Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

schm-

/ʃm-/

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 0.00 in modern English

Syllables: schm-
IPA: /ʃm-/

11

Scrabble Score

4

Letters

2

Syllables

4

Unique Chars

Meaning

prefix

Used to form a reduplicated rhyming compound of any word in order to express disparagement, dismissal, or derision.

American usage

prefix

Used to form an intensified word, typically with words starting with m especially for comedic effect.

Example Sentences

"Rain, schmain, we've got a game to play."
"Gather 'round while I sing you of Wernher von Braun / A man whose allegiance / Is ruled by expedience / Call him a Nazi, he won't even frown / "Nazi, Schmazi!" says Wernher von Braun"
"Issa big schmood."
"Look at my big schmeat."

Etymology

Borrowed from Yiddish שמ־ (shm-), imitative of many Yiddish words such as schmaltz or schmuck.

Usage

American usage

Inflected Forms

shm- (alternative) sm- (alternative)

Phrases

sch-

Frequently Paired Words

sch-

Questions

How do you pronounce schm-?: The recorded pronunciation is /ʃm-/.
What does schm- mean?: Used to form a reduplicated rhyming compound of any word in order to express disparagement, dismissal, or derision.
Where does schm- come from?: Borrowed from Yiddish שמ־ (shm-), imitative of many Yiddish words such as schmaltz or schmuck.

How to pronounce schm-

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “schm-”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ʃm-/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “schm-”.
Repeat and practice — Say “schm-” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.