How Do You Spell NOT KOSHER?

1. "Not kosher" is an idiomatic phrase derived from Jewish dietary laws, known as kashrut, which regulate what is considered permissible or proper to eat according to Jewish tradition. In its broader sense, this term refers to something that is not in accordance with these specific dietary guidelines, cultural practices, or moral standards. It can also be used metaphorically to indicate anything that is deemed inappropriate, illegitimate, or unacceptable in general.

   In relation to food, "not kosher" signifies edibles that do not meet the requirements of kashrut. This includes certain animals, such as pigs or shellfish, and any products derived from them. It also prohibits the consumption of meat and dairy products together, as well as any ingredients or additives derived from non-kosher sources. For a food to be considered kosher, it must undergo a strict process of inspection, slaughtering, preparation, and certification by a designated authority.

   Beyond the culinary context, the phrase "not kosher" can be used to describe any action, behavior, or situation that deviates from accepted norms, moral codes, or societal expectations. It suggests that the subject lacks legitimacy, honesty, or integrity, and may refer to actions that are deceitful, unethical, or improper. It can also allude to something that is considered taboo, impure, or inappropriate in a broader cultural or social context. Consequently, the term "not kosher" takes on a metaphorical meaning, serving as a descriptive expression for anything that is not deemed acceptable or legitimate within a given parameter.

Common Misspellings for NOT KOSHER

The term "not kosher" comes from the Yiddish language, primarily spoken by Ashkenazi Jews. In Yiddish, the word for "fit" or "proper" is "koisher" (כּשר), derived from the Hebrew word "kasher" (כשר) with the same meaning. The negative "not kosher" is therefore a translation of the Yiddish phrase "nisht kaisher" (נישט כּשר), or sometimes "nisht kosher" in English transliteration.

The term "kosher" itself is of Hebrew origin and comes from the verb "Kasher" (כשר), meaning "to make fit" or "to prepare".