The Yiddish–Dutch–German “Smallpox” Exchange

Which language was patient zero for the old expression, "We've been smallpoxed and measled"?

Got a question for Philologos? Ask him directly at philologos@mosaicmagazine.com.

Tom Klein writes:

I wonder if you can shed light on the following. I have heard elderly couples remark, when reminiscing about the trials and tribulations they have gone through in their lives, “Mir hobn gepokt un gemozelt.” Although I understand the intent of the phrase, its exact meaning and origins elude me. Can you help?

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Got a question for Philologos? Ask him directly at philologos@mosaicmagazine.com.

Tom Klein writes:

I wonder if you can shed light on the following. I have heard elderly couples remark, when reminiscing about the trials and tribulations they have gone through in their lives, “Mir hobn gepokt un gemozelt.” Although I understand the intent of the phrase, its exact meaning and origins elude me. Can you help?

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