Schlemiel meaning

A schlemiel is a clumsy and inept person who often experiences misfortune or embarrassment.


Schlemiel definitions

Word backwards leimelhcs
Part of speech noun
Syllabic division schle-mi-el
Plural The plural of the word "schlemiel" is "schlemiels."
Total letters 9
Vogais (2) e,i
Consonants (5) s,c,h,l,m

Known for their comedic antics and misfortunes, a schlemiel is a character often found in Jewish folklore and literature. The term "schlemiel" refers to a clumsy, inept person who is prone to making foolish mistakes and experiencing unfortunate events.

In many stories, the schlemiel serves as a source of humor, often finding themselves in absurd situations that result from their own bumbling actions. Despite their best intentions, things never seem to go quite right for the schlemiel, leading to a series of comical mishaps.

Origins of the Schlemiel

The archetype of the schlemiel can be traced back to Jewish literature and folklore, where characters like Sholom Aleichem's Tevye the Dairyman and Isaac Bashevis Singer's Gimpel the Fool embody the classic traits of the schlemiel. These characters are often portrayed as lovable yet hapless figures who struggle to navigate the complexities of everyday life.

Characteristics of a Schlemiel

Some key characteristics of a schlemiel include their well-meaning nature, their tendency to create chaos wherever they go, and their frequent social blunders. Despite their shortcomings, schlemiels are often portrayed as sympathetic characters who evoke both laughter and pity from the audience.

While the schlemiel may not always be the hero of the story, their presence adds a unique flavor to tales of comedy and irony. Their perpetual bad luck and clumsy behavior serve as a reminder of the unpredictable and absurd nature of life.

Modern Interpretations

Today, the schlemiel continues to be a popular character in literature, film, and other forms of media, where their comedic misadventures entertain audiences around the world. The schlemiel serves as a reminder that sometimes, it is through our flaws and failures that we find humor and humanity.


Schlemiel Examples

  1. The schlemiel spilled his coffee all over his shirt.
  2. She always felt like a schlemiel when she forgot her keys.
  3. The schlemiel tripped on the sidewalk in front of everyone.
  4. He's such a schlemiel, he managed to lock himself out of his own car.
  5. The schlemiel accidentally sent an email to the wrong person.
  6. Every time he tried to impress her, he ended up looking like a schlemiel.
  7. The schlemiel lost his wallet for the third time this month.
  8. She felt like a schlemiel when she realized she had been wearing her shirt inside out all day.
  9. The poor schlemiel slipped on a banana peel in the middle of the street.
  10. He was such a schlemiel that he managed to spill tomato sauce on his white shirt during lunch.


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  • Updated 08/04/2024 - 14:14:26