Schmear Facts for Kids

Schmear is a fun word that comes from Germanic languages. It means something like 'smear' or 'spread', usually talking about fats or butter. Think about spreading butter on toast! In some languages related to German, the word for 'smear' actually means butter itself.

In American English, 'schmear' or 'shmear' came directly from Yiddish, a language spoken by many Jewish people. At first, it was used for spreading cheese. But now, you can use it for anything you spread, like cream cheese on a bagel.

Sometimes, 'schmear' can mean "a whole bunch of related things," like saying "the whole schmear." It can also be a slang word for a small bribe, like a "little extra" spread on top to make things happen.

What is Schmear?

The word "schmear" is used in different ways. Most often, it means to spread something, especially food.

Spreading Food

When you hear someone say "schmear," they are often talking about food.

Imagine putting a thick layer of cream cheese on your bagel. That's a schmear!
It can be any kind of spread, like jam, peanut butter, or butter itself.

The Whole Schmear

Sometimes, "schmear" means a complete set of things.

If someone says, "I got the whole schmear," it means they got everything that goes with it.
For example, if you order a burger with "the whole schmear," you get all the toppings like lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles.

A Little Extra

In some slang, "schmear" can mean a small payment or gift given to someone to get them to do something.

It's like a "little extra" to make a deal go smoothly.
This meaning is less common but still part of the word's history.

Schmear in Card Games

In some card games, like Schafkopf or Pinochle, "schmearing" has a special meaning.

It means playing a high-scoring card during a round.
You do this hoping your partner will win the round.
This way, your team gets the points from your high card.

Where Does the Word Come From?

The word "schmear" has a long history!

It comes from very old Germanic languages, even before the year 900.
In Old English, it was "smirian" or "smerian," meaning to rub with fat or anoint.
You can see similar words in other languages today.
For example, in German, it's "schmieren."
In Dutch, it's "smeren."
And in Swedish and Norwegian, "smör" or "smør" means butter!
This shows how the idea of "spreading" and "butter" are connected in many languages.

Other Meanings of Schmear

In Yiddish, the word "shmir" can also mean a slap on the face.

This was mostly used when adults were disciplining young children.
It's a different meaning from spreading food, but it shows how words can have many uses!

Schmear facts for kids