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The John Oliver School of Yiddish Pronunciation

In a recent segment about Daily Fantasy websites, the late-night host taught the world how to say ‘chutzpah’ correctly. Class is now in session.

by
Jonathan Zalman
November 18, 2015
YouTube
YouTube
YouTube
YouTube

On a recent episode of Last Week Tonight With John Oliver, HBO’s outstanding, liberal late-night show, host John Oliver dedicated a long-form broadcast to Daily Fantasy companies, namely FanDuel and DraftKings, which are currently embroiled in a legal battle over whether or not their products constitute as gambling. In New York, Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman, has said that they are “plainly illegal…a rebranding of sports betting.” (Schneiderman sent cease and desist letters to both companies, and FanDuel has since shut down their New York-based operations as of Tuesday.)

In the clip below, it’s made very clear that Oliver and his team of researchers stand with Schneiderman. But the best joke during the near-20 minute segment, occurs when John Oliver corrects a CBS anchor’s pronunciation of the word “chutzpah.” The entire segment is worth your time, but if you’re eager to hear John Oliver drop some knowledge on a (poor) newswoman, begin at the 8:00 mark. Clearly, Oliver has learned a thing or two from his Daily Show With Jon Stewart tenure. Have a look:

Jonathan Zalman is a writer and teacher based in Brooklyn.