What does schlemiel mean in yiddish?

In Yiddish, "schlemiel" (pronounced shle-mee-el) means a clumsy, unlucky, or foolish person. It describes someone who is perpetually making mistakes, often through a combination of carelessness and bad luck.

Think of the character of "Mr. Bean" or someone who always spills their coffee, forgets their keys, or trips over thin air. That's a schlemiel!

Here are some synonyms in English:

* Klutz

* Butterfingers

* Doofus

* Goofball

* Shlub

Interestingly, the term "schlemiel" is often used with a touch of humor or sympathy, acknowledging that the schlemiel's misfortune is often more amusing than malicious.