How do you feel when they start talking to you in a language you do not understand? Or put the question even more intriguingly - you understand the language, with the exception of the appeal addressed to you. Surely this hurts even more than in the first case.
International relations have always been famous for the dual meanings of certain words and expressions. Foreigners are especially surprised at this when they come to our country. So, for example, those obscene words that they slowly adopt from us in order to more clearly express their negative emotions, in Russia they hear their address in a completely friendly, welcoming tone. Moreover, they were really pronounced without any malicious intent. And at the same time, the same unfortunate foreigners can easily run into trouble if they suddenly utter a rather ordinary literary word during a conversation with a Russian. For example, "pike." Well, this is from a joke.
As a rule, every nation has, to put it mildly, riddle words. In this article we will consider one of the most curious words of our time, the meaning of which is still not clear to everyone. And this is goy. Word, which can only be heard from people of Jewish descent. And there are a lot of opinions about him. Someone thinks this is an insult. And someone is looking for answers in more cultural sources. So the goy is who?
What does it mean?
The word "goy" has a lot of meanings. But initially it can be found in Tanakh, in which it is interpreted only as a goy - this "people".
Moreover, this word applies both to Jews and to any other ethnic group. Several hundred times the word goy appears in Jewish holy books. And in most cases it refers specifically to the Israelites.
back side
In the same Tanakh, “goy” is a word that can be interpreted as “pagan”. But here, again, it refers to the Jews. The only difference is in those who do not comply with any specific norms and traditions. And in order to shame for such a neglect of their culture, ignorance is ranked among the Gentiles. In the old Russian archives this was referred to as "goyim."
Sometimes various prefixes and endings are added to a word, thus highlighting the true meaning. For example, "shabesgoy." In this case, it refers to a Jew who does not observe certain traditions on Saturdays. "Shabesgoy" - "Saturday goy." As a rule, Saturday is Shabbat for the Jews. In other words, the day when nothing can be done. Also, violations are considered the use of any prohibited foods (such as pork). This, again, is not an insult, but an appeal that respects your culture.
Designation "stranger"
Later the word "goy" began to have a slightly different character. The first such interpretation was found in one of the ancient scrolls found in Qumran Cave. They began to call strangers. In other words, people of a foreign faith and nationality. This can be found, for example, among the Japanese - “gaijin”, or among the gypsies - “gajo”. The expression is still not negative. But there is a need for it, like any other people who value their culture.
The designation of "friends" and "strangers" plays a significant role, for example, when it comes to weddings. An Israelite should only marry an Israeli woman. And vice versa. Non-Jewish marriages are strictly prohibited. But with all this there is no place for a national character. Any goy who renounces his faith and embraces Jewish culture automatically loses his goy status. What means, that he, for example, can marry an Israeli woman.
Insult
Initially, the word “goy” is not an insult. However, it is generally accepted that this is how Jews express their contempt for “non-Jews.” As is commonly believed, Jews are dismissive of other nationalities in view of the fact that they consider themselves to be a chosen nation. However, for many, this is what happens. In order to understand what exactly the Jew speaking to you means, it is necessary to pay attention to his intonation and facial expressions. If the word is offensive, then you will immediately understand this. But first of all, you need to remember, the true meaning of the word “goy” is "people". Another thing is if a Jew calls you "Pots." There is already nothing to think about.
Myths, coincidences and simply names of something
In addition, the word "goy" can be found:
- Goy Yesi is an ancient Slavic expression used both to express positive emotions and greetings (something like “be healthy”).
- In abusive terms, there is such a word "shiksa" - as the Jews call the wife of a goy. More often than not, “Shiksa” the parents of a Jewish boy call the girl a “non-Jew” who has beguiled their son.
- Goy - this is the “yogi” read back to front - that is how the ancient Aryans called themselves. There is a myth that, in revenge for the Holocaust, the Jews turned this word over, making it offensive.
- Goy is the usual surname of a Jewish family.
- Goyny - such an adjective is noted among Russians living in the northeast. It means - pure, sincere, charming.
And these are far from all cases where the word “goy” is somehow mentioned.