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General

schlep

What does schlep mean?

To lug something burdensome, or to travel a tiresome distance. A 'schlep' can also be the tedious journey itself.

"I had to schlep these bags all the way from the train."

Origin

Yiddish 'shlepn' (to drag), embedded in NYC English through the city's large Jewish population.

Frequently asked questions

What does 'schlep' mean?
To haul or drag something burdensome a long way, or to make a tiresome journey. As a noun, it's the tedious trip itself.
Where does 'schlep' come from?
It comes from Yiddish 'shlepn' (to drag), embedded in NYC English through the city's large Jewish population.
Can 'schlep' be a noun?
Yes — a 'schlep' can mean the tedious journey itself, as in 'It's a real schlep out there.'
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Slang definitions: FreeDict original editorial.