Mazel tov!!!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazeltov
Etymology and pronunciation
While the word mazal (or mazel in Yiddish; "luck") and tov ("good") are Hebrew in origin, the phrase is of Yiddish origin, and was later incorporated into Modern Hebrew. The phrase is recorded as entering into English from Yiddish in 1862 as "mazel tov".[1][2]
The main difference in pronunciation is that, like many words, in Hebrew the emphasis is on the second syllable, whereas in Yiddish it is on the first one. In addition it is mazal in Hebrew and mazel in Yiddish. Lastly, in Yiddish, as well as English,[1] "mazel tov" is pronounced either as mazel tov or mazel tof.
The expression comes from the Mishnaic Hebrew mazzāl, meaning "constellation" or "destiny." This in turn is thought to have derived from the Akkadian language manzaltu, mazzaztum.[2]
Translation
Although mazel tov translates to "good luck" it can be misleading in English as to what it actually means. This is because the phrase is not used in the way that the expression "good luck" is used in English (typically as "I wish you good luck"). It rather means "good luck has occurred" and is an acknowledgment of this. The phrase "Mazel Tov!" parallels the use of the phrase "Congratulations!" and coveys roughly that "I am pleased this good thing has happened to you!".
The phrase for wishing good luck to occur in Hebrew, in way "good luck" does in English, is "B'hatzlacha" (בהצלחה), literally meaning "with success".[3]
Usage
In the diaspora, "Mazel Tov!" is a common Jewish phrase, such as after a bar or bat mitzvah or a wedding, the congregation may be inclined to shout "Mazel Tov!" For instance, at a Jewish wedding, after the groom breaks the glass everyone yells "Mazel Tov!"
In Israel, "mazal tov" is used for all sorts of happy occasions, whether they be a new driver's license, a birthday, or the end of military service. Another common use is to acknowledge a bad event or experience being over - for example, after a very hard test.
In popular culture
In 2009, the lyrics of US number one hit single The Black Eyed Peas' song "I Gotta Feeling" contains "Fill up my cup (Drink)/ Mazel tov (L'Chaim)" which refers to the traditional phrase used in toasting.[4][5]
Etymology and pronunciation
While the word mazal (or mazel in Yiddish; "luck") and tov ("good") are Hebrew in origin, the phrase is of Yiddish origin, and was later incorporated into Modern Hebrew. The phrase is recorded as entering into English from Yiddish in 1862 as "mazel tov".[1][2]
The main difference in pronunciation is that, like many words, in Hebrew the emphasis is on the second syllable, whereas in Yiddish it is on the first one. In addition it is mazal in Hebrew and mazel in Yiddish. Lastly, in Yiddish, as well as English,[1] "mazel tov" is pronounced either as mazel tov or mazel tof.
The expression comes from the Mishnaic Hebrew mazzāl, meaning "constellation" or "destiny." This in turn is thought to have derived from the Akkadian language manzaltu, mazzaztum.[2]
Translation
Although mazel tov translates to "good luck" it can be misleading in English as to what it actually means. This is because the phrase is not used in the way that the expression "good luck" is used in English (typically as "I wish you good luck"). It rather means "good luck has occurred" and is an acknowledgment of this. The phrase "Mazel Tov!" parallels the use of the phrase "Congratulations!" and coveys roughly that "I am pleased this good thing has happened to you!".
The phrase for wishing good luck to occur in Hebrew, in way "good luck" does in English, is "B'hatzlacha" (בהצלחה), literally meaning "with success".[3]
Usage
In the diaspora, "Mazel Tov!" is a common Jewish phrase, such as after a bar or bat mitzvah or a wedding, the congregation may be inclined to shout "Mazel Tov!" For instance, at a Jewish wedding, after the groom breaks the glass everyone yells "Mazel Tov!"
In Israel, "mazal tov" is used for all sorts of happy occasions, whether they be a new driver's license, a birthday, or the end of military service. Another common use is to acknowledge a bad event or experience being over - for example, after a very hard test.
In popular culture
In 2009, the lyrics of US number one hit single The Black Eyed Peas' song "I Gotta Feeling" contains "Fill up my cup (Drink)/ Mazel tov (L'Chaim)" which refers to the traditional phrase used in toasting.[4][5]
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