
The term kike is a derogatory ethnic slur historically used to refer to Jewish people. The exact origin of the term is uncertain, but it is believed to have emerged in the early 20th century in the United States. One theory suggests it may be derived from the common Yiddish given name Keilek or Kikel, which were diminutives of the name Yekl, a Yiddish form of Jacob. In Hebrew, the term can be translated as קַיְק (pronounced kayk). The term is considered highly offensive and is widely recognized as a form of antisemitic hate speech. Its usage is generally condemned and avoided in polite and respectful discourse. In other languages, similar terms may exist, but they are equally offensive and contextually inappropriate. For instance, in French, a comparable slur is youpin, and in German, Jude has been used in a derogatory manner, particularly during the Nazi era.