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Definition:
c) don't say a word
German translation:
stay shtum = sich über etwas ausschweigen
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GOOGLE INDEX
shtum: approximately 10,000 Google hits
Sample text:
T-Mobile and Google SHTUM on Android Phone
(UK Telecom Daily)
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Today High Court judges suggested America has warned the British government to STAY SHTUM, or else they'd break intelligence links.
(BBC News)
Did you know?
shtum
adjective, slang
- silent, not saying anything
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English is blessed with a variety of influences including Latin, Greek, French and German. Yiddish, the non-territorial High German language of Jewish origin that is written with the Hebrew alphabet, has also made its way into our language. Shtum is only one example. Like its German relative "stumm," it means voiceless, silent.
Other Yiddish words in English include:
- glitch = a minor malfunction
- kosher = slang for appropriate, legitimate (stems originally from kaser, Hebrew for conforming to Jewish dietary laws)
CAREFUL though with the following two, the meaning is quite different to German:
- schmooze = to converse informally, make small talk or chat (not kiss and cuddle)
- schmuck = a contemptible or foolish person; a jerk (not jewelry)
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SYNONYMS
buttoned up, clammed up, closemouthed, *dumb, mute, quiet, silent, speechless, tongue-tied, voiceless
* Dumb is the medical term for a person who is unable to speak. Keep in mind that it also means unintelligent or stupid.
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SMUGGLE OWAD INTO TODAY'S CONVERSATION:
"Ask an open question, stay shtum, and listen to what the customer has to say."
And now...
Today's Learning Tip (16):
TEACH TO LEARN
A great way to learn is to teach! Explain your word-of-the-day to a colleague or friend, provide an example and if necessary a memory aid. Test your friend after 60 minutes, and the next day. Teach it, and you'll remember it.
more learning tips
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Thanks!
Paul Smith
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