More words, more arrows

About this book

More Words, More Arrows offers adages, aphorisms, and pithy observations on people and events. It draws on the rich folk wisdom of Eastern Europe and the immigrant Jewish communities of North America and was assembled from first-hand contact with Yiddish speakers and from published sources not available in English. These sayings, ditties, rhymes and word plays cover the full range of Yiddish folk sayings, from comic to serious. Kumove has even retained vulgarities as legitimate expressions that reflect the sensibilities of a particular time and place. The sayings are presented in bilingual format, with the original Yiddish transliterated into Roman letters and then translated into English. In some cases, both literal and interpretative translations are given. Where appropriate, corresponding English sayings are offered as well.