A caller who grew up in New Jersey remembers hearing a neighbor use the expression 'Hak mir nisht ken tshaynik' whenever she wanted to shush someone. He's sure the phrase is Yiddish, but he's never been able to figure out the literal meaning. Grant solves the mystery for him. Hint: It has to do with teakettles. By the way, you'll find more details about this colorful expression in Michael Wex's book 'Born to Kvetch' here: http://www.the-yiddish-world-of-michael-wex.com/born-to-kvetch-ch-2.html -- Get your language question answered on the air! Call or write 24 hours a day: (877) WAY-WORD/(877) 929-9673, [email protected], or visit our web site and discussion forums at http://waywordradio.org. Copyright 2008, Wayword LLC.
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