Pronunciation: [ʃlˈɛp] (IPA) 
The word "schlepp" is spelled with a "sch" sound at the beginning, followed by "le" and then "pp". The "sch" sound is a combination of the "s" and "ch" sounds and is represented in IPA phonetic transcription as /ʃ/. The "le" is pronounced with a short "e" sound, represented as /ɛ/. Finally, the "pp" is pronounced as a double "p" sound, represented as /p/. Together, the word "schlepp" is pronounced as /ʃlɛp/.
Schlepp is a verb that originated from Yiddish and has become a popular slang term in the English language. It is typically used to convey the notion of dragging, pulling, or carrying something, often with effort or inconvenience. However, the term encompasses more than just physical labor and can also reflect a metaphorical burden or tedious task.
Physically, schlepp refers to the act of transporting an object or person that requires significant exertion. It implies a sense of struggling or grappling with the weight or size of the item being schlepped. For instance, one might say, "I had to schlepp all my luggage up the stairs," indicating the arduous effort involved in carrying heavy bags up a flight of steps.
Metaphorically, schlepp can be used to describe an annoying or bothersome chore, particularly when there is a sense of grudging obligation or lack of willingness. It encapsulates the feeling of being burdened or inconvenienced by a task that is considered to be tedious or unenjoyable. For instance, someone might say, "I have to schlepp my sibling to their violin practice again," conveying a sense of annoyance or frustration about having to repeatedly transport their sibling regardless of personal desire.
In both physical and metaphorical contexts, the term schlepp conveys a sense of effort, inconvenience, and unwillingness that may be associated with the task at hand.
The word "schlepp" is derived from Yiddish, which in turn comes from German. In Yiddish, the word is spelled "shlepn" or "שלעפּן" (pronounced "shlep-en"). It is believed to have originated from the German word "schleppen", meaning "to drag" or "to tug". In English, "schlepp" is used to refer to lugging or carrying something heavy or cumbersome. It may also be used as a verb, meaning to move with difficulty or to go reluctantly. The word has been adopted into English, particularly in certain Jewish communities, and has become relatively common in colloquial usage.
