what is a schmuck

According to), "schmuck" or "shmuck" is a pejorative term that means one who is stupid or foolish, or an obnoxious, contemptible, or detestable person. The word came into the English language from Yiddish, where it has similar pejorative meanings, but where its literal meaning is a vulgar term for a penis. The Yiddish word "shmok" derives from Old Polish "smok" meaning "grass snake, dragon". Although "schmuck" is considered an obscene term in Yiddish, it has become a common American idiom for "jerk" or "idiot". It can be taken as offensive, however, by some Jews, particularly those with strong Yiddish roots. According to, "schmuck" is a slang term that means a stupid, foolish, or unlikeable person, or a jerk. It is used to describe someone who is not well-liked or respected. The term is often used in a derogatory way and can be considered offensive. According to, "schmuck" is a Yiddish word that means "fine" or "completely satisfactory" and is used to describe something that is OK. However, this meaning is not commonly used in English.