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Jew him down

Posted by ESC on October 08, 2005

In Reply to: Jew him down posted by Victoria S Dennis on October 08, 2005

: : : : I like to know where the phrase came from - "Jew him/them down". Don't sound very nice, but need to know.
: : : It means to haggle, and yes, it does come from the stereotype of Jews being stingy and hard-nosed businessmen.

: : Haven't heard that in the US for decades. Maybe 40 years. It's verrrrrrrrrrrry offensive speech hereabouts.

: Here in the UK too. However, "very offensive" doesn't equal "never used", sadly.

In defense of people (usually older generation) who use this phrase, I believe they don't realize that it is offensive. They speak without thinking. Others: Dutch treat, Welch on a deal, that's white of you.

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