Of course, we have “the” F-word, too, but I’ve already drank enough castor oil in my life that I don’t want to go down that road. Here are 7 other F-words that are essential to Russian Mennonite life. Know them, use them, and impress your Grandma Broesky.

Faspa – The word “faspa” refers to a light lunch on Sunday afternoons after church, usually consisting of dill pickles, sliced cheese and cold cuts. It also usually involves long rolls of paper, crayons, and making out with Maria Friesen. “I’m starving! When is faspa ready?”

Feld – This is simple enough. It means field, and in my observation, nearly every Mennonite darp is a feld of some sort: Kleefeld, Schanzenfeld, Bachfeld, Hochfeld, Gnadenfeld. How the name Steinbach was allowed to slip through the cracks I do not know. “Let’s go

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