KOSHER

What Does Kosher Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

Kosher means "Genuine."

More Observations...

The word "kosher" refers to food that is prepared in accordance with Jewish dietary laws, known as kashrut. These laws dictate which foods are allowed and which are forbidden, as well as how foods must be prepared and consumed. More widely, "kosher" is used as slang to mean legitimate, acceptable, or genuine. In this context, it carries connotations of honesty or fairness. For example:

That's not a very kosher way to break up with someone.
The oil companies are not being very kosher about their environmental impact.

The slang use of "kosher" is less common than its traditional use in reference to Jewish dietary and religious laws. In some cases, using "kosher" as slang may be considered inappropriate or offensive, particularly if it is used to make light of or mock Jewish religious practices. As with any slang term, it's important to be aware of the context and audience when using the word "kosher" in a non-traditional sense. With all that in mind, here's a lighthearted kosher joke:

I started using kosher yeast in all my baking. Now my bread rises 3 days later!

Image for Kosher

When I write Kosher, I mean this:

In slang, "Kosher" means legitimate or genuine.

Summary of Key Points

"Genuine" is, by far, the most common meaning for Kosher when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)

Kosher
Definition:	Genuine
Type:	Slang Word (Jargon)
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

An Academic Look at Kosher

Kosher is widely used as a slang term. Slang is informal language that consists of words, phrases, and uses of language that are often restricted to a specific context or a particular group of users. Slang is not typically used in formal or professional settings.