ביסל רוה.ikh vil hobn a bisl ru.I want to have a little peace.
