Standard Lemma guide

schm-

prefix · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /ʃm-/

1

prefix

Meaning 1

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

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: US, morpheme

Examples

  • Rain, schmain, we've got a game to play.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

prefix

Meaning 2

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

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: morpheme

Examples

  • Issa big schmood.
  • Look at my big schmeat.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

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

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Polish: sr- — affix expressing disparagement
  • Vietnamese: -iếc — affix expressing disparagement