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Dialectly — a dictionary of American regional English. Free, open, growing.
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Home/New York/kvetch

kvetch

Loanword

Meaning
To complain or whine, from Yiddish.
Type
Loanword
Used in
New York City, New York

What does “kvetch” mean

From Yiddish קוועטשן (kvetshn, 'to squeeze, pinch'), via Middle High German quetschen ('crush, press'). Entered English via NYC Jewish immigrant communities in the early 20th century; now a standard dictionary word but retaining a distinctly NYC/Jewish-American register.

Where it's used

More from this region

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