gnidelike

Gnidelike is an English adjective borrowed from Yiddish, used to describe a person who is extremely generous or charitable, often in a practical, unpretentious, and community-minded way. A gnidelike individual readily gives money, time, or resources to others and is typically viewed as warm, helpful, and dependable. The term is most common in Jewish American English and is usually used with affectionate humor, though it can also appear in neutral or descriptive contexts.

Etymology and range of meaning: The word derives from Yiddish gnidel or gnidel/gnidelke, referring to a generous or charitable person. English usage attests to several spellings and inflections, with gnidelike as the prevailing form. The sense centers on generosity and acts of giving, sometimes highlighting a practical or self-effacing approach to charity rather than grand or performative display.

Usage and connotations: Gnidelike describes a character trait or a specific act of generosity, such as donating to a cause, offering time to help others, or organizing support for those in need. The register is informal and affectionate; it can be used admiringly or humorously, and occasionally self-deprecatingly when someone emphasizes their own charitable tendencies.

See also: Mensch, philanthropy, charity, generosity.