Hebrew Language Academy Clarifies Holiday Terminology to Prevent Embarrassment

As the Jewish New Year and holiday feasts approach, the Academy of the Hebrew Language has issued guidance to prevent common linguistic errors, particularly around the family dinner table. A frequent mistake involves referring to a spouse's mother as 'chamati' (חמתי). The Academy clarifies that this term actually means 'my anger' (derived from 'chemah,' meaning anger).

The correct term for one's mother-in-law is 'chamoti' (חמותי), derived from 'chamot' (חמות), meaning mother-in-law. This distinction is crucial, as using the incorrect term can significantly alter the intended meaning of a sentence.

To help remember the difference, the Academy suggests a parallel with the words for brother and sister. Just as one says 'achi' (אחי) for 'my brother' and 'achoti' (אחותי) for 'my sister,' the correct possessive forms are 'chamoti' (חמותי) for 'my mother-in-law' and 'chamati' (חמתי) for 'my anger.'

The Academy also provided the plural form for mother-in-law, which is 'chamayot' (חמיוֹת), again drawing a parallel to the plural of sister, 'achayot' (אֲחָיוֹת). This clarification aims to ensure accurate and appropriate language use during holiday gatherings.