While a non-Jewish or Gentile woman may be considered a shiksa for romantically pursuing an eligible Jewish male, an older Jewish woman who gossips incessantly and meddles in the affairs of others is often considered a yenta. The word yenta is Yiddish, but the actual definition is difficult to trace. Some sources say that this word refers to the Jewish feminine name Yente, while others suggest it is a corruption of the word “Gentile” as it passed through the Italian language. A older non-Jewish woman may have been called a Yentile out of respect, but the word eventually became associated with an elderly busybody who prided herself on keeping track of the personal lives of her entire community. A true yenta might also be considered a “buttinksy” or “harpy” because of her nosiness and shrewish nature.
There is a character in the acclaimed musical Fiddler on the Roof named Yenta, and she is portrayed as a well-meaning but intrusive matchmaker. Although romantic matchmaking is not necessarily a traditional role for a real-life yenta, it does fit in with a yenta’s personality traits to keep track of every eligible Jewish male in the neighborhood and to suggest suitable matches. Some sources suggest the existence of good and bad yentas, depending on their intentions and level of involvement in other people’s lives. A good yenta may see herself as the neighborhood matchmaker or oracle, dispensing words of wisdom from a lifetime of experience. A bad yenta would spend her time spreading malicious gossip or inserting herself into her neighbor’s most personal or intimate matters.
Describing an older Jewish woman as a yenta may be viewed as a slur in some tight-knit communities, but others may see the designation as an accurate description of a colorful character. While the spreading of idle gossip or malicious half-truths would be considered bad social form, a neighborhood yenta may also be seen as a good source of valuable information. Because a yenta makes a concerted effort to introduce herself to new residents and keep track of the comings and goings of others, she may be the first to learn of a neighbor’s health crisis or other information of interest to the entire neighborhood. Such a person may also become a surrogate grandparent or adopted aunt to long-time residents who enjoy her company and conversation.
Sometimes a harsh, ill-tempered older woman may become ostracized from the community if her gossipy or meddling ways are not kept in check. A bad yenta can cause more strife within a neighborhood by perpetuating malicious lies or harmful half-truths. Her interest in the romantic lives of eligible Jewish males in her community may be motivated less by altruism and more by prejudice against non-Jewish women or shiksas who could lead Jewish bachelors away from their native culture and heritage.