The term kike is highly offensive. It is a derogatory term which refers to any Jewish individual. It is seldom used in modern times and its popularity can be traced back to the Second World War (1939-1945) when Anti-Semitism had reared its ugly head. Although the term is very rarely used it still evokes much resentment among the Jewish Community. Therefore it is not even mentioned in a humorous setting.
The term has Yiddish origins. It is derived from the Yiddish word kikel which when translated means circle. There are several different explanations for this. Some believe that it stems from the fact that immigrant Jews used to sign their names as O because they were illiterate. Others feel that it is because Jewish surnames often end with sky or ski.
The term has Yiddish origins. It is derived from the Yiddish word kikel which when translated means circle. There are several different explanations for this. Some believe that it stems from the fact that immigrant Jews used to sign their names as O because they were illiterate. Others feel that it is because Jewish surnames often end with sky or ski.