The term “Jew” is technically correct when referring to someone of Jewish descent or faith, but it has negative connotations due to anti-Semitic attitudes. The plural form “Jews” and “Judaism” are appropriate, but “Jew” should not be used as an adjective and its acceptability as a noun is questionable. Its history as a pejorative has made it a loaded term to use and should be avoided if possible.
The correct term to use when referring to someone of Jewish descent or a member of the Jewish faith is “Jew,” although “Jew” is technically correct. However, “Jew” has become fraught with negative connotations leading most people to conclude that it shouldn’t be used in polite conversation, for fear of being seen as an insult. The plural form, “Jews,” along with “Judaism” to collectively refer to Jews throughout the world, is appropriate for use in most regions, although individuals may express personal preferences that should be respected.
Unfortunately, anti-Semitic attitudes towards the Jewish people have persisted around the world for centuries. As a result, these attitudes have changed the way people view the word “Jew.” Technically, however, it is just a proper noun used to describe a person of this ancestry or faith without awkward circumlocutions.
The problem is that “Jew” is often used as a pejorative. Anti-Semitic rhetoric refers to “dirty Jews” and uses “Jew” as if it were a slur, rather than an adjective, and as a result, it sounds jarring to hear someone called a “Jew” rather than a “Jew”. Additionally, the word has also historically been used to describe being cheated of something, as in “I got Jewed on that deal,” referring to a widely held stereotype that Jews are greedy crooks.
In most cases, words describing racial or national origin can be used as both nouns and adjectives. For example, you could say “she is Turkish” or “I am drinking Turkish coffee” and both would be appropriate. “Jew” and “Jew” are the rare exception to this rule. “Jew” should never be used as an adjective and its acceptability as a noun is questionable. Using these words appropriately is not just a matter of political correctness: it is the recognition that complex linguistic currents are involved.
Adjective uses of “Jew” such as “she is a Jewish lawyer” ring jarring to the ear in a way that “she is a Jewish lawyer” does not, thanks to cultural perceptions of the word “Jew.” The history of using “Jew” as an epithet, rather than just a noun or adjective, has made it a loaded term to use. While describing someone as a “Jew” may be accurate in the literal sense, as someone of Jewish faith or ancestry is indeed a Jew, it is generally frowned upon and should be avoided if possible.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
