goy
1. A Hebrew word used in the Jewish
Scriptures (a.k.a. the Old
Testament). The word means "nation," and is always used within these
scriptures to refer to the nations of the world. Significantly, within the Old Testament,
Judah (the Jewish nation) itself is called a "goy."2. In the Old Testament, the Jews were called to be a nation separate from the other nations, which were all Pagan. And so, colloquially, all non-Jewish nations came to be called "
goyim" as in "the nations" from which the God of the Old Testament had called upon the Jews to separate themselves.3. A word used by some Jews to refer to
Gentiles (non-Jews). The word can have derogatory connotations, such as the word "black" when used to refer to a persons of African descent. It can be neutral or negative depending on the context and the intent of the speaker.Plural - goyim.
goy
by Yossel the Yid on Apr 13, 2004 02:45:04
Hebrew and Yiddish term for a non-Jewish person; synonymous with "gentile." Usually neutral, despite persistent untrue rumors that it is derogatory. It should only be considered offensive when it is used in a context indicating that it's intended as an insult, or said in a tone of disgust- much like the word "Jew." Plural, "goyim"; adjective forms "
goyish," "
goyishe," "
goyisher."
goy
by 5th Column on May 02, 2003 12:26:50
Hebrew term for "
gentile", it's usually used in an
unflattering manner. It, like "gentile", literally means "nation" (as in
tribe or race, not really country).
Example:
goy
by Sima L. on May 23, 2005 07:53:34
this is the word you use when you've done something embarassing or wrong and want to
get out of it with some humourous escape.
(you can add to the affect by
yanking on your
collar and moving your jaw to the right)