goyish

Goyish is an adjective derived from the Yiddish word goy, which in turn comes from the Hebrew goy meaning “nation.” In modern usage, goyish describes things associated with non-Jews or Gentile culture, manners, or products. The term appears in Yiddish and has been adopted into English, especially in discussions of Jewish life, culture, and humor.

Usage and nuance vary. Goyish can be descriptive, signaling non-Jewish origin or influence, but it can also carry pejorative, self-deprecating, or affectionate connotations depending on tone and context. Common phrases include goyish humor or goyish foods to contrast with Jewish versions of humor or cuisine. Related terms include goyishekeit (goyish-ness), which denotes Gentile-like behavior or qualities, and the plural goyim, referring to non-Jews in Hebrew and Yiddish.

Context matters for reception. Some speakers use goyish in a neutral or everyday sense, while others use it to emphasize boundaries between Jewish and non-Jewish cultures. In formal settings, many prefer neutral terms such as non-Jew or Gentile to avoid offense. The term reflects the historical blending of Hebrew, Yiddish, and English in Jewish communities and remains part of discussions about ethnoreligious identity, language, and culture.