Why do people always call them Jews? The proper word is Jewish! So why?

Question

Why do people call them Jews? Its so rude. So why? I am Catholic by the way. But have Jewish friends.

Lets think about this people. Which sounds better?
The Jews? Or the Jewish people?
Now think for a minute and then tell me which sounds more respectful.

Answer 1

Thank you for asking a question like this. Maybe because we are too darn lazy to say 'Jewish'. I know, 'Jew' sounds so rude. Jewish sounds much more respectful!

Answer 2

Jews, is just a one syllable shortened version of the word Jewish. It is not an insult to them. I have several Jewish friends and they have never complained about being called Jews. Paul was Jewish and said "there is neither JEW nor greek.....for you are all one in Christ Jesus" when referring to his heritage. Many times in the Bible they are rererred to as Jews and it is not an isult, so I don't believe it should be taken as one. I am Caucasian, but others refer to me as "white", and that doesn't offend me.
Why are you so defensive about this? There is absolutely nothing wrong with the word Jew! I just got off of the phone with my "jewish" friend and he can't believe you are making such a big deal about this escpecially not being a jew yourself. It does not sound rude to say Jew! It's simple my friend is jewish and he is a jew. It sounds to me like you are the only one that has a problem with this. The way I look at it is you asked "WHY", and it's pretty obvious that everyone feels the same way and even answered your question intelligently with factual information that can be verified. Your question has been answered and facts are facts. Stop maiking something out of nothing!

Answer 3

why is the word jew rude? i only say "jews" because thats all i've ever known,thats how jewish people have been known for generations.. most people don't know any different,why be defensive about something that noone realises is offensive.. calm down and get over yourself.

Answer 4

so if you have a jewish friend, you call him/her a 'jewish?' the word 'jew' is a noun...and someone who is 'jewish' is, by definition, a 'jew'...it's not rude, it's accurate...if you find that offensive, the problem is of your own making-most jews i have known are proud to be jews, and refer to themselves as jews...if you're offended by the term, it speaks more to your perception than to anything real...

Answer 5

Jews= noun form
Jewish= Adjective form

Answer 6

I agree with the above answers: Jewish is the adjective, while Jew is the noun. There is no offense in that. Unless of course, you say, "Effen Jew...".

Answer 7

"Jewish" is an adjective, describing the person or group, such as "My friend is Jewish."

"Jew" is a noun, describing the lineage of the descendants of the nation of Israel, such as "My freind is a Jew."

"Judaism" is a noun, describing the specific religion or system of faith generally practiced by the nation of Israel, such as "My friend's faith is Judaism."

It's not rude, it's that there are different applications of the words.

Answer 8

Because its the way they want to say it it doesnt matter whether you say jew for jewish. its freedom of speech on how you can say jew or jewish.

Answer 9

in case you like to be properly suited, basically the Temple on Temple Mount in Jerusalem might desire to be referred to as a Temple..... each and every thing else is a shul or synagogue. in case you do not comprehend for advantageous, call it a synagogue and you will not get all people disenchanted.

Answer 10

So I guess that makes you Catholicish, sorry but it is just how the Engl language works.