Johann Gottfreid Herder, 18th century Germany intellectual, is often credited with the formation of an idea Hegel would later term Volksgeist (national spirit). This theory asserts that every nation has an ethnically unique spirit characterized by its language and culture. While more of a world onto itself than a nation, I believe this theory holds true in the YU Velt. As an outsider looking-in, I’ve taken it upon myself to translate some words from YU’s Yeshivishe Shprach and share the institution’s unique culture with the rest of the Modernishe world.
- Campus | ˈkampəs |
- Center for the Jewish Future | shi də’kh |
- title
See Below: “Shidduch Dating” - Engineering | ˌenjəˈni(ə)ring |
- ???
Huh? Never heard of it… - Feminism |ˈfeməˌnizəm |
- (vulgar slang)
noun
A sparingly used expletive, most commonly referred to as “The F Word.” Feminism serves as the biggest challenge to the integrity of Judaism, and by extension, Yeshiva University. Equipped with a faculty experienced in fighting off this bra-burning erosion of values, Yeshiva University continues to fight the good fight against this impending evil. - Library | līˌbrerē, -brərē |
- noun
A gathering ground for the various gangs that runs rampant throughout Washington Heights. Previously subject to a fierce gang-war between the Sharks and the Jets, in recent years the territory has transferred into the hands of the BA Crew. Running a “Habitat for Humanity” front to launder millions of dollars of illegal drug money, this Crew has its “Yad Achim” in the proverbial cookie jar. With an infamous reputation of forcibly settling lands that aren’t theirs, the BA Crew seems here to stay. - Lounge | lounj |
- noun
A place of severe study, religious observance, and ritual worship. Gender segregation is strictly enforced and religious imperatives are taken seriously as all lounges are under strict Sharia Law. The lounges’ religious police can easily be spotted by their black-and-white uniforms, as they comb the grounds looking for ritual violations. From the windows, one can see the 24/7 emergency clinic that cares for Stern girls stricken with hypothermia from waiting outside in the cold. - Minor |ˈmīnər |
- verb
A form of coping mechanism utilized when your intended-major’s department is shut down due to budget cuts. While traditionally employed by those interested in computer science, it seems that “minoring” is becoming a new fad amongst students interested in humanities and the arts. - #NoWhereButHere | əˌpäləˈjetik |
- exclam.
Another form of coping mechanism common amongst YU students, this phrase resonates with the false exuberance of the crushing despair of reality. While often exclaimed in a state of disbelief, this motto can also be coupled with a seemingly mundane activity in an expression of feigned excitement. (e.g. “Hot dogs for DINNER?! #NoWhereButHere.”)
See Also: YOLO. - Psychology | sīˈkäləjē |
- noun
One of Yeshiva University’s most intellectually, emotionally, and physically rigorous undergraduate programs, psychology majors at YU are required to have at least three Sedarim a day, weekly chats with Rabbi Herschel Schachter, and the neck strength to support a wide-brimmed hat. Often known as “Frummer than Physics,” the Psychology department prides itself on its universally recognized reputation. - Shidduch Date | Shi də’kh dāt |
- noun
The first step in the traditional marriage-bargaining process. After unloading from the Stern Shuttle, eligible bachelorettes line up in descending order of familial wealth for a physical inspection by a well-esteemed YU bachur. After the selection process, the two parties then meet in a hotel lobby to share a ritual Diet Snapple while their parents discuss the cost of a dowry. When a deal is finally reached, the happy couple celebrates by engaging in a moment of risqué intimacy – bowling.
noun
An ironic term used to refer to the two lanes of Amsterdam Avenue sectioned off by cement barriers. Sometimes used colloquially to refer to the “Kosher” Dunkin Donuts.