bupkis

Definition

Absolutely nothing; nothing of value, significance, or substance.

Etymology

Borrowed prior to 1931 from Yiddish באָבקעס (bobkes), plural of באָבקע (bobke, “goat or sheep dropping”), from באָב (bob, “bean”) + ־קע (-ke) calquing Polish bobek (“oval-shaped turd”), ultimately from Proto-Slavic *bobъ (“bean, fava bean”). Popularized by American Jewish writer Sam Denoff in mid-1960s The Dick Van Dyke Show.

Example Sentences

• "We searched for hours and found bupkis."
• "But we did nothing, absolutely bupkis that day / And I say, what the hell am I doing drinking in L.A. at 26?"
• "She answered her own question. “Without the connection to other people,” she said, “you have bupkis.”"