5

I have never heard this word before, but the Wikipedia article insists:

The word is also used to pejoratively describe those not of Jewish descent. It is commonly used to refer to Christians and Muslims, but is regularly used by Jews to refer to any and all peoples of faiths other than Judaism.

[...]

In English, the use of the word goy can be controversial. It is assigned pejoratively to non-Jews. To avoid any perceived offensive connotations, writers may use the English terms "gentile" or "non-Jew".

Looking at where the word comes from, it seems to be a benign word, equivalent with Gentile.

In common use, would Jews use this word among themselves? Is it regularly used negatively? Would they use the word among non-Jews?

I just noticed "goyim" in the tags, which is a word I have seem. My understanding is that would be the plural form of "goy". Is this right?

Improve this question
8

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
7

Goy (גוֹי) is not a pejorative term. It simply means nation or member of a nation - The Jews are referred to as a Goy/Goyim on various occasions throughout the Torah. "גוי וקהל גוים" and "גוי אחד בארץ", to name just two places. In Hebrew, Goy is never used as a pejorative term. In Yiddish, it may occasionally be used pejoratively.

Improve this answer
4
  • 8
    Part of the issue is one of intent. I can say someone is a "Jew" and it is not an insult. But if I choose the right tone/inflection, the word can indeed be insulting. The same holds true for any label.
    – rosends
    Commented Jun 13, 2014 at 20:56
  • @Danno Like when one might say they were Jewed on a deal. Likewise, Gentile might be a negative term in some circles, but if the majority use it benignly then this answer does fine.
    – user3178
    Commented May 11, 2015 at 15:49
  • Do you have a source for the second paragraph?
    – WAF
    Commented Sep 17, 2015 at 14:26
  • @WAF i can't locate a source or proof, so i removed it.
    – LN6595
    Commented Oct 4, 2015 at 17:00
2

the words goy means nation. so the word itself is not inherently pejorative in nature. however, in context it can be used in that manner. The same goes for the word Jew. Inherently there isn't anything wrong with it. It simple is a descriptive for someone belonging to the Jewish people. in context depending on how it is used it can become an insult

Improve this answer
1
  • 5
    Did you add anything over user6595's answer?
    – Y     e     z
    Commented Jun 15, 2014 at 4:14

You must log in to answer this question.