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Episode 137: Word of the Week: Zaftig

The word zaftig has been used to describe everyone from 1930s burlesque dancers to Marilyn Monroe to buxom bubbies. But what does it really mean? Is it only for women? And is it a compliment—or an insult?

English-Yiddish dictionary editor Gitl Schaechter-Viswanath helps answer these questions in our latest "Word of the Week" episode. Comedian Judy Gold, Talmud explainer Miriam Anzovin, and writer Lizzie Skurnick also share their takes. 

And Jen heads to Zaftigs Delicatessen in Brookline, MA to hear what diners think of the word. 

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Released March 12, 2026
  • Comedian Judy Gold. Credit: Michael Kushner

  • TikTok and Instagram sensation Miriam Anzovin. Courtesy of Miriam Anzovin. 

  • Board Member Lizzie Skurnick, Headshot

  • Gitl Schaechter-Viswanath. Credit: Michael Dolan. 

  • Evan Shuman, general manager of Zaftigs. Photo courtesy of Jen Richler. 

  • Portrait of Nanny Fannie, great-grandmother of Bob Shuman, who opened Zaftigs restaurant in 1997. Photo courtesy of Jen Richler. 

  • Mural on the side of Zaftig's restaurant in Brookline, MA. Photo courtesy of Jen Richler. 

  • Window of Zaftigs restaurant in Brookline, MA. Photo courtesy of Jen Richler. 

  • Judy Gold Headshot 2026
  • Miriam Anzovin sitting on the floor, wearing headphones, with laptop and book in hand
  • Lizzie Skurnick Headshot
  • Gitl Schaechter-Viswanath Headshot
  • Evan Shuman, General Manager of Zaftigs
  • Portrait in Zaftigs restaurant
  • Mural on side of Zaftig's restaurant
  • Zaftigs restaurant window

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How to cite this page

Jewish Women's Archive. "Episode 137: Word of the Week: Zaftig." (Viewed on June 15, 2026) <https://qa.jwa.org/podcasts/canwetalk/episode-137-word-week-zaftig>.