Goy

/ɡɔɪ/ noun

Definition

A person who is not Jewish; a non-Jewish person (can be neutral or potentially offensive depending on context).

Etymology

From Hebrew 'goy,' originally meaning simply 'nation' or 'people.' It was used to distinguish Jewish from non-Jewish peoples, and entered English through Yiddish. The term itself is neutral in Hebrew but can carry negative connotations in English depending on usage.

Kelly Says

Many English words come from Hebrew and Yiddish—'kosher,' 'schmooze,' 'chutzpah,' 'bagel'—showing how Jewish culture deeply influenced American English, especially in cities like New York where Yiddish-speaking immigrants created a vibrant linguistic blend.

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