It's a Nativity scene, you putz!

[Laurence Horn]

At 4:08 PM -0500 4/3/02, Richard Gage wrote:
>Does anyone know whether the PA Dutch sense of "putz" is still in common
>use?  I grew up in Pennsylvania and I can't recall ever hearing it.
>
>------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>[OED entry]:
>*putz*
>_U.S._
>
>1. _dial._ In Pennsylvanian Dutch homes, a representation of the
>Nativity scene traditionally placed under a Christmas tree.
>
>1902 _N.Y. Times Mag._ 14 Dec. 15/2
>Only the chosen few can afford to have a really impressive 'putz'
>which fills half a room, and represents a landscape in miniature...
>This more elaborate 'putz' requires not only money for its erection,
>but artistic handiwork.

I can see where taboo avoidance would tend to block such instances as
that especially impressive putz that requires not only money but
artistic handiwork for its erection...

larry