Football

Oxford English Dictionary changes 'Yid' definition to include Tottenham supporters


The Oxford English Dictionary has changed its definition of the word Yid, to include a “supporter of or player for Tottenham Hotspur”.

The word, originating from the Yiddish term for Jew, has often been used as an offensive term against Jewish people.

However, Spurs supporters have appropriated the term over the years.

The North London club have traditionally had a strong Jewish following, who have been targeted with anti-Semitic abuse by opposition fans.

Some fans of the Premier League club have subsequently argued in recent years that they have ‘reclaimed’ the use of the word.

Spurs fans in attendance at Wembley during a London derby vs Chelsea

Chants of “Yids”, “Yid Army” and “yiddos” are frequently heard in the home stands at White Hart Lane.

However, in recent years there have been calls from the World Jewish Congress and the Board of Deputies of British Jews for the club to act over the use of the word by their supporters.

There have been claims it is continuing to fuel antisemitism within the game, and WJC chief executive Robert Singer declared in January 2019 “there is no grey area.

“The innocence this word once carried, as a simple translation for Jew, has long disappeared, and we must be extremely conscious of the anti-Semitic connotation it now bears.”

But in its entry for “Yid” the OED has also added the further description: “British. In extended use: a supporter of or player for Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.”

The OED, regarded as the leading dictionary of British English, has also added the word “yiddo” to its latest edition, saying its use is “usually derogatory and offensive” but ‘can also mean a Tottenham supporter or player’.

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The OED have stated that they take a historical approach, recording the usage and development of words rather than prescribing how they are used.

“We reflect, rather than dictate, how language is used which means we include words which may be considered sensitive and derogatory,” they stated. “These are always labelled as such.”

Simon Johnson, chief executive of the Jewish Leadership Council, which represents many British Jewish community groups, said: “This is a term of abuse with malicious anti-Semitic overtones.

“If the OED wishes to include such an expression it must make it abundantly clear that this is a despicable term of abuse.”

Tottenham themselves have criticised the expanded meaning, according to the Guardian.

“As a club we have never accommodated the use of the Y-word on any club channels or in club stores and have always been clear that our fans (both Jewish and gentile) have never used the term with any intent to cause offence.

“We find the Oxford English Dictionary’s definition of the word misleading given it fails to distinguish context, and welcome their clarification.”





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