kike

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kike" is not correct or usable in written English as it is a derogatory term for Jewish people.
It is considered highly offensive and should not be used in any context. Example: "Using the term kike in any conversation is unacceptable and harmful."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Murakami's first novel, Kaze no uta o kike (1979; Hear the Wind Sing; film 1980), won a prize for best fiction by a new writer.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Educating the masses once again @BBCSport you do realise "kike" is a particularly offensive term for a Jewish person don't you?

Independent

The Tweet, linking to a news story about Middlesbrough signing Enrique Sola - nickname Kike - read "Two Kikes... there's only two Kikes.

Independent

The two names are pronounced key-kay rather than kike, an extremely offensive anti-semitic slur.

Independent

Is it a more hurtful racial epithet than insults such as kike, wop, wetback, mick, chink, and gook?

The New Yorker

The lyric was "Jew me, sue me, kick me, kike me".

The New Yorker

"I didn't enjoy being called a dirty kike, and I had been".

The New Yorker

My mom says you called her a kike".

The New Yorker

A typical Salinger hero is the little boy who confuses "kike" with "kite," in "Down at the Dinghy" — who thinks that his father has been maliciously compared to "one of those things that go up in the air..

The New Yorker

"But you don't let anyone call you a kike".

The New Yorker

This makes no sense, since the gangster's name remains Wolfsheim and Tom later refers to him as "that kike".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Never use the word "kike" as it is a deeply offensive and hurtful slur. Instead, use respectful and neutral terms like "Jewish person" or "member of the Jewish community".

Common error

Avoid using the term "kike" in any context. Its use perpetuates hatred and discrimination. Choose respectful and accurate language to refer to individuals and communities.

Linguistic Context

The word "kike" functions as a derogatory noun. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a highly offensive term for Jewish people. Its primary use is to insult and demean, not to describe or inform neutrally.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "kike" is a deeply offensive and derogatory slur used against Jewish people. Ludwig AI clearly indicates that this word is unacceptable in any context. Its usage is considered hate speech and should be avoided entirely. Instead, opt for neutral and respectful terms such as "Jewish person" or "member of the Jewish community". The consistent presence of this term in news and media contexts primarily serves to document its offensive nature, not to endorse its use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Jewish person

A neutral and respectful term for a person of Jewish faith or heritage.

Member of the Jewish community

A more formal and inclusive way to refer to someone within the Jewish community.

Person of Jewish descent

Focuses on ancestry rather than religious affiliation.

Stingy person

Replaces the slur with a general term for someone who is ungenerous.

Miser

A more literary term for someone who hoards wealth and is reluctant to spend it.

Tightwad

An informal term for someone who is unwilling to spend money.

Penny-pincher

Describes someone who is excessively careful with money.

Frugal individual

A more positive spin on being careful with money, emphasizing resourcefulness.

Parsimonious individual

A more formal way of describing someone who is unwilling to spend money.

Ungenerous person

A direct and neutral way to describe someone who does not give freely.

FAQs

Why is the word "kike" considered offensive?

The word "kike" is a derogatory term for Jewish people and has a long history of being used to spread hatred and discrimination. Its use is deeply hurtful and perpetuates antisemitism.

What can I say instead of "kike"?

Use neutral and respectful terms such as "Jewish person" or "member of the Jewish community". If you're referring to someone's financial habits, use words like "stingy person" if applicable, but avoid making assumptions based on someone's ethnicity or religion.

Is there any context where using the word "kike" is acceptable?

No, there is no context where using the word "kike" is acceptable. It is always considered offensive and harmful.

What is the origin of the word "kike"?

The origin of the word "kike" is uncertain, but it's believed to have originated in the late 19th or early 20th century. Regardless of its exact origin, it has always been used as a derogatory term for Jewish people.