schmear etymology

Etymology

"Schmear" is a Yiddish word that comes from the Slavic word "smer" or "smier", meaning "fat" or "grease." The word was borrowed into Yiddish by Yiddish-speaking Polish Jews, and from there into English by American Jews in the 19th century.

Meaning

A schmear is a spread, usually made from a soft cheese or other dairy product. It can also refer to a thin layer of something, such as butter or jam. In American Jewish cuisine, a schmear typically refers to a spread made from cream cheese and other toppings, such as lox or whitefish salad.

Origin

The origin of the schmear is likely in Eastern Europe, where cream cheese is a staple food. The schmear was likely first created as a way to use up leftover cream cheese and other dairy products. The schmear was then brought to the United States by Jewish immigrants in the 19th century, and it quickly became a popular food item in Jewish communities across the country.

Today, the schmear is a popular food item in both Jewish and non-Jewish communities. It is often served as a breakfast or lunch food, and it can also be used as a spread for sandwiches or crackers.

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