Discussion Forum—A Way with Words, a fun radio show and podcast about language

Richard from San Diego, California, has a hard time believe that the term cockamamie didn't start out as Yiddish. Although the word was adapted by Jewish immigrants in New York City to refer to transferable decals, it comes from French décalcomania. Cockamamie, or cockamamy, is now used to describe something wacky or ridiculous, and it's often heard among those familiar with Yiddish. This is part of a complete episode.

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