see|Spiel
English
Pronunciation
Rhymes: Rhymes:English:-i�l|-i�l
Etymology
The word has two possible etymologies:
from the Scots word for game, competition, or (sporting) match 1 from the German Spiel
from a Yiddish language word used in prison culture(from the German Spiel), an evolutionary stage between rap and hip hop and the earlier chain gang songs influenced by gospel and Afro-Caribbean music.
Noun
en-noun
- A lengthy and extravagant speech or argument usually intended to persuade.
- A fast excuse or sales pitch.
Verb
en-verb
- To talk at length.
Usage notes
In the United States spiel is used to describe the protean rap music vocalizations in the 1960s, for example as used by The Last Poets. It is also used by Lenny Bruce to describe his beat era comedy routines.
In Scotland it is used in Scots or Scottish English linguistic contexts, for example in the expression "wheesht yer spiel", meaning "shut up". It is also used to refer to a curling match held between members of the same club or community, as opposed to a bonspiel which refers to a curling match between teams, clubs or communities.
Category:Yiddish derivations
de:spiel
et:spiel
vi:spiel
zh:spiel
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