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

Deutsche Bank analysts Benjamin Goy and Sharath Kumar, who affirmed their “buy” rating on UBS shares, said the pre-tax figures topped the consensus analysts’ expectations and said: “UBS reported another good quarter in our view.”

From Seattle Times

Deutsche Bank analyst Benjamin Goy said he expected to see outflows of up to 100 billion Swiss francs over time.

From Reuters

Deutsche Bank Research analyst Benjamin Goy said Credit Suisse's collapse has the potential to be a major accelerator for Julius Baer over the next two to three years.

From Reuters

“She’s not a goy. You can see it in her face.”

From Literature

A BBC undercover investigation showed former Llanelli footballer Emile N'Goy, his brother Hermes N'Goy and three European players discussing the illegal activity with undercover journalists.

From BBC