shiksa: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal / Slang
Quick answer
What does “shiksa” mean?
A non-Jewish girl or woman.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A non-Jewish girl or woman.
A term often used, especially by Jews, to refer to a non-Jewish female, sometimes with a connotation of romantic or sexual allure from the perspective of a Jewish man.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The term is used in communities with Yiddish/Ashkenazi Jewish cultural influence, which exists in both countries.
Connotations
Same core connotations apply in both regions: can range from neutral/descriptive to mildly derogatory or objectifying.
Frequency
Likely more frequent in American English due to the larger Ashkenazi Jewish population and greater cultural permeation of Yiddish-derived terms.
Grammar
How to Use “shiksa” in a Sentence
Jewish + VERB (e.g., date, marry) + shiksaVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rarely used, possibly only in sociological or cultural studies discussing intra-group terminology.
Everyday
Used informally within some Jewish communities, especially in social/family contexts.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shiksa”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “shiksa”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shiksa”
- Using it as a general compliment or insult outside its cultural context.
- Pronouncing it with a hard 'sh' as in 'ship'.
- Using it to refer to a Jewish woman (the opposite meaning).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be, depending on context and tone. It is often used descriptively within the Jewish community, but can carry pejorative or objectifying overtones, especially when emphasizing 'otherness'. Its use by non-Jews is generally considered inappropriate.
The male equivalent is 'shaygetz' (also from Yiddish, pronounced SHAY-gits).
No, by definition a shiksa is non-Jewish. Calling a Jewish woman a shiksa would be incorrect and likely offensive.
Yes, within British Jewish communities, particularly those with Ashkenazi heritage. However, it is less likely to be recognised by the general British public compared to the US.
A non-Jewish girl or woman.
Shiksa is usually informal / slang in register.
Shiksa: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃɪk.sə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃɪk.sə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Sheik + sa: Imagine a sheik (a non-Jewish Arab leader) with a daughter (the 'sa' sound). A 'sheik'sa' girl is not Jewish.
Conceptual Metaphor
OUTSIDER AS TEMPTATION / THE OTHER (within a specific cultural frame)
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'shiksa' MOST appropriately and naturally used?