הצ׳ופצ׳יק של הקומקום

by Gabe

For a number of years, there existed a trio of three comedic giants who influenced the Hebrew language enormously. The troupe called themselves הגשש החיוֵור, or The Pale Tracker.

This is one of their greatest skits. The premise for many of their sketches was that they’d parody radio call-in shows, where listeners call in and ask an expert questions. In this one, a caller who wishes to remain anonymous (but then immediately outs himself as Moshe) calls up to ask a question of the Hebrew language expert in the studio.

Perfect for Hebrew learners!

See if you can work out what’s going on, and then I’ll give you a hint. Don’t worry if you don’t get it straight away, it’s not easy. Here’s two versions of the same sketch, one from the stage and one an earlier version from TV – 1976 to be exact.

I won’t give too much away, and I’m not going to tell you what to look out for. Just watch and enjoy.

You may need a few listens. This may help you: yet another version of the sketch, this time with the script superimposed over it:

Any questions?

By the way, “sketch” is מערכון. You’re welcome.