“That put the kybosh on things!” Have you ever heard this phrase? I know it is one I often heard when I was growing up in Ireland. My granny loved to use the word “kybosh.”
If you came up with an idea she wasn’t too keen on, she might reply by saying …
“We’ll put the kybosh on that now.”
The word “kybosh” means to put an end to something, to stop or halt its progress, and I know it is a favorite word in County Cork.
But lo and behold, when I moved to New York many years ago, I discovered the word “kybosh” is also a favorite there.
And so today, I thought we would dive into a little Irish linguistics and try to discover the origins of the word “kybosh.”
Kybosh – Jewish or Irish Word????
I heard the word “kybosh” so frequently as a child the phrase became part of my regular speech. Many years later I used it when talking to a friend in New York.
“Are you Jewish?” she asked me, with a look of bewilderment.
“No, not as far as I know,” I replied. “Why do you ask?”
“The word “kybosh” is Yiddish,” she explained.
I was totally surprised, but when I considered the pronunciation of the word kybosh, I agreed it did sound very Germanic in origin. Many of the patients I worked with in New York spoke Yiddish, so my ear was accustomed to the tones and intonations of this Jewish language.
“I wonder why we also use the term frequently in Ireland, especially in Cork,” I questioned.
Neither of us had any idea.
A Dictionary Of Cork Slang:
It was only when I found a little gem of a book that explores the origins of Cork slang, that I remembered my conversation many years ago with my New York friend.
Kybosh actually features in “A Dictionary of Cork Slang” by Seán Beecher.
And here’s what I found out about the derivation of the term kybosh.
The word is a noun and its definition is to put an end to something, to terminate or stymie.
This will put the kybosh on everything, meaning this will put an end to everything is how the phrase is used in Cork.
Now the Irish use of the word comes from the Irish language. It derives from the Irish phrase “Caidhp Báis” (pronounced ky baw-sh) and is translated as the death cap.
So when we Irish say we are putting the kybosh on something we are quite literally putting the death cap on it.
This explanation was also supported by the Irish poet Padraic Colum who theorized it comes from the Irish words meaning cap of death, the mask worn by an executioner at the block or the black cap donned by an English judge when delivering the death sentence.
Kybosh – Used In The English-speaking World for 150 Years:
Believe it or not, the word kybosh, or kibosh, has been used throughout the English-speaking world for more than 150 years.
Charles Dickens used the word in “Sketches by Boz” with the first printed examples of “putting the ky-bosk on it” being found here.
It has been suggested that kibosh originates from the Yiddish word kabas or kabbasten, meaning to suppress or stop.
Webster’s New World Dictionary suggests it may derive from the old German word “kiebe”, meaning carrion.
The word was also popularized in the First World War song called “Belgium Put the Kybosh on the Kaiser.” He put the kibosh on him means he defeated him.
On the World Wide Words website there is a detailed explanation of all the historical uses of the word Kybosh. Check it out if, like me, you are interested in linguistics.
Kybosh – An Irish Word????
And so, there you have it – a few linguistic theories all about the word “kybosh.”
We’ll probably never know where it truly originated from, but for me, being Irish, I’m going to accept the Irish origins of the word. Have you or your family ever used this term.
And that, being said, I’m going to put the kybosh on this blog post.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Irish American Mom
If you enjoyed this post here are some other stories and tributes you might enjoy.
Eulogy For An Irish American Mother
America Bound
Between The Jigs And The Reels
I LOVE this! – and the new Irish word for it!! It sounds so familiar because my Gram used that Yiddish word too!
Hi Christi – I’m glad you enjoyed this post and exploration of this Irish word that sounds so very, very Yiddish in origins. If your Irish Gram used it, that’s further support of its Irish roots. Thanks for stopping by.
Mairéad
It is a familiar word to me, too! I think my Mom and Dad both used it, but the mention is more to the fact that my Dad was born and raised in Cobh, C. Cork. I’m thinkin’ then that he may have been the origin of its use our home.
The connection between the Irish and the Yiddish is not a new fascination to me. Some of my lifelong research into all things Irish has led me to believe that there is great possibility of a connection between the Ireland and Israel of ancient times. So much so that it may have had an impact on certain historical developments. I think of King David, the Prophet Jeremiah, the hill of Tara…perhaps even with the harp. Most people in my experience assume that the Shamrock might be the symbol of Ireland, not knowing that it is the harp. I realize that Brian Boru is often depicted with his harp, but so, too, is King David. The true color of our dear St. Patrick was blue, not green. The color associated with part of the garb of those who served in the Temple of Jerusalem was blue. I could go on, but in regards to your fun presentation of the origin of “kybosh”, it also seems that some unusual sounds of the Irish language are remarkably similar to some particular sounds of Yiddish…just thoughts…fun to think with you, Mairead!!!
Thank you, and, as always, God bless you!
Hi Irishnannie – How intriguing! I had never thought about how the harp may be a connection between Ireland and Jewish heritage. I remember learning that it is thought the prophet Jeremiah may be buried at Lough Crew. Your insights are truly fascinating. Perhaps sometime when you are not too busy (you may not even be able to imagine such a time when you might have a spare moment) you might like to write a little piece for us all to learn abut your findings.
Blessings to you and yours,
Mairéad
I would love to! It would be an honor and a blessing! I have learned so much from you, Mairead, as an Irish American Mom. And I am an American Irish Mom/Nannie, and the yearning that I and others like me have inside us, is so gratified by writings like yours. Perhaps, as you have so kindly expressed, some of my musings might be interesting to others as well.
That would be wonderful Irishnannie. I would say other readers of my blog would love your musings. We’re like a little clan sharing our stories and yearnings for Ireland.
All the best,
Mairéad
Yes! We are like a little clan…how fun! And, oh my, how we do yearn…
Glad you’re part of our little Irish clan. 🙂 🙂 🙂
I grew up in Liverpool & we used the term. Lots of Irish influence, plus my great-gran was Irish.
It would be nice to think this is true, but I’m afraid it probably isn’t. I’ve just put up a post on the derivation of kybosh at CassidySlangScam, and there is precious little evidence for the existence of caidhp bháis in Irish sources, I’m afraid.
Thanks for sharing your findings with us and adding to this little discussion.
All the best,
Mairéad
Ná habair é, a Mhairéad. Unfortunately, as a rule of thumb, the more interesting and attractive an etymology is, the less likely it is to be correct! Sad but true …
Very true. 🙂
Haha I love this! New irish slang :). I’m a teenager with strong ancestry from Ireland. My family came here in the most early settlements of america, but my family is really into geneology. I hope to visit Ireland for a while someday
my families also from Cork originally too. So glad to continue studying our ancestral culture 🙂
Hi Brenna – County Cork is a beautiful Irish county. You’ll find lots to see and do there when you visit the land of your ancestors in the future.
All the best,
Mairéad
Hi Brenna – I’m glad this post was able to introduce you to some new Irish slang. It’s lovely to learn you have such a keen interest in your Irish ancestry. I too hope you get to visit Ireland someday soon.
Best wishes,
Mairéad