Meschugge, Schlimmassel (1881); Chutzpa (1883)

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MESCHUGGE, SCHLIMMASSEL

   From the JEWISH CHRONICLE (London), 12 August 1881, pg. 10. col. 2:

   _THE JUDEO-GERMAN DIALECT._
   This dialect generally known by the name of _Judisch-Deutsch_ is a mixture
of an archaic German basis with a great many Hebrew roots, Germanised as to
their form, and many corruptions from Slavonjic and other idioms.  (...)
   On the other hand this idiom furnishes a clue to several entirely
non-German expressions and phrases that are currently used in South Germany,
such as _uzen_ (to banter), _meschugge_ (crazy), _schote_ (fool),
_schlimmassel_ (ill-luck), _schlemihl_ (an awkward person), &c.

(The revised OED has 1885 for "meshugge"--ed.)

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CHUTZPA

   From THE AMERICAN HEBREW, 1 June 1883, pg/ 30, col. 1:

   _CHUTZPA._  (The word in Hebrew lettering follows--ed.)
   My children, there is one word in the  Hebrew language, which, often used
in common conversation, is most expressive for the idea that it seeks to
convey.  This word I mean is the word _Chutzpa_, which word, no doubt, is not
foreign to your ears.  And yet, although every one is familiar with this
term, still there are only a few who know its full meaning and import.

(This speech is given by Dr. Baar to the children at the Hebrew Orphan
Asylum.  There's no indiction in the text of the famous "orphan chutzpah"
joke, but perhaps it did develop this early?--ed.)