schlep
UK[ʃlɛp]US[ʃlɛp]
v
To carry or drag something heavy or awkward with effort.
v
To go or travel somewhere, especially with effort or reluctance.
n
A tedious or difficult journey, or a clumsy or stupid person.
Etymology
The word 'schlep' entered mainstream American English in the mid-20th century via Yiddish, a language historically spoken by Ashkenazi Jews. Its direct ancestor is the Yiddish verb 'שלעפּן' (shlepn), meaning to drag or haul. This Yiddish term stems from Middle High German 'sleppen', which is related to the modern German 'schleppen' (to tow, drag). The core semantic thread from its Germanic roots to its modern English usage is the concept of laborious movement, whether of an object or oneself. Its adoption into English enriched the language with a vivid, colloquial term conveying a sense of burdensome effort and inconvenience.
Analysis
This word is a direct borrowing from Yiddish, which itself derived from the Middle High German verb 'sleppen' (to drag), a cognate of the German 'schleppen'. Its ultimate origin is likely imitative or expressive, related to the effort of dragging.
Examples
I had to schlep all my luggage across the city on the subway.
We schlepped all the way to the warehouse sale, only to find it closed.
Moving the old sofa up three flights of stairs was a real schlep.