kike
Very Low (taboo term)Taboo, offensive, hate speech
Definition
Meaning
A highly offensive and pejorative slur for a Jewish person.
Used exclusively as a hateful ethnic/religious insult.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This term is historically anti-Semitic and carries extreme derogatory connotations. Its use is almost universally considered unacceptable and inflammatory. It is not used in standard or polite conversation under any circumstances.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No difference in meaning or offensiveness. It is recognized as a severe slur in both varieties.
Connotations
Extremely derogatory, hateful, and associated with bigotry and prejudice.
Frequency
Extremely rare in public discourse, limited to contexts of hate speech or historical reference.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
used as a noun (subject/object of hate speech)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Unacceptable and would constitute severe harassment.
Academic
Only discussed in historical, sociological, or linguistic contexts analyzing hate speech.
Everyday
Completely unacceptable and offensive.
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The word 'kike' is a very bad word.
- You should never use the offensive slur 'kike'.
- Historians study how slurs like 'kike' were used to promote anti-Semitism.
- The use of epithets such as 'kike' constitutes hate speech and is legally actionable in many jurisdictions.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Do NOT create a mnemonic for remembering this word. It is a term to be understood only as harmful and avoided.
Conceptual Metaphor
HATE IS A WEAPON / DEGRADATION IS DOWN
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- This is not a general term for a Jewish person. The neutral Russian term 'еврей' corresponds to 'Jew'. 'Kike' is exclusively a severe insult with no acceptable use.
Common Mistakes
- Attempting to use it as a neutral term.
- Repeating it without understanding its extreme offensiveness.
Practice
Quiz
What is the appropriate context for using the word 'kike'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is a severe anti-Semitic slur. Its only conceivable use is within a strictly controlled academic or historical discussion about the word itself as an example of hate speech.
Depending on the context and your safety, you might challenge its use, explain its deeply offensive nature, or report it as hate speech to relevant authorities or moderators.
The neutral and acceptable term is 'Jew' (noun) or 'Jewish' (adjective).
To understand the cultural and historical weight of language, to avoid causing grave offense unintentionally, and to recognize and combat hate speech.