While the literal definition for “sitzfleisch” is “buttocks,” the metaphorical definition is more evocative — it refers to the power to persevere through an activity all the way to the end. In this usage, the buttocks are not merely the flesh upon which one sits, but rather a demonstration of the power and endurance required to sit for a long time when others might sooner have given up. “Sitzfleisch” is taken from the same word in German, which is based on the Yiddish “zitsfleysh.” In German, it is formed by combining “sitzen” (meaning “to sit”) and “Fleisch” (meaning “flesh”).