Definition of zilch

The word "zilch" is an informal term that originated in Yiddish-speaking communities in the late 19th century. In Yiddish, the word is "tsilshekh," which means "nothing" or "worthless." The term "zilch" entered English slang circa 1881, likely through the influence of Jewish immigrants who brought the word with them as they migrated to the United States. The specific path by which the word entered English is not altogether clear, but some linguists believe it may have been popularized by Jewish merchants selling cheap or inferior goods as a way of suggesting that their wares were still of some value. Over time, the meaning of "zilch" has evolved beyond its original Yiddish connotation of "worthlessness." Today, it is commonly used in English to describe anything that is insignificant, nonexistent, or of no value whatsoever. Some linguists argue that the informal and often slangy usage of "zilch" reflects its origin in Yiddish, a dialect that was initially considered a "low" language by some and is often associated with Jewish immigrants and urban slum dwellers. Regardless of its origins, the term has become a popular and widely recognized part of the English lexicon, appearing frequently in spoken and written English in a variety of contexts.