KHMYR' and "CREEP"

[colkitto]

and as a footnote, if "creep" is selected as a rough equivalent for "khmyr",
how would one render the interplay between c and k used for humorous effect
in English (which might bring us even closer to khmyr if such a touch is
added, cf. "khmyr ' is roughly equivalent to "kreep"?), e.g., Kreepy Krow
( the ghost of Krow, from the video game Donkey Kong).  Ages ago, one of the
Keystone Cops cartoon series had nearly all c's replaced by k's, which added
slightly to the humour.

as I write this, I can't  think of a Russian equivalent, but maybe replacing
all ?  in a similar Ukrainian piece with  ?......?

Robert Orr

----- Original Message -----
From: "Steven Hill" <s-hill4 at UIUC.EDU>
To: <SEELANGS at LISTSERV.CUNY.EDU>
Sent: Saturday, June 18, 2005 9:33 AM
Subject: [SEELANGS] KHMYR' and "CREEP"


> 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.
> _ __ __ __ __ _ __ __ __ _ __ __
>
> 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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