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Jewnoun

Etymology

Summary

A borrowing from French.

Etymons: French jeu, jew.

< Anglo-Norman giu, giue, giw, jeu, jew, ju, jueu, etc., Anglo-Norman and Old French, Middle French jue (Middle French, French juif: see below) member of a people whose traditional religion is Judaism (c1000), (in extended use) moneylender (late 13th cent.) < classical Latin Iūdaeus Jewish (ultimately < Aramaic yĕhūḏāyi inhabitant of Judaea, Jew: see Judaean adj.).

Compare earlier Judew n. and also Old English Iūdēas, Iūdan (both plural) Jews (see Judeish adj. & n.).

Notes

Compare Old Occitan juzieu (end of the 12th cent.), Spanish judío (a1207), Catalan jueu, Portuguese judeu, Italian giudeo (all 13th cent.). Compare also the Germanic forms cited at Judeish adj. & n. With the regular phonological development of the ending of Latin Iūdaeus in Old French, compare Anglo-Norman and Old French dieu God (see depardieu int.), ebreu Hebrew n., and also early Anglo-Norman and Old French forms such as juieu, juiu, jueu. The French form juif (noun and adjective) shows an analogical formation on the feminine juive Jewish woman (late 12th cent.); a similar development is reflected in antif old, of great age (see etymological note at antique adj.).

Plural forms.

In early use weak ‑n plural forms are attested alongside the strong ‑s plural forms. In Middle English genitive plural forms in ‑n are also common (as e.g. in quot. c1449 at sense 1a).

Specific senses.

For the semantic motivation of senses 1b and 2, see the note at sense 1b. With sense 2b compare slightly earlier Jewing n.3 and the etymological note at that entry.

In sense 3 short for jewfish n.

Early use as surname.

Also attested early as a surname, e.g. Johannes le Jeu (1241), Galfridus le Gyw (1270), Reykynt le Ju (1287–8), although it is unclear whether such very early uses are to be taken as showing the Middle English or the Anglo-Norman word.

Self-designation of Jewish people.

In pre-exilic times the ancient Hebrew people referred to themselves as ʿiḇrī Hebrew n. or bĕnē Yiśrāēl, literally ’sons of Israel’ or ‘children of Israel’ (see etymological note at child n.). The self-designation yĕhūḏī (plural yĕhūḏīm) was first adopted after the return from the Babylonian Exile. It occurs over 70 times in the Old Testament and Hebrew Scriptures, but only in parts with a composition date no earlier than the time of the Babylonian Exile (earliest in 2 Kings); it is < Yĕhūḏāh, the Hebrew form of the name of the patriarch Judah (see Judas n.) + ‑ī ‑i suffix2. Compare also the etymological note at Judaean n. & adj.

Meaning & use

Quotations

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Earlier version

Jew, n. in OED Second Edition (1989)

In other dictionaries

Jeu, n. in Middle English Dictionary

1. 1.a.
  a1225–
  
  A member of a people whose traditional religion is Judaism and who trace their origins through the ancient Hebrew people of Israel to Abraham; a follower or adherent of Judaism.
  The term usually refers to Jewish people from the period of the Babylonian exile and diaspora of the 6th cent. b.c. onwards, though it may occasionally refer to those ancient Hebrew or Israelite peoples whose scriptures and traditions form the basis of Jewish religion and culture (sometimes with the specific sense, ‘a Judean’). See note in etymology, and cf. Hebrew n. A.1a, Israelite n. A.1a.
  black Jew, Conservative Jew, Hellenistic Jew: see the first elements.
  a1225 (?OE)
  Alswa hefden þe giwis heore sinagoge.
  MS Lambeth in R. Morris, Old English Homilies (1868) 1st Series 9
  c1225 (?c1200)
  Ant þoledest pinen ant passiun þurh giwes read on rode.
  St. Juliana (Royal MS.) l. 476
  a1275
  Fforet hym com þe riche ieu þat heiste pilatus.
  in C. Brown, English Lyrics of 13th Century (1932) 38
  1340
  Heȝe men..þet..sosteneþ iewes and þe caorsins.
  Ayenbite (1866) 35
  a1350
  Ich holde me vilore þen a Gyw [rhymes bowe, trowe, now].
  in G. L. Brook, Harley Lyrics (1968) 68
  a1400 (a1325)
  O sinnu etes neuer juu [Göttingen MS. ieuu, Trinity Cambridge MS. iew].
  Cursor Mundi (Vespasian MS.) l. 3944
  c1449
  If Cristen preestis weren Iewen preestis.
  R. Pecock, Repressor (1860) 291
  1533
  Ve prech Iesu Christ crucifeit, sclander to the Iowis and folie to the gentils.
  J. Gau, translation of C. Pedersen, Richt Vay 30
  1600
  Whats his reason, I am a Iewe: Hath not a Iewe eyes.
  W. Shakespeare, Merchant of Venice iii. i. 54
  1622
  In Rome there liued in the Apostles times many Iewes.
  R. Sanderson, Two Serm. Boston i. 2
  1710
  Betwixt the Emperor's Dominions and the Cafres..there are still many of these Jews, whom they there call Falaxas, which signifies, Strangers.
  translation of B. Telles, Trav. Jesuits in Ethiopia i. viii. 38
  1795
  I went in the morning to see a Jewish matrimony... There were many people to see this ceremony, the Jews gave a breakfast.
  E. Wynne, Diary 29 July in Wynne Diaries (1935) vol. II. iii. 39
  1858
  Passover-bread, Passover-cake, a thin unleavened cake, used among the Jews at the festival of the Passover.
  P. L. Simmonds, Dictionary of Trade Products
  1912
  Mr. Lazarus..was a non-practising Jew and worked on Saturdays.
  H. W. C. Newte, Ealing Miracle xvii. 216
  1942
  Nothing else in Hitler's record is comparable to his treatment of the Jews...The word has gone forth that..the Jewish peoples are to be exterminated...The conscience of humanity stands aghast.
  News Chronicle 5 December 2/2
  1991
  Differences in attitude were apparent between ethnic groups, for example, between Ashkenazic and Sephardic Jews.
  International Journal Refugee Law vol. 3 244
  2004
  According to halachah.., a person's legal status as a Jew is based on matrilineal lineage.
  V. J. Cheng, Inauthentic v. 96
  Judaism
  the world people ethnicity, race, or heritage Jewish person [nouns]
  HebrewOld English–
  
  A member of an ancient Semitic-speaking people or nation descended according to biblical tradition from Abraham, his son Isaac, and Isaac's son…
  JudeishOld English–1175
  
  = Jew, n. 1a. Also: the language of Jews; Hebrew.
  Judew?a1160–1275
  
  = Jew, n.
  Jewa1225–
  
  A member of a people whose traditional religion is Judaism and who trace their origins through the ancient Hebrew people of Israel to Abraham; a…
  Hebraean1509–
  
  A Hebrew, a Jew. rare.
  Hebrician1538–70
  
  A Hebrew.
  Jacobinea1625
  
  A descendant of Jacob; an Israelite.
  Israelite1751–
  
  A Jewish person. Cf. Israel, n. A.1. Now rare and potentially offensive.
  Moses1844–79
  
  colloquial. derogatory. A Jewish person (esp. as representing Judaism generally). Obsolete.
  Yahudi1858–
  
  In Arabic-speaking or Muslim countries (in form Yahudi), and in some Jewish use, and hence in (chiefly… A Jew; Jewish people.
  Yiddisher1859–
  
  A Jewish person. Somewhat depreciative. Now rare.
  Semite1881–
  
  A Jewish person. Frequently derogatory or euphemistic.
  non-Aryan1922–
  
  Chiefly in Nazi (and neo-Nazi) ideology: a person not considered Aryan, esp. a Jewish person; a person not of northern European origin or descent…
  non-Aryan1924–
  
  Chiefly in Nazi (and neo-Nazi) ideology: designating a person or group not considered Aryan, esp. Jewish; of or relating to people not of northern…
  View in Historical Thesaurus
  society faith religion Judaism [nouns] person
  Jewa1225–
  
  A member of a people whose traditional religion is Judaism and who trace their origins through the ancient Hebrew people of Israel to Abraham; a…
  Christ-killer1532–
  
  †a. A person who has (or is considered to have) acted or spoken against Christ's teachings (obsolete); b. (in later use) slang (derogatory and offe…
  sabbatizer1635–
  
  A person who follows the doctrine of observing the Sabbath; (in early use also) a person who observes the Sabbath on Saturday (regarded as the…
  synagogistc1662–
  
  An adherent of the Jewish synagogue.
  smouse1705–85
  
  slang. derogatory and offensive. A Jewish person. Obsolete.
  smouch1765–
  
  A Jew.
  Shylock1786–
  
  Allusively. An extortionate usurer. Also: a Jew; a pawnbroker; in U.S. (with lower-case initial), an abusive term for a moneylender; = loan-shark, n.…
  sheeny1824–
  
  slang. offensive and chiefly derogatory. A Jew. Now only as a term of vulgar abuse.
  ikey1836–
  
  Used typically for: a Jew or someone taken to be or resembling a Jew; also, a (Jewish) receiver, moneylender, etc.; transferred, a loafer; a tip… Derogatory and offensive in all uses as applied to persons.
  Yahudi1858–
  
  In Arabic-speaking or Muslim countries (in form Yahudi), and in some Jewish use, and hence in (chiefly… A Jew; Jewish people.
  Yid1874–
  
  A Jewish person. In non-Jewish usage offensive and chiefly derogatory.
  Hebraist1879–
  
  A person who adheres to Hebrew culture or religion; a person regarded as Hebrew in character or nature.
  mocky1893–
  
  U.S. slang. derogatory and offensive. A Jewish person.
  kike1901–
  
  derogatory and offensive. A Jewish person; (in early use) spec. one who sells or manufactures poor-quality goods.
  five-to-two1914–
  
  A Jew.
  Jewy1914–
  
  A Jewish person. Usually derogatory and offensive.
  shonicker1914–
  
  An offensive name for a Jew (see also quot. 1914).
  ikeymo1922–
  
  A Jew.
  Hebe1927–
  
  Chiefly derogatory and offensive. A Jewish person.
  four-by-two1936–
  
  British and Australian. A Jewish person. Now likely to be considered derogatory.
  shonk1938–
  
  An offensive name for a Jew.
  bagel1956–
  
  slang. U.S. derogatory and offensive. A Jewish person.
  Hymie1956–
  
  derogatory and offensive. A Jewish person.
  mock1967–
  
  U.S. slang. derogatory and offensive. A Jewish person.
  yiddo1972–
  
  derogatory and offensive. A Jewish person. Cf. Yid, n. 1.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
2. 1.b.
  1508–
  
  offensive. A hostile or contemptuous term for: a Jewish person, esp. one regarded stereotypically as scheming or excessively concerned with making or saving money; (also) a non-Jewish person regarded in this way.
  This and related senses (see e.g. Jew v. 1, Jewish adj. 2) reflect the widespread anti-Semitism and oppression experienced by Jewish people in predominantly Christian and Muslim societies before emancipation movements of the late 18th to 20th centuries. In medieval Europe Jewish people were commonly subject to legal restrictions including being barred from all occupations except peddling and moneylending (a practice historically forbidden to Christians and Muslims), leading to prejudice and stereotyping.
  1508
  Iudas, Iow, iuglour, Lollard laureate.
  W. Kennedy, Flyting (Chepman & Myllar) in Poems of William Dunbar (1998) vol. I. 217
  1606
  If the sunne of thy bewtie, doe not white me like a shippards holland I am a Iewe to my Creator.
  G. Chapman, Sir Gyles Goosecappe v. sig. H3
  1700
  Better we cannot express the most cut-throat dealing, than thus, You use me like a Jew.
  S. Patrick, Comm. Deut. xxviii. 507
  1830
  Jacob is a regular Jew, and practises all sorts of tricks and wiles.
  S. T. Coleridge, Table-talk 16 May
  c1861
  'Twould be ‘a Bargain’ for a Jew! Say—may I have it—Sir?
  E. Dickinson, Poems (1955) vol. I. 160
  1920
  The jew is underneath the lot. Money in furs.
  T. S. Eliot, Ara Vos Prec 14
  1931
  Why waste your time asking him for a subscription? He's a perfect Jew where money's concerned.
  T. R. G. Lyell, Slang, Phrase & Idiom in Colloquial English 428
  1999
  James needed to borrow some money from Stephen so asked him for £10. Stephen only offered to lend him five. Then came the shock. James said, as if it were no big deal: ‘Stephen, don't be a Jew.’
  Independent 1 February ii. 4/5
  depreciative offensive
1. 2.a.
  1803–
  
  With the. (A name for) an itinerant trader; a pedlar (whether Jewish or not). Now rare.
  For the historic association between Jewish people and peddling, see note at sense 1b.
  1803
  Here's two poets, and a Poll parrot, the best image the Jew had over his head, over the mantle-piece.
  G. Colman, John Bull iii. ii. 43
  1963
  There was a guy who used to come around to the door selling stuff, and my mother called him ‘The Jew’... For her, ‘Jew’ was synonymous with pedlar.
  ‘E. McBain’, Ten Plus One (1964) iv. 42
  1970
  For us, however, ‘Jew’ was just another generic word that often included the peddlers who were Greek or Italian. When we scrounged bottles it was to sell to ‘the Jew’, who was anybody that came along buying junk.
  J. H. Gray, Boy from Winnipeg 43
  2004
  My Mother-in-law had an account with a salesman that sold you things like furniture, clothes etc. He came by the same day every week and collected money on what you bought. He was called The Jew. He really was Jewish.
  A. Mohr & G. Mohr, Poverty's Child 53
  society trade and finance selling seller [nouns] itinerant or pedlar
  pedder1166–
  
  A person who carries goods about for sale; a pedlar.
  pedlar1307–
  
  An itinerant trader or dealer in small goods, esp. a trader who goes from door to door with goods carried in a pack.
  dustyfoota1400–1872
  
  A wayfarer, traveller; spec. a travelling pedlar or merchant. (In quot. 1570 applied to Death personified.) Obsolete exc. Historical.
  tranter1500–
  
  A word having various local uses: chiefly denoting a man who does jobs with his horse and cart; a carrier; a hawker or cadger with horse and cart…
  hawker1510–
  
  A person who goes from place to place selling goods, or who cries them in the street. In modern use technically distinguished from pedlar: see quot…
  jagger?1518–
  
  A pedlar, a hawker.
  jowter1550–
  
  A fish-hawker (Cornwall, Devonsh.). Also, A hawker or pedlar of any kind.
  pedder-coffec1550–1820
  
  A pedlar (cf. cofe, n. 2).
  pedderman1552
  
  petty chapman1553–1827
  
  petty chapman: A retail dealer; esp. = 2.
  swadder1567
  
  (See quot. 1567.)
  packman1571–
  
  An itinerant trader who carries goods in a pack for sale; a pedlar. Now regional (chiefly Scottish and North American).
  merchant1572–1809
  
  Chiefly Scottish. A pedlar, a travelling salesman. Obsolete.
  swigman1575–1699
  
  (See quots.)
  chapman?1593–
  
  An itinerant dealer who travels about from place to place selling or buying; one who keeps booths at markets, etc.; a hawker, pedlar.
  aginator1623–58
  
  A dealer in small wares; a pedlar.
  crier1727
  
  Originally: †an agent who advertises or auctions another's goods (obsolete). Later: a street trader who attracts attention to his or her goods by…
  duffer1735–
  
  A trader or pedlar, spec. a dishonest one who dupes others into buying inferior goods for a high price, e.g. by pretending that they are valuable…
  Jew pedlar1743–1919
  
  A Jewish pedlar (cf. Jew, n. 2a).
  travelling man1747–
  
  (Originally) an itinerant vendor, a pedlar; (later) a travelling salesman.
  fogger1800–60
  
  English regional (eastern). A pedlar, a hawker. Also: a merchant, a shopkeeper. Obsolete.
  Jew1803–
  
  With the. (A name for) an itinerant trader; a pedlar (whether Jewish or not). Now rare.
  box wallah1826–
  
  a. An itinerant pedlar or door-to-door salesperson; b. (occasionally somewhat depreciative) a shopkeeper or retailer, or a person who works in trade…
  packie1832–
  
  Scottish and English regional (northern). A pedlar; = packman, n. 1. Also in compounds, as packie-wares.
  cadger1840–
  
  An itinerant dealer, a hawker, a street-seller.
  jolter1841–
  
  Apparently: a hawker, pedlar; = jowter, n.
  pack-pedlar1859–
  
  An itinerant trader who travels with a pack of items for sale.
  fakir1870–
  
  U.S. colloquial. A street vendor or itinerant trader. Usually with preceding word denoting the product sold or the place where the trader…
  knocker1934–
  
  One who buys from, or sells to, persons at their residences; a door-to-door salesman; also, the action of selling (etc.) from door to door. on the kn…
  doorstepper1976–
  
  One who doorsteps.
  machinga1993–
  
  A street vendor; a hawker.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
2. 2.b.
  1916–
  
  Nautical and Navy slang. A ship's tailor. Cf. Jewing n.3 Now rare or disused.
  Tailoring was a common occupation among Jewish people in the late 19th to mid 20th centuries.
  1916
  They [sc. ships' tailors] were still known as ‘jews’.
  Chambers's Journal May 278/2
  1946
  A sailor-tailor is known as a ‘Jew’.
  J. Irving, Royal Navalese 100
  tailoring navy colloquial and slang disused
  the world textiles and clothing clothing tailoring or making clothes [nouns] tailor other tailors
  merchant tailor1533–
  
  A tailor whose business includes buying cloth as well as manufacturing garments. Hence (usually in form Merchant Taylor): a member of the…
  house tailor1611–
  
  a. A tailor employed by a particular household, hotel, department store, etc.; an in-house tailor; †b. an upholsterer (obsolete).
  cardower1825–1911
  
  A tailor or seamstress who earns money by going from house to house mending old or worn-out clothes.
  springer-up1851–59
  
  A tailor who sells ready-made clothes (as opposed to fitted ones).
  whip-the-cat1851–
  
  †a. adj. Drunken; b. n. (also whip-the-cat), a tailor or other workman who whips the cat.
  tallyman1889–
  
  (See quot. 1889.)
  Jew1916–
  
  Nautical and Navy slang. A ship's tailor. Cf. Jewing, n.³ Now rare or disused.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
3.
1882–

Australian colloquial. A jewfish, esp. the mulloway, Argyrosomus japonicus. Cf. jewfish n. 2b.
1882
Fish... Eels, 1s. to 1s. 6d. each; jews, 1s. to 4s. 6d. each;..kingfish, 1s. each.
Sydney Mail 9 December 1052/2
1927
Many a huge cod, and swags of jew were hauled out of it.
‘S. Rudd’, Romance of Runnibede iv. 35
1987
Fresh water brings down a veritable smorgasbord for jew in the form of small fish, prawns, squid and other delicacies.
Courier-Mail (Brisbane) (Nexis) 13 March
2011
Young adults (school jew, say 60 to 100 cm in length) are common in the lower rivers and embayments in the months of September and October.
G. Brown, How to catch Australia's Favourite Saltwater Fish vi. 84/1
fish Australian English colloquial and slang
the world animals fish superorder Acanthopterygii (spiny fins) order Perciformes (perches) family Sciaenidae (drums) [nouns] member of genus Argyrosomus (maigre) Argyrosomus Hololepidotus (mulloway)
jewfish1834–

Australian. Any of several marine fishes found chiefly in Australian coastal waters; esp. the mulloway, Argyrosomus japonicus (family Sciaenidae).
mulloway1846–

A large edible sciaenid fish, Argyrosomus japonicus (formerly confused with A. hololepidotus), occurring in coastal waters of the Indian Ocean and…
Jew1882–

Australian colloquial. A jewfish, esp. the mulloway, Argyrosomus japonicus. Cf. jewfish, n. 2b.
jewie1896–

A jewfish; esp. the mulloway, Argyrosomus japonicus. Cf. jewfish, n. 2b.
View in Historical Thesaurus

Phrases

P.1.
1683–

as rich as a Jew: extremely rich. Now offensive and somewhat rare.
With reference to anti-Semitic stereotypes; see note at sense 1b.
1683
I hope..Jack Ketch will be more Expert, And in time be as Rich as a Jew.
Whigs laid Open (single sheet)
a1796
We are apt to say, in a proverbial way, ‘as rich as a Jew’; but the Jews, take them in general, are not a rich people.
S. Pegge, Anonymiana (1809) 190
1820
You forget Lady Lilac's as rich as a Jew.
Lord Byron, Blues i. 77
1956
‘Of course, you realize that I could rescue you with my little finger,’ said Mrs Wingfield. ‘I'm as rich as a Jew!’
I. Murdoch, Flight from Enchanter ix. 126
2014
Anelka.., whichever way you look at it, has become as rich as a Jew on transfer fees (and don't dare smear me with the charge of anti-Semitism: I am not an anti-Semite).
H. Jacobson in Independent (Nexis) 11 January 45
offensive
P.2.
c1275–

King of the Jews: (a title of or name for) Jesus Christ.
[After post-classical Latin rex Iudaeorum (Vulgate), itself after Hellenistic Greek βασιλεὺς τῶν Ἰουδαίων (New Testament).]
The title occurs in all four Gospels, first in the Nativity narrative (Matthew 2:2; compare quots. c1275, a1425), and subsequently in the Passion narrative, where Pilate is said to have affixed the inscription INRI (Latin Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum ‘Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews’) to the Cross above Jesus's head (compare John 19:19, and also Matthew 27:37, Mark 15:26, and Luke 23:37).
c1275
Hi..askede wer was se king of gyus þet was i bore.
Kentish Serm. in J. Hall, Selections Early Middle English (1920) vol. I. 214
a1425 (?a1350)
Þai asked whare þe king of iews was born and till him ofrandes broght.
Gospel of Nicodemus (Galba MS.) (1907) l. 568 (Middle English Dictionary)
c1450
Hayl..Ihesu Criste..kynge of Iues, wey of swetnes, [etc.].
Speculum Christiani (Harley MS. 6580) (1933) 160 (Middle English Dictionary)
1673
The Elogium of his Cross, Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews.
E. Stillingfleet, Sermon i. viii. 145
1836
Having crucified him between two common thieves, an inscription was fixed over his head, at the command of Pilate, Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews;—it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin.
Illustr. of New Testament ‘The Crucifixion’
1993
‘Judge not that ye be not judged’ is hardly a maxim which the King of the Jews applied to himself or his Father.
Times 11 December 17/5
2011
Jesus isn't only the King of the Jews but he is king of all nations.
L. G. Fennell, I must tell Jesus xliii. 389
Christianity

Pronunciation

British English

/dʒuː/

joo

U.S. English

/dʒu/

joo

Frequency

Jew is one of the 2,000 most common words in modern written English. It is similar in frequency to words like card, commercial, deny, reduction, and speed.

It typically occurs about 60 times per million words in modern written English.

Jew is in frequency band 6, which contains words occurring between 10 and 100 times per million words in modern written English. More about OED's frequency bands

Frequency data is computed programmatically, and should be regarded as an estimate.

Frequency of Jew, n., 1750–2010

* Occurrences per million words in written English

Historical frequency series are derived from Google Books Ngrams (version 2), a data set based on the Google Books corpus of several million books printed in English between 1500 and 2010.

The overall frequency for a given word is calculated by summing frequencies for the main form of the word, any plural or inflected forms, and any major spelling variations.

For sets of homographs (distinct entries that share the same word-form, e.g. mole, n.¹, mole, n.², mole, n.³, etc.), we have estimated the frequency of each homograph entry as a fraction of the total Ngrams frequency for the word-form. This may result in inaccuracies.

Decade	Frequency per million words
1750	100
1760	89
1770	58
1780	72
1790	69
1800	79
1810	89
1820	91
1830	81
1840	83
1850	67
1860	61
1870	59
1880	48
1890	54
1900	42
1910	42
1920	43
1930	57
1940	70
1950	58
1960	60
1970	61
1980	57
1990	61
2000	60
2010	60

Frequency of Jew, n., 2017–2023

* Occurrences per million words in written English

Modern frequency series are derived from a corpus of 20 billion words, covering the period from 2017 to the present. The corpus is mainly compiled from online news sources, and covers all major varieties of World English.

Smoothing has been applied to series for lower-frequency words, using a moving-average algorithm. This reduces short-term fluctuations, which may be produced by variability in the content of the corpus.

Period	Frequency per million words
Oct.–Dec. 2017	2.5
Jan.–Mar. 2018	2.7
Apr.–June 2018	2.9
July–Sept. 2018	3.2
Oct.–Dec. 2018	3.3
Jan.–Mar. 2019	3.3
Apr.–June 2019	3.0
July–Sept. 2019	2.9
Oct.–Dec. 2019	2.8
Jan.–Mar. 2020	2.4
Apr.–June 2020	2.1
July–Sept. 2020	1.9
Oct.–Dec. 2020	1.9
Jan.–Mar. 2021	2.1
Apr.–June 2021	2.1
July–Sept. 2021	2.1
Oct.–Dec. 2021	2.1
Jan.–Mar. 2022	2.1
Apr.–June 2022	2.0
July–Sept. 2022	2.0
Oct.–Dec. 2022	2.0
Jan.–Mar. 2023	2.3

Compounds & derived words

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All compounds & derived words
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Jewly, adv. a1382–1500

In a manner considered characteristic of a Jewish person; in a language spoken by Jewish people.

Jew man, n. a1382–

In later use chiefly derogatory and offensive. A Jewish man; (formerly also) a moneylender; a pedlar.

Jewhead, n. a1400

The state or condition of being Jewish; Judaism.

Jew's harp, n. 1481–

A small musical instrument consisting of a flexible tongue or reed fixed at one end to a typically lyre-shaped frame, which is played by holding the…

Jew's trump, n. 1481–

A small, typically lyre-shaped musical instrument played using the mouth; = Jew's harp, n. 1. Cf. trump, n.¹ 1b.

Jewish, adj. ?1531–

Of, relating to, belonging to, or characteristic of Jews or Judaism; designating a person who is a Jew.

Jewship, n. 1535–1894

The state or condition of being Jewish. In early use also with the: the Jewish religion, Judaism.

Jews' lime, n. 1543–1854

Asphalt (asphalt, n. 1a), bitumen; cf. Jews'-slime, n.

Jew's ear, n. 1544–

More fully Jew's ear fungus. Any of several cup or ear-shaped fungi; spec. (a) a jelly fungus, Auricularia auricula-judae (family Auriculariaceae)…

red Jew, n. 1550–

A member of a legendary (Jewish) sect associated with the apocalyptic destruction of the Christian world.

Jews' pitch, n. 1562–

Asphalt (asphalt, n. 1a), bitumen; cf. Jews' lime, n.

Jews' money, n. 1577–

Any ancient coin or coins found or dug up in some parts of England.

Jewism, n. 1579–

The Jewish religion, Judaism; (also) Jewish people collectively.

Jew's letter, n. 1590–98

A text inscribed in Hebrew on a phylactery, regarded as the outward symbol or badge of a Jewish person.

Jew town, n. 1592–

colloquial (now potentially offensive even when used without derogatory intent). A name for: an area inhabited predominantly by Jewish people. In later use, esp. such an area within a larger urban environment; a neighbourhood with…

Jew's eye, n. 1593–

(Used proverbially for) something valued highly; esp. in worth a Jew's eye: worth a great deal; very valuable.

Jews thorn, n. 1597–

Any of several thorny shrubs; esp. Christ's thorn Paliurus spina-christi.

Jew's stone, n. 1598–

The spine of a fossil sea urchin, formerly used medicinally to treat disorders of the kidneys and bladder; = Jewish stone, n. Now historical.

Jew-like, adv. & adj. 1604–

Often derogatory and offensive. a. adv. In a manner (stereotypically) regarded as characteristic of a Jewish person; b. adj. (stereotypically) characteristic of a Jewish person.

Jew butcher, n. 1614–

Now chiefly offensive and rare. A Jewish butcher; esp. a kosher butcher.

wandering Jew, n. 1622–

Any of various creeping or trailing plants, esp. of the genera Commelina and Tradescantia (family Commelinaceae).

Jewling, n. 1626–

A young Jewish person. Often derogatory and offensive.

Judas Jew, n. 1633–

offensive (now rare). A person whose treachery resembles that of Judas; (in later use more usually) a Jewish person likened to Judas in having committed an act of…

Jew's mallow, n. 1640–

Any of several mallows of (or formerly included in) the genus Corchorus; spec. (a) jute mallow, C. olitorius, which yields jute and whose young…

Jews'-slime, n. 1640

Asphalt (asphalt, n. 1a), bitumen; cf. slime, n. 1b, Jews' lime, n.

Jew-hating, adj. 1653–

That hates Jewish people or culture; anti-Semitic.

Oriental Jew, n. 1659–

A Jewish person from the east, esp. from Yemen, Ethiopia, Iraq, or India.

Hellenistic Jew, n. 1678–

A Jewish person of the Diaspora who used Hellenistic Greek as opposed to Hebrew; a Hellenist.

Jew frankincense, n. 1678

The bark of plants of the genus Styrax, which yields an aromatic resin used in incense.

jewfish, n. 1679–

Any of several large groupers of (or formerly placed in) the genus Epinephelus (family Serranidae); esp. the goliath grouper, E. itajara, which is…

court Jew, n. 1729–

a. A prominent Jewish person used by a European ruler as a financial manager or banker, whose duties typically included administering estates, collecting taxes, lending money, etc. (now historical); b. (derogatory and offensive) a Jewish…

Jew pedlar, n. 1743–1919

A Jewish pedlar (cf. Jew, n. 2a).

Jew Bill, n. 1753–

(A name for) any of various legislative bills designed to mitigate discrimination against Jewish people; cf. Jewish emancipation, n.

anti-Jew, adj. & n. 1755–

Characterized by prejudice, hostility, or discrimination towards Jewish people, on religious, cultural, or ethnic grounds; anti-Jewish, anti-Semitic.

Jew's frankincense, n. 1760–1873

An aromatic resin obtained from plants of the genus Styrax; (also) a plant producing such resin.

Jewcraft, n. 1769–

derogatory and offensive. Conduct or behaviour stereotypically regarded as characteristic of Jewish people.

Jew bail, n. 1771–

derogatory and offensive (now rare or disused). The fraudulent practice of acting as bail to a prisoner for a fee, with the intention of absconding if later called upon; a person acting in this way…

Jew-looking, adj. 1771–

Now chiefly derogatory and offensive. Having an appearance (stereotypically) regarded as characteristic of a Jewish person.

Jew's myrtle, n. 1775–

a. A variety of the common myrtle, Myrtus communis, which has leaves arranged in whorls of three rather than in pairs and is used in Jewish religious…

Jew boy, n. 1796–

derogatory and offensive. A (typically young) Jewish male.

Jew girl, n. 1796–

derogatory and offensive. A (typically young) Jewish female.

black Jew, n. 1807–

A Jewish person who is dark-skinned or black, esp. (in Asia and Africa) as distinguished from one of European or Levantine ancestry; (also) =…

Jew-hater, n. 1813–

A person who hates Jewish people; an anti-Semitic person.

Jew toll, n. 1813–

A toll formerly levied on Jewish people for travelling between certain places or areas.

Jews' houses, n. 1814–

(A name for) the remains of ancient tin-smelting furnaces in Cornwall; cf. Jews' tin, n.

Jew brandy, n. 1817–50

A type of liquor flavoured with aniseed, formerly distilled by Jewish people in Morocco.

Jew, v. 1825–

colloquial (derogatory and offensive). transitive. To get or try to get the better of (a person) by charging too much or paying too little; to cheat or swindle (out of something)…

Jews' tin, n. 1828–

Any lump or lumps of tin found on the sites of ancient tin-smelting furnaces in Cornwall; cf. Jews' houses, n.

Jew bush, n. 1830–

A tropical American spurge, Euphorbia tithymaloides, previously used medicinally for its emetic properties and now cultivated as a garden plant for…

Jew lizard, n. 1833–

Any of several large Australian agamid lizards; spec. the Eastern bearded dragon, Pogona barbata, which has spiny scales on its throat thought to…

Jew's apple, n. 1838–

The fruit of the eggplant or aubergine, Solanum melongena; the plant itself.

Jew-hating, n. 1839–

Hatred of Jewish people or culture; anti-Semitism.

Jew cart, n. 1840

A cart used to carry stolen goods.

Jewhood, n. 1847–

The state or condition of being Jewish; Jewishness.

Jewdom, n. 1850–

Jewish people considered collectively; Jewish religion, culture, or tradition.

Jewy, adj. 1853–

Resembling or characteristic of a Jewish person; having characteristics attributed to Jewish people. Usually derogatory and offensive.

non-Jew, n. 1864–

A person who is not Jewish; a Gentile.

Jew-baiting, n. & adj. 1867–

a. n. The harassment, abuse, or intentional provocation of a Jewish person or Jewish people; the incitement or exploitation of anti-Semitic…

jewing, n.² 1868–

As a mass noun. The wattles at the base of the beak in some varieties of domestic pigeon.

progressive Jew, n. 1870–

(Also with capital initial in the first element) an adherent or follower of progressive Judaism; (now) spec. a Reform Jew.

Jewless, adj. 1876–

Characterized by the absence of Jewish people.

Jew plum, n. 1880–

The Otaheite apple Spondias dulcis; the yellow, plum-like fruit of this tree.

crypto-Jew, n. 1881–

Jew-hatred, n. 1881–

Hatred of Jewish people; anti-Semitism; cf. Jew-hating, n.

Jew-baiter, n. 1883–

A person who engages in harassment, abuse, or intentional provocation of a Jewish person or Jewish people, or in the incitement or exploitation of…

Jew's poker, n. 1891–

A non-Jewish person employed to light or tend fires for Jewish people on the Sabbath (a task included under Jewish religious law in the prohibition…

Jew-bait, v. 1892–

transitive to harass, abuse, or provoke intentionally (a Jewish person or Jewish people); to subject to Jew-baiting.

Jew joke, n. 1896–

A joke making fun of Jewish people; cf. Jewish joke, n.

Jew-free, adj. 1898–

Characterized by the absence of Jewish people.

philo-Jew, n. 1898–

Jewing, n.³ 1901–

Tailoring; sewing. Cf. Jew, n. 2b.

Jew York, n. 1911–

slang. derogatory and offensive. A name for: New York. With derogatory reference to the large number of Jewish people resident in New York.

Jewy, n. 1914–

A Jewish person. Usually derogatory and offensive.

Jewdar, n. 2000–

An ability, attributed esp. to Jewish people and likened humorously to radar, to identify a (fellow) Jewish person by intuition or by interpreting…

C.1.
a1680–

With other nouns, with the sense ‘that is a Jewish person’, as in Jew agitator, Jew broker, Jew physician, Jew merchant, etc. Now chiefly derogatory and offensive.
In early use sometimes used as a simple designation without specific derogatory intent (though often in depreciative contexts). Jewish is the more acceptable equivalent term.
In some cases, esp. in later use, Jew could instead be interpreted as an adjective.
a1680
And crucify his Saviour worse Than those Jew-Troopers, that threw out, When they were raffling for his coat.
S. Butler, Genuine Remains (1759) vol. II. 84
1731
Dr. Bass, a noted Jew Physician in St Mary Axe.
Gentleman's Magazine September 403/1
1779
The Jew Brokers, who frighten weak-minded Stockholders with some bloody bad News, and then pick their Pockets.
St. James's Chronicle 30 October
1834
The vitals are eaten out of Old England by subsidies, loan-contractors, and Jew-jobbers.
Tait's Edinburgh Magazine New Series vol. 1 390/1
1843
A street like those occupied by Jew clothesmen in Wapping.
T. B. Macaulay, Letter 7 September in Selected Letters (1982) 202
1917
Burnham is a Jew merchant, named Lawson (sc. Levi-sohn?).
T. S. Eliot, Letter 31 October (1988) vol. I. 206
1996
When a klezmer band arrived in town.., the sheriff told them to keep traveling, no Jew agitators wanted in Prank.
E. A. Proulx, Accordion Crimes (1997) 114
2003
There were physicians from Greece, Rome, India working here and a lot of Jew physicians too.
I. Bashiri, translation of I. Soatov in From Hymns of Zarathustra to Songs of Borbad ii. 212
derogatory offensive
C.2.

In the names of animals and plants.
1. C.2.a.
  
  With the first element in singular form.
  1. Jew frankincense, n. 1678
    
    The bark of plants of the genus Styrax, which yields an aromatic resin used in incense.
  1. Jew bush, n. 1830–
    
    A tropical American spurge, Euphorbia tithymaloides, previously used medicinally for its emetic properties and now cultivated as a garden plant for…
  1. Jew lizard, n. 1833–
    
    Any of several large Australian agamid lizards; spec. the Eastern bearded dragon, Pogona barbata, which has spiny scales on its throat thought to…
  1. Jew plum, n. 1880–
    
    The Otaheite apple Spondias dulcis; the yellow, plum-like fruit of this tree.
2. C.2.b.
  
  With the first element in plural or genitive form.
  1. Jews thorn, n. 1597–
    
    Any of several thorny shrubs; esp. Christ's thorn Paliurus spina-christi.
  1. Jew's mallow, n. 1640–
    
    Any of several mallows of (or formerly included in) the genus Corchorus; spec. (a) jute mallow, C. olitorius, which yields jute and whose young…
  1. Jew's frankincense, n. 1760–1873
    
    An aromatic resin obtained from plants of the genus Styrax; (also) a plant producing such resin.
  1. Jew's myrtle, n. 1775–
    
    a. A variety of the common myrtle, Myrtus communis, which has leaves arranged in whorls of three rather than in pairs and is used in Jewish religious…
  1. Jew's apple, n. 1838–
    
    The fruit of the eggplant or aubergine, Solanum melongena; the plant itself.
C.3.

General compounds.
1. C.3.a.
  
  With the first element in singular form.
  1. Jew man, n. a1382–
    
    In later use chiefly derogatory and offensive. A Jewish man; (formerly also) a moneylender; a pedlar.
  1. Jew butcher, n. 1614–
    
    Now chiefly offensive and rare. A Jewish butcher; esp. a kosher butcher.
  1. Jew pedlar, n. 1743–1919
    
    A Jewish pedlar (cf. Jew, n. 2a).
  1. Jew Bill, n. 1753–
    
    (A name for) any of various legislative bills designed to mitigate discrimination against Jewish people; cf. Jewish emancipation, n.
  1. Jewcraft, n. 1769–
    
    derogatory and offensive. Conduct or behaviour stereotypically regarded as characteristic of Jewish people.
  1. Jew bail, n. 1771–
    
    derogatory and offensive (now rare or disused). The fraudulent practice of acting as bail to a prisoner for a fee, with the intention of absconding if later called upon; a person acting in this way…
  1. Jew-looking, adj. 1771–
    
    Now chiefly derogatory and offensive. Having an appearance (stereotypically) regarded as characteristic of a Jewish person.
  1. Jew boy, n. 1796–
    
    derogatory and offensive. A (typically young) Jewish male.
  1. Jew girl, n. 1796–
    
    derogatory and offensive. A (typically young) Jewish female.
  1. Jew-hater, n. 1813–
    
    A person who hates Jewish people; an anti-Semitic person.
  1. Jew toll, n. 1813–
    
    A toll formerly levied on Jewish people for travelling between certain places or areas.
  1. Jew brandy, n. 1817–50
    
    A type of liquor flavoured with aniseed, formerly distilled by Jewish people in Morocco.
  1. Jew cart, n. 1840
    
    A cart used to carry stolen goods.
  1. Jew-baiting, n. & adj. 1867–
    
    a. n. The harassment, abuse, or intentional provocation of a Jewish person or Jewish people; the incitement or exploitation of anti-Semitic…
  1. Jew-hatred, n. 1881–
    
    Hatred of Jewish people; anti-Semitism; cf. Jew-hating, n.
  1. Jew-baiter, n. 1883–
    
    A person who engages in harassment, abuse, or intentional provocation of a Jewish person or Jewish people, or in the incitement or exploitation of…
  1. Jew-bait, v. 1892–
    
    transitive to harass, abuse, or provoke intentionally (a Jewish person or Jewish people); to subject to Jew-baiting.
  1. Jew joke, n. 1896–
    
    A joke making fun of Jewish people; cf. Jewish joke, n.
  1. Jew-free, adj. 1898–
    
    Characterized by the absence of Jewish people.
2. C.3.b.
  
  With the first element in plural or genitive form.
  1. Jews' lime, n. 1543–1854
    
    Asphalt (asphalt, n. 1a), bitumen; cf. Jews'-slime, n.
  1. Jews' pitch, n. 1562–
    
    Asphalt (asphalt, n. 1a), bitumen; cf. Jews' lime, n.
  1. Jews' money, n. 1577–
    
    Any ancient coin or coins found or dug up in some parts of England.
  1. Jew's letter, n. 1590–98
    
    A text inscribed in Hebrew on a phylactery, regarded as the outward symbol or badge of a Jewish person.
  1. Jew's eye, n. 1593–
    
    (Used proverbially for) something valued highly; esp. in worth a Jew's eye: worth a great deal; very valuable.
  1. Jews'-slime, n. 1640
    
    Asphalt (asphalt, n. 1a), bitumen; cf. slime, n. 1b, Jews' lime, n.
  1. Jews' houses, n. 1814–
    
    (A name for) the remains of ancient tin-smelting furnaces in Cornwall; cf. Jews' tin, n.
  1. Jews' tin, n. 1828–
    
    Any lump or lumps of tin found on the sites of ancient tin-smelting furnaces in Cornwall; cf. Jews' houses, n.
  1. Jew's poker, n. 1891–
    
    A non-Jewish person employed to light or tend fires for Jewish people on the Sabbath (a task included under Jewish religious law in the prohibition…

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What does the noun Jew mean?

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How is the noun Jew pronounced?

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Where does the noun Jew come from?

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1.

2. N.E.D. (1900) also records a form

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Frequency of Jew, n., 1750–2010

Frequency of Jew, n., 2017–2023

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