General
schmear
What does schmear mean?
The thick layer of cream cheese applied to a bagel; to order 'with a schmear' is quintessentially New York. Also used as a verb.
"Gimme an everything bagel with a schmear."
Origin
Yiddish 'shmirn' (to smear/grease), a staple of NYC deli and bagel culture.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 'schmear'?
It's a generous spread of cream cheese on a bagel; ordering 'with a schmear' is classic New York.
Where does 'schmear' come from?
From Yiddish 'shmirn' (to smear/grease), a staple of NYC deli and bagel culture.
Is 'schmear' a noun or verb?
Both — it's the layer of cream cheese, and you can also 'schmear' cream cheese onto a bagel.
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