schvartze

[ shvahr-tsuh; English shvahrt-suh ]

noun

, Yiddish: Usually Disparaging and Offensive.

1. a term used by some Jewish people to refer to a Black person.

Sensitive Note

Schvartze was used through the 1960s (and even later by the older generation) to refer specifically to a Black housekeeper or servant. The term was not always used contemptuously; in fact, the Yiddish noun is derived from a merely descriptive adjective meaning "black" (German schwarz ). However, schvartze has been categorized by some as an inside “code word,” a less transparent equivalent of nigger, and so the term has fallen into disrepute.

Word History and Origins

Origin of schvartze¹

First recorded in 1960–65; from Yiddish shvarts “black”; compare German schwartz

Example Sentences

How can this trash, that was only created to pull the shekels out of your Schvartze pockets, invoke any pride?”

From Slate

He recalled that comedian Jackie Mason, who supported Giuliani in the 1993 election, called Dinkins a “fancy schvartze,” using a derogatory Yiddish term for Black people.

From Seattle Times