My name is Al Stern, and I’m from Chicago by way of Detroit. My maternal grandparents were from Warsaw, and Yiddish was the language of their home. I’ve always been fascinated by Yiddish curses—their old-world themes, vivid imagery, biting humor, and sheer creativity. Some are sharp, some are poetic, and some are so wildly elaborate you have to wonder what kind of person sat around dreaming them up.
Over the years, I’ve collected curses from books, conversations, and the internet, building what I believe is the largest archive of Yiddish curses anywhere. Along the way, I discovered I’m not the only one who loves them—my friends and I have spent years marveling at their brilliance, absurdity, and ability to say exactly what needs to be said. The Meshugganator is my way of preserving and sharing these linguistic gems with the world, keeping the spirit of Yiddish mischief alive for generations to come.
If you know any curses you want included, please submit through this link.