Have you ever come across the word "tchotchkes" and wondered how to pronounce it correctly? Whether you’ve heard it while shopping, watching a sitcom, or chatting with someone from New York, this quirky word can be tricky. Here’s a quick and easy guide to help you pronounce it right and understand what it means.

Step-by-Step Pronunciation Guide

Phonetic Spelling

• Standard American English: /ˈtʃɑːtʃ.kəz/
• Alternate Variant: /ˈtʃɒtʃ.kiz/

Simplified Pronunciation

• CHOTCH-kuhz (rhymes with “watch-cuz”)
• Some say CHOTCH-keez, depending on regional accents

Breaking It Down

• Tch – Sounds like “ch” in “cheese”
• otch – Rhymes with “watch”
• kes – Either “kuz” (schwa sound) or “keez,” depending on accent

✔ The stress is on the first syllable: CHOTCH
✔ Ignore the “t” at the beginning—it’s silent but part of the spelling!

Common Mispronunciations

❌ Saying “tuh-CHOCK-ess”
❌ Pronouncing the “t” or “s” at the end too harshly
❌ Stressing the wrong syllable

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Tchotchkes in Pop Culture

Tchotchkes are often used to decorate homes, offices, or store shelves. They’re especially popular in gift shops, flea markets, and Jewish-American households. The word itself has made appearances in shows like Seinfeld, Friends, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Tchotchkes are small decorative objects or trinkets—often inexpensive and sometimes sentimental. Think souvenirs, knickknacks, or novelty items that clutter shelves or desks. The word comes from Yiddish, and it’s still widely used in American English, especially in cities with large Jewish communities.