shegetz: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Slang, In-group
Quick answer
What does “shegetz” mean?
A non-Jewish boy or young man, often used by Jewish speakers with a tone of disapproval or mild contempt.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A non-Jewish boy or young man, often used by Jewish speakers with a tone of disapproval or mild contempt.
Often extended to refer to any non-Jewish male, regardless of age, especially when perceived as behaving in a way considered inappropriate, brash, or uncultured by Jewish cultural standards. Can be used teasingly among in-group speakers.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely equivalent and confined to Jewish communities in both regions. May be slightly more recognised in North America due to larger, more culturally present Ashkenazi populations in media.
Connotations
Identical cultural connotations in both regions, tied to Yiddish/Ashkenazi heritage.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general English; used almost exclusively within specific cultural contexts in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “shegetz” in a Sentence
He is a [shegetz].My [shegetz] of a neighbour.That [shegetz] next door.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shegetz” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not used as a verb)
American English
- (Not used as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- (Rarely adjectival, but 'shegetzy' behaviour might be heard)
American English
- He has such a shegetzy charm about him.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in sociolinguistic or cultural studies discussing Jewish/Yiddish language.
Everyday
Only within informal speech of certain Jewish communities.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shegetz”
- Using it outside of in-group contexts, which can cause offense. Mispronouncing it (e.g., 'she-guts'). Using it for a female (the correct term is 'shiksa').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be. When used by an outsider or with clear derogatory intent, it is offensive. Within an in-group context, its tone can range from mildly critical to teasing. Caution is advised for non-members of the community.
It derives from Yiddish (שגץ, sheygets), which in turn comes from Hebrew (שֶׁקֶץ, sheqets), meaning 'abomination' or 'detested thing', originally in a ritual context.
Typically, no. The core meaning specifies a non-Jewish male. However, it could be used metaphorically or ironically to describe a Jewish man who is acting in a way considered profoundly non-Jewish or contrary to expected norms.
Yes, the standard Yiddish-derived plural is 'shkotzim' (שקצים). In English contexts, some speakers use the Anglicised 'shegetzes'.
A non-Jewish boy or young man, often used by Jewish speakers with a tone of disapproval or mild contempt.
Shegetz is usually informal, slang, in-group in register.
Shegetz: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃeɪ.ɡəts/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃeɪ.ɡəts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He's no shegetz (used to express pleasant surprise that a non-Jewish man is knowledgeable/respectful).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a boy named SHAY, who GETS (shegetz) into trouble – but he's not from our community.
Conceptual Metaphor
OUTSIDER IS CONTAMINATING (historically linked to ritual purity concerns).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'shegetz' MOST appropriately used?