schm

Schm is a colloquial interjection used in English to dismiss or belittle something or someone. It is most often spelled schm or shm and is borrowed from Yiddish, where the sound shm denotes dismissal or minimization. In English, schm signals indifference, skepticism, or contempt and is typically employed in informal speech, dialogue, or humor.

Usage and connotations: Schm carries a sharp, sarcastic tone, and it is rarely appropriate in formal writing. It can stand alone as an exclamation or appear in phrases that downplay a point, such as when a speaker minimizes a suggestion or event. The exact intensity depends on delivery and context.

Etymology: The form derives from Yiddish shm, used similarly to express that something is insignificant or not worth attention. The spelling with ch- or sh- variants reflects transliteration into English.

Cultural context: Schm has entered popular culture through jokes, cartoons, and television, particularly in works referencing Jewish humor. It is widely recognized by English speakers as a shorthand for a dismissive attitude, though it remains informal and regional.

Variants and related terms: Other spellings include shm. It is related to other Yiddish-origin slang and to the broader set of expressions that express skepticism or disregard.

See also: Yiddish loanwords in English; slang; interjections.