While a non-Jewish or Gentile woman may be considered a shiksa for romantically pursuing an eligible Jewish male, an older Jewish woman who gossips incessantly and meddles in the affairs of others is often considered a yenta. The word yenta is Yiddish, but the actual definition is difficult to trace. Some sources say that this word refers to the Jewish feminine name Yente, while others suggest it is a corruption of the word "Gentile" as it passed through the Italian language. A older non-Jewish woman may have been called a Yentile out of respect, but the word eventually became associated with an elderly busybody who prided herself on keeping track of the personal lives of her entire community. A true yenta might also be considered a "buttinksy" or "harpy" because of her nosiness and shrewish nature.
There is a character in the acclaimed musical Fiddler on the Roof named Yenta, and she is portrayed as a well-meaning but intrusive matchmaker. Although romantic matchmaking is not necessarily a traditional role for a real-life yenta, it does fit in with a yenta's personality traits to keep track of every eligible Jewish male in the neighborhood and to suggest suitable matches. Some sources suggest the existence of good and bad yentas, depending on their intentions and level of involvement in other people's lives. A good yenta may see herself as the neighborhood matchmaker or oracle, dispensing words of wisdom from a lifetime of experience. A bad yenta would spend her time spreading malicious gossip or inserting herself into her neighbor's most personal or intimate matters.
Describing an older Jewish woman as a yenta may be viewed as a slur in some tight-knit communities, but others may see the designation as an accurate description of a colorful character. While the spreading of idle gossip or malicious half-truths would be considered bad social form, a neighborhood yenta may also be seen as a good source of valuable information. Because a yenta makes a concerted effort to introduce herself to new residents and keep track of the comings and goings of others, she may be the first to learn of a neighbor's health crisis or other information of interest to the entire neighborhood. Such a person may also become a surrogate grandparent or adopted aunt to long-time residents who enjoy her company and conversation.
Sometimes a harsh, ill-tempered older woman may become ostracized from the community if her gossipy or meddling ways are not kept in check. A bad yenta can cause more strife within a neighborhood by perpetuating malicious lies or harmful half-truths. Her interest in the romantic lives of eligible Jewish males in her community may be motivated less by altruism and more by prejudice against non-Jewish women or shiksas who could lead Jewish bachelors away from their native culture and heritage.
What Does Yenta Mean?
A quick review of dictionaries and Jewish websites reveals no definite consensus on the meaning of the word yenta. Several different definitions appear in online dictionaries as well as on sites such as Urban Dictionary and Define Dictionary Meaning that encourage reader/member contributions. Member feedback is particularly helpful for learning how words are typically used in everyday sentences.
Dictionary Definitions
Authoritative sources for meanings and origins of yenta include the Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster Dictionary. The Oxford English Dictionary defines yenta as “a woman who is a gossip or busybody; Yiddish origin.” The Merriam-Webster definition is similar: “one that meddles; blabbermouth, gossip.” A slightly different explanation for the word's origin is found at Dictionary.com, however: “originally a female name; from Old Italian "gentile," kind and amiable.”
Yiddish Dictionary Definitions
Jewish authors have compiled Yiddish-English and English-Yiddish dictionaries that shed more light on the connotation of yenta. Dr. Uriel Weinrich’s Modern English-Yiddish Yiddish-English Dictionary defines yenta as “a vulgar/sentimental woman.” As well, the Yiddish Dictionary Online concurs with Dr. Weinrich: “woman, old-fashioned woman, sentimental woman.” Both of these Yiddish sources include “sentimental," while the Oxford and Merriam-Webster dictionaries do not.
To add variety, and perhaps confusion, Leo Rosten’s book “Hooray for Yiddish” includes five separate definitions for yenta:
- A gossipy woman or blabbermouth
- Someone who can’t keep a secret
- Vulgar, ill-mannered woman
- A shrew
- A man who has these traits
By including “vulgar,” “ill-mannered” and “shrew” in his contribution, Mr. Rosten highlights the negative implications of a yenta, for both women and men.
Online Colloquial and Slang Dictionary Commentary
If anyone needs additional clarification for yenta, they need to look no further than Define Dictionary Meaning, Online Slang Dictionary, or Urban Dictionary. On these sites, members submit their definitions and also include examples of how the words are used in sentences. The Online Slang Dictionary, similar to previously mentioned sources, uses the definition “a nosy person; busybody,” and includes a sentence example: “With a yenta for a neighbor, you can’t keep anything a secret.”
Another possible meaning of yenta emerges at Urban Dictionary, where several members indicated that it refers to a matchmaker. To illustrate, one user includes a sentence: “Those three yentas keep trying to set me up with their grandsons.”
Unverified, albeit entertaining, online definitions for yenta appear in the posts at Define Dictionary Meaning:
- "a woman who talks too much and never shuts up”
- “In modern use, the meaning has become that of an annoying old hag.”
- “Has also recently come to mean a woman who fits negative stereotypes of urban women. See characters on “Sex and the City.”
What Is a Jewish Yenta?
What distinguishes a Jewish yenta from other non-Jewish yentas? People from various cultures borrowed the word "yenta" from the Jews, so it seems likely that both groups would use the term in the same manner. What is surprising, however, are the numerous meanings that have arisen over the years. The word may have begun as a complimentary term but has since become associated with undesirable traits.
Yenta as “Gentle”
Forward’s Ezra Glinter discussed yenta as originating from the Yiddish name Yentl. He explained that Romance languages, including Old French and Old Italian, shaped the development of Yiddish. Yentl was one of those names and is thought to come from the Italian word "gentile," meaning “noble” or “refined.” English counterparts are “gentle,” “genteel” and “gentile.” “Yentl,” a short story by Isaac Bashevis Singer, centers on Yentl, a young woman who dreams of getting an education. After her father dies, Yentl cuts her hair and begins dressing like a man so she can attend a Yeshiva and study the Talmud.
Yenta as “a Gossip”
Sources believe yenta’s “gossipy woman” status came from Jacob Adler, who wrote under the pen name B. Kovner. Adler published comic strips in the 1920s and 1930s that featured Yente Telebende, a “henpecking wife.” Although she may have been a busybody, Yente was a popular figure. She inspired fans to begin using yenta/yente to describe the gossipy women they knew.
Is the Meaning of Yenta Matchmaker?
Although the word yenta is sometimes used to mean matchmaker, this is a misnomer. In Yiddish, a matchmaker is called a “shadchan.” The presumed origin of the error is “Fiddler on the Roof,” which premiered on Broadway in 1964 and in theaters in 1971. The meddling matchmaker in the story is named Yente. The popularity of the musical and movie led to yente/yenta mistakenly entering English and Yiddish vernacular as a word for matchmaker.
