KHMYR' and "CREEP"

[Steven Hill]

Dear helpful colleagues:

I am grateful to several  helpful folks who contributed great  ideas in my search for the
colloquial English equivalent(s)  of  KHMYR'.   (David Powelstock's summary is attached
below.)

As I've looked back over your suggestions, a somewhat unsavory English nickname
occurred to me:  "CREEP."  (E.g., "you creep!"; "that creep!")   Tempting, but it may not
quite fit KHMYR'.

"Creep" seems a bit strong to be used as a nickname borne by an unlucky "Everyman"
character in a film from 1935 ("SCHAST'E,"  rural anti-kulak comedy-fantasy directed
by Medvedkin), or from 1971 ("DZHENTEL'MENY UDACHI"), where KHMYR' is one of
the gang of amusing crooks, played by the master of timid inepitude, the late, great
Georgii Vitsin).  Difficult for me to think of my favorite Russian actor, Vitsin, as a
"Creep."   For him, at least, I suppose "Sourpuss" or "Low-Life" or "Sad Sack" or
"Grouch" might  work better....

Perhaps Russian  usage has changed in the present decade, and is it possible that
today (unlike 1935 or 1971), KHMYR' may be taking on a connotation rather close
to "CREEP" in colloquial English?

With appreciation,
Steven P Hill,
University of Illinois.
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Date: Fri, 17 Jun 2005 18:43:20 -0400
From: David Powelstock <pstock at BRANDEIS.EDU>
Subject: Re: translating colloquial word

I'm still not sure I have a very good grip on the connotations of the word.
It seems to have elements of "sad sack," "sourpuss," "lowlife," and "loser."
Perhaps someone could try to locate "khmyr'" among these reference points?

David P(owelstock).
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