Shmoo

[earthling]

just wondering - 'shmoo' has always been my favourite word. I thought I had made it up but I've heard of a band named Shmoo. Has anyone heard of shmoo as a word?

[THECORBYLOON]

In what context do you use the word?

[Clanad]

Many years ago, probably at least 25 or so, a cartoon drawn by Al Capp and titled Li'l Abner had a cast of characters that included Schmoos. Described in detail here;

http://www.lil-abner.com/shmoo.html

[NiceCupOfTea]

As per CL's post, what does it mean?

[Quizmonster]

Since the 1940s, 'schmoo' has been American slang for fool/idiot, based on their other word 'sckmuck' from the German word for 'penis'. In other words, it means much the same as when we say the word that means what you feel when a needle pierces your skin. (I've put it that way as I'm sure I won't be allowed to write the actual word itself.)
I obviously don't know how you've used it, Earthling, but I do hope you've been careful as regards to whom you said it!

[Quizmonster]

Disregard my answer above...it is utter nonsense! I was, of course, describing the word 'schmo', with only one 'o'. My apologies.

[Clanad]

Thanks for the clarification Q... I was frantically checking and rechecking my reference sources!

[Clanad]

Additionally, in line with Q's original thought, the word schmo, is, originally a Yiddish term expressing denseness or outright stupidity observed in another. It is most often, periphrastically, used as a derived name; Joe Schmo, applied to the targeted person... Pedantically off subject, I know...

[lilyfrog]

I seem to remember a cartoon called ' the new shmoo' in fact here is a website about it

http://www.geocities.com/corvenpage_miami2/Scripts/Other Cartoons/Schmoo.html

[earthling]

it was just an imaginary word- as in "oh, shmoo!"

[earthling]

thanks so much clanad and lilyfrog - that's exactly how a shmoo should look!

[Quizmonster]

So, it was really just a personalised version of "Oh, sugar!" That is, another euphemism for the four-letter version of f�ces beginning with 'sh'. That's a bit disappointing, really, Earthling.

[earthling]

not really - it was sort of addressing a creature which wasn't there.

[jenstar]

Isn't "schmoo" the gunk that accumulates between your toes? Scots dialect, I think.

[trip-tronic]

Wanna hear music by the band named SHMOO visit their website http://www.shmoo.co.uk or alternatively visit their myspace site http://www.myspace.com/shmoomusic - think portishead/goldfrapp/air etc i.e. electronica-triphop - LIVE BAND based in Manchester England - we've put these guys on a few of our nights and they're amazing!!! check um out..... www.shmoo.co.uk