Nonkosher

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. The expression denotes items or activities that are inconsistent with Jewish dietary regulations in terms of acceptability and appropriateness according to religious standards
2. This concept characterizes elements that are viewed as improper by Jewish legal perspectives regarding food and conduct
3. This term refers to products or practices that do not conform to the dietary laws of kashrut as defined by Jewish tradition and may be considered inappropriate or forbidden

Etymology: "Nonkosher" is a plain English compound: the prefix "non-," meaning "not," attached to "kosher." The prefix comes from Old English "nān," meaning "not one" or "none," which descended through Middle English as "non" and became a common negating element in English words. It was a productive way to make negative adjectives, so speakers could form "nonkosher" from an existing Hebrew-derived term without any special coinage. "Kosher" itself is the more interesting half. It comes from the Hebrew "kasher," meaning "fit" or "proper," and in Jewish dietary law it describes food prepared according to the rules of kashrut. The English word therefore carries a religious sense that the prefix simply reverses: "nonkosher" marks food or practice that does not meet those standards.

Synonyms: unacceptable, forbidden, prohibited, unlawful, illicit

Antonyms: kosher, acceptable, permissible, lawful, approved