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:''This is an article about the Hebrew word '''Goy'''. For the sexual slang term see [[G0y]].'' |
:''This is an article about the Hebrew word '''Goy'''. For the sexual slang term see [[G0y]].'' |
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'''''Goy''''' ([[Hebrew language|Hebrew]]: גוי, plural '''''goyim''''' גוים) is a transliterated [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] word often used to mean [[gentile]], or one who is not a Jew, |
'''''Goy''''' ([[Hebrew language|Hebrew]]: גוי, plural '''''goyim''''' גוים) is a transliterated [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] word often used to mean [[gentile]], or one who is not a Jew, though its literal [[translation]] is "[[nation]]" or "[[person|people]]". |
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In modern [[Hebrew]] and [[Yiddish]], the word ''goy'' may be used to refer to members of the [[Gentile]] nations. In Yiddish it is the only proper term used to say 'Gentile' and many bilingual English and Yiddish speakers do use it dispassionately. In English however, the use of the word ''goy'' is controversial. Like other common (and otherwise innocent) terms, it may be assigned pejoratively to non-Jews (as well as to Jews who are perceived by other Jews to lack religious commitment to [[Judaism]]). To avoid any perceived offensive connotations that may be assumed by some, writers may utilize the English terms "Gentile" or "non-Jew". But it is noted that its translation is 'Gentile', and it is typically used as such. ''[[Shaigetz]]'' is a more typical pejorative term employed. |
In modern [[Hebrew]] and [[Yiddish]], the word ''goy'' may be used to refer to members of the [[Gentile]] nations. In Yiddish it is the only proper term used to say 'Gentile' and many bilingual English and Yiddish speakers do use it dispassionately. In English however, the use of the word ''goy'' is controversial. Like other common (and otherwise innocent) terms, it may be assigned pejoratively to non-Jews (as well as to Jews who are perceived by other Jews to lack religious commitment to [[Judaism]]). To avoid any perceived offensive connotations that may be assumed by some, writers may utilize the English terms "Gentile" or "non-Jew". But it is noted that its translation is 'Gentile', and it is typically used as such. ''[[Shaigetz]]'' is a more typical pejorative term employed. |
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Revision as of 13:43, 4 November 2006
- This is an article about the Hebrew word Goy. For the sexual slang term see G0y.
Goy (Hebrew: גוי, plural goyim גוים) is a transliterated Hebrew word often used to mean gentile, or one who is not a Jew, though its literal translation is "nation" or "people".
In modern Hebrew and Yiddish, the word goy may be used to refer to members of the Gentile nations. In Yiddish it is the only proper term used to say 'Gentile' and many bilingual English and Yiddish speakers do use it dispassionately. In English however, the use of the word goy is controversial. Like other common (and otherwise innocent) terms, it may be assigned pejoratively to non-Jews (as well as to Jews who are perceived by other Jews to lack religious commitment to Judaism). To avoid any perceived offensive connotations that may be assumed by some, writers may utilize the English terms "Gentile" or "non-Jew". But it is noted that its translation is 'Gentile', and it is typically used as such. Shaigetz is a more typical pejorative term employed.
Etymology
In the Hebrew Bible, goy and its variants appear over 550 times in reference to Israelites and to Gentile peoples. The first recorded usage of goy occurs in Genesis 10:5 and applies to non-Israelite nations. The first mention in relation to the Israelites comes in Genesis 12:2, when God promises Abraham that his descendants will form a goy gadol ("great nation"). While the earlier books of the Hebrew Bible often use goy to describe the Israelites, the later ones tend to apply the term to other nations.
Other Uses
See also
- Shaigetz
- Yid
- Goy Advanced Automobile, a Sydney based automotive company