goy

Goy is a Hebrew word that literally means "nation" or "people." In Jewish usage it has come to refer to a person who is not Jewish. The modern Hebrew form goy (singular) and goyim (plural) are common in everyday speech, and in English-language writing goy is often rendered as Gentile. The word’s meaning depends on context: in the Bible goy usually denotes a nation or people in a general sense; in rabbinic and later Jewish literature it frequently denotes a non-Jew.

In contemporary Hebrew, goy denotes a non-Jew, while terms such as am or Yisrael refer to Jews. The adjective goyishe or goyish describes Gentile customs or culture; the noun goy can be used either neutrally or colloquially. In English, goy may appear in discussions of Judaism, Jewish history, or interfaith topics.

Attitudes toward the term vary. Some speakers use it descriptively without judgment, while others may view it as pejorative or othering, especially if used with contempt or hostility. Because of potential offense, many contexts favor neutral language such as "non-Jew" or, in some cases, "Gentile." The plural form goyim is used for non-Jewish peoples or nations in the Bible and in modern usage, sometimes referring to Gentiles collectively. Overall, goy functions as a cultural and linguistic label with a spectrum of connotations depending on tone, context, and audience.