Tchotchkes

A news reporter used the word,

And ended it with “keys,”

But I have always said it

With a schwa sound, if you please.

 

Derived from Yiddish, tchotchkes are

Small knickknacks you can buy,

Like trinkets bought as souvenirs.

(You’ll later wonder why.)

 

Some homes are filled, on shelves and sills

With tchotchkes overflowing.

The word’s pronunciation, though,

Not everyone is knowing.

 

Transliterations rarely do

Agree on sound or spelling,

So if it’s “chotchkas” or “chotchkeys”

Is your choice for the telling.