־לה

Hebrew

Etymology

From Yiddish ־ל (-l), from Old High German -ilī.

Suffix

־לֶה • (-le), plural ־לָךְ • (-lakh)

2. (colloquial) -ie, -y Forming diminutive or affectionate forms of nouns or names.

   Synonyms: ־ִי (-í), (slang) ־וּש (-ush)

   ‎אִמָּא (íma, “mother”) + ‎־לה → ‎אִמָּא׳לֶה (ímale, “mommy, oh my God!”)

Usage notes

• When affixed onto words, usually preceded by a geresh (׳) as in אמא׳לה.