Where does the derogatory term for a Jew ( Kike) come from?

Answer 1

Derogatory terms for Jews r us

Answer 2

One explanation is that the word kike originates from the word "keikl", in Yiddish, which means "circle". At Ellis Island, one of the main immigration checkin points, immigrants were intially grouped by religion and language in order to make it easier for them to communicate with each other and also to be identified more quickly by waiting relatives there to meet them. Christians were marked off with an 'X' which was likely really supposed to be a cross; Jews were marked with a circle which was really likely supposed to be the Star of David. It is easy to see how the staff could become sloppy at drawing these symbols as 'x' and 'o'. The word "keikl" was used by the Jews making fun of the poorly drawn star; they referred to each other as being 'circles'. Unfortunately, from this innocent usage, the term aquired a derogatory meaning.

Answer 3

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kike

Etymology of derogatory term
Kike was originally used by American Jews in the 19th century to refer to those Jews who had immigrated more recently than themselves and were less educated.[1] The word is first recorded in print in 1904.[2]

Theories regarding the word's origin include:

It may be derived from kikel, a Yiddish term for "circle". Illiterate Jews are said to have signed legal documents with an "O" rather than with an "X", possibly because "X" is used as a symbol for Jesus in other contexts. The "O" mark is said to have been used by Jewish immigrants at Ellis Island.[1]
The word may be inspired by the fact that Jewish surnames often end in -(s)ky or -(s)ki.[1] This etymology is given in the Oxford English Dictionary.
The term may be derived from the Latin word caeca ("blind"). Pope Clement VIII (1536-1605) denounced the "blind obstinacy" of the Jews.
The term may be derived from the German kieken, which means to peep. Jewish clothing manufacturers are said to have "peeped" at European haute couture, and then made cheap knock-offs.[1]
The term may be a shortened version of "Christ Killer", the two k's standing for this

Answer 4

Everytime I see a question like this I have to wonder who is the person behind the question, and why would you want to bring up racism and its ugly head once again. People have been horribly cruel to jewish people over the years. Why not accept that as truth and just make sure you are not a bigot?

Answer 5

I think it was something to do with when they emigrated to America, not a nice name either way.