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a highly esteemed friend of mine{for the lack of a more emotional term to express how I feel}
called me a mensch
I have no idea what it could mean though he said you would know
he also said it to me with the warmest regard and adoration{trust me o nthis}
so what does it mean
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Mensch is German for human being, person. It may have changed its meaning in Yiddish, a Jewish dialect of German written in Hebrew characters. Mensch may also be used in German as a mild expletive of horror, surprise or disagreement.
Hugs
N
I dream of boys with big bulges in their trousers,
Never of girls with big bulges in their blouses.
…and look forward to meeting you in Cóito.
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Jordan,
Like many expressions in Yiddish the verbal translation will not help all that much. As Nigel has already pointed out, the literal meaning of the word is "man". But the term serves to describe an exemplary person.
A mensch is a man who is upright, can always be relied on, who is a companion or acquaintance one can be proud of, someone who is a superb exemplar of what is best in the human race.
To be a mensch is something that most of us strive to be and few of us achieve.
I'm glad your friend thinks you are a mensch - and I'm sure he's right.
BTW#1: The term can also be used to remind someone of what they are not: "Oh, come on, man, be a mensch for a change!"
BTW #2, the term should not, of course, be applied to females. The Yiddish equivalent for females is "Eshess Chayil" ['ch' as in German], which is a corruption of the Hebrew for 'A valorous woman'.
BTW#3, don't expect every Israeli to know Yiddish!
I hope this helps.
J F R
The paradox has often been noted that the United States, founded in secularism, is now the most religiose country in Christendom, while England, with an established church headed by its constitutional monarch, is among the least. (Richard Dawkins, 2006)
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Congratulations then Jordan on your elevation to mensch-hood.
I'll second the proposal if a seconder is needed.
Well done! And give him a hug from me.
Love,
Anthony
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and just because I've picked up a word or two in my life time and no i dont mean this rudely
Gai cocknif en yom
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JFR, your post reminded me that I did years ago hear the word Mensch used in that sense in colloquial Austrian German, but my dictionaries won't back me up on the point.
Hugs
N
I dream of boys with big bulges in their trousers,
Never of girls with big bulges in their blouses.
…and look forward to meeting you in Cóito.
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Sorry to be ignorant. Please translate!
Love,
Anthony
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its a curse for those who care to know
"Go shit in the ocean"
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I'm sorry, Jordan. I don't understand your point or what you are trying to say.
Hugs
N
I dream of boys with big bulges in their trousers,
Never of girls with big bulges in their blouses.
…and look forward to meeting you in Cóito.
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no Point
Just a statement
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