goy

[ goi ]

noun

, Sometimes Disparaging.

, plural goy·im [goi, -im], goys.

1. a term used by a Jew to refer to someone who is not Jewish.
2. a term used by an observant Jew to refer to a Jew who is not religious or is ignorant of Judaism.

goy

/ ɡɔɪ /

noun

1. a Jewish word for a gentile

Sensitive Note

In Yiddish and Hebrew, goy is a neutral, descriptive term meaning gentile. In English, it may sometimes be used disparagingly or contemptuously. The word is also considered disparaging when it is applied to a Jew who is not observant.

Derived Forms

• ˈgoyish, adjective

Other Words From

• goy·ish adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of goy¹

First recorded in 1835–45; from Yiddish, from Hebrew goi “nation, non-Jew, Jew ignorant of the Jewish religion”

Word History and Origins

Origin of goy¹

from Yiddish, from Hebrew goi people

Example Sentences

You put the id back in Yid, Portnoy instructed, and you come to understand the “oy” in goy.

From The Daily Beast

The narrator calls two of the men "Bill the Goy" and "Clyde the Schlub."

From The Daily Beast

In the eyes of the Goy he's something peculiar, something disgraceful!

From Project Gutenberg

Pooty soon Bill said to hisself, 'Goy-blamed ef I don't think he's friz to death, or else he'd say somethin'!'

From Project Gutenberg

Truly the wise man's proverb is just: "Sedaukauh teromain goy, veh-ka-sade le-u-meem khahmaut."

From Project Gutenberg

For what is absolutely necessary they employ an occasional servant, who is known as the "Shobbos Goy."

From Project Gutenberg

Two in particular, Agasaki and Goy, are thus described by Kmpfer.

From Project Gutenberg