Pronounced roughly "MAHN-isht-ahn-ah", this Hebrew saying originated in a religious context: it's the beginning of first of the four questions asked during Passover, which asks "How is this night different from all other nights?" Colloquially, it is used to express utter lack of surprise at a supposed piece of news. It's a way of saying "Tell me something I don't know" or "What else is new?" with a snarky urban Jewish twist.
Late with taxes? Ma nishtana! Girlfriend dumped you because you played video games too much? Ma nishtana! Your junkie friend is in rehab again? Ma nishtana! etc.
by nemojmene January 16, 2012
correct: Yoyo Ma performed for the Prime Minister of Prague yesterday.
incorrect: Yoyo Ma gave the Prime Minister a lap dance, ya ho.
incorrect: Yoyo Ma gave the Prime Minister a lap dance, ya ho.
by noflo June 12, 2004
by THE CHARLIE April 01, 2009
by Ma of The Rimmies September 19, 2018
Kofi: Oh Jack, I just got ripped off by a grifter
Jack: Oh ma gwad!
Kofi: You can say that again... ma gwad I'm snookered...
Jack: Oh ma gwad!
Kofi: You can say that again... ma gwad I'm snookered...
by BennyTee2 January 22, 2013
the girl who only hangs out with bois. she's really sweet but her laugh can kill 8000 people at once
by fuck.off.no.one.likes.you March 13, 2019
by CurtisJackson929 January 06, 2022