meshugas: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal
Quick answer
What does “meshugas” mean?
Foolishness, nonsense, crazy or senseless behaviour.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Foolishness, nonsense, crazy or senseless behaviour.
Used to refer to any activity, talk, or situation that is perceived as irrational, illogical, or utterly foolish.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more recognised in American English, particularly in urban areas with historic Jewish populations (e.g., New York). Less common in mainstream UK English, though known to some speakers.
Connotations
Carries strong cultural associations with Ashkenazi Jewish heritage and humour. Its use outside these contexts can sometimes feel like cultural borrowing.
Frequency
Rare in general discourse. Its use is largely confined to specific communities or contexts where Yiddish-derived vocabulary is part of the local vernacular.
Grammar
How to Use “meshugas” in a Sentence
[Subject] is (complete/utter) meshugas.Don't listen to his meshugas.Stop with the meshugas!Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used informally to dismiss an ill-conceived strategy: 'The new proposal from marketing is pure meshugas.'
Academic
Virtually never used in formal academic writing.
Everyday
Possible in informal conversation among familiar speakers to dismiss an idea or complaint: 'Oh, ignore him, it's just meshugas.'
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “meshugas”
- Spelling: 'meshugass', 'meshugus', 'mishegas'.
- Using it as an adjective (the adjective is 'meshugge/meshugah').
- Mispronouncing with a hard 'g' (/ɡ/) instead of the standard /ɡ/ is acceptable but the /ʃʊɡ/ sequence is key.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a noun (uncountable).
It is not a slur, but as a culturally specific term meaning 'foolishness/craziness', its use outside appropriate contexts can be seen as insensitive or appropriative.
The adjective is 'meshugge', 'meshugah', or 'meshuggeneh' (e.g., a meshugge idea, a meshuggener person).
No, it is strictly informal and colloquial. Synonyms like 'nonsense', 'folly', or 'irrationality' should be used in formal contexts.
Foolishness, nonsense, crazy or senseless behaviour.
Meshugas: in British English it is pronounced /məˈʃʊɡəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˈʃʊɡəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “full of meshugas and megillahs (a phrase implying full of long-winded nonsense)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone MESHing (tangling) up their thoughts in a GASeous (insubstantial, airy) way, leading to 'meshugas' - tangled, airy nonsense.
Conceptual Metaphor
IRRATIONALITY IS A TANGLE (mesh), IRRATIONAL IDEAS ARE INSANE/CRAZY (from root 'shaga', to go astray/be crazy).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'meshugas' be MOST appropriately used?