Yeder eyzl hot lib tsu hern vi er aleyn hirzhet.

This wisely dismissive proverb reminds us not to take the musings of others too seriously. Furthermore, the animal choice in this proverb is, as usual, not arbitrary, and implies an important subtext: not only do those doing the musing like to hear themselves opine, but perhaps the value of the rhetoric being brayed—and, by extension, the brayer—needs to be seriously called into question. Why? Because they’re an ass.

Appropriate usage?

Adam and his grandfather are playing chess with the evening news droning on in the background. A particularly obnoxious politician appears on the screen and begins asserting views that make young Adam’s naive blood boil. Adam springs to his feet, nearly shattering a bottle of Manischewitz and causing bits of broken glass to be embedded in the carpet fibers, deep, deep in the shag. ...

Adam: “Zeyde! Can you believe what he’s saying? He’s full of it! Where’s the remote? I can’t take another minute of this!”

Grandfather: “Sit! Sit! It’s been your move for ages. G-d willing I’ll live to see the end of this game!”

Adam: “Zeyde, how can you just sit there and listen to this jerk spreading lies?!”

Grandfather: “Oh Adam. Pay no attention, Every ass likes to hear himself bray. Now play already!”

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