not kosher crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate resource for crossword solutions. Below, you'll find comprehensive answers for the clue 'not kosher crossword clue,' along with detailed explanations to help you understand the context and enrich your vocabulary.
Solutions for "not kosher crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
TREIF: A Yiddish and Hebrew term for food that is not kosher, meaning it does not conform to Jewish dietary laws. This is often the most direct answer to the clue.
TABOO: Something prohibited or forbidden, often by religious or social custom, which can broadly apply to non-kosher items or practices.
6 Letters
IMPURE: Not clean, unholy, or tainted; often used in a religious context to describe something forbidden or not fit for consumption according to dietary laws.
SINFUL: Associated with sin or moral wrongdoing, implying something forbidden or ethically incorrect, which can sometimes overlap with the concept of 'not kosher' depending on the puzzle's theme.
More About "not kosher crossword clue"
The term "kosher" refers to food that is prepared and consumed in accordance with Jewish dietary laws, known as kashrut. These laws govern everything from the types of animals that can be eaten (e.g., only cloven-hoofed ruminants like cows and sheep, not pigs or shellfish) to the method of slaughter, preparation, and even the separation of meat and dairy products.
Therefore, "not kosher" specifically means that food (or sometimes, by extension, a practice) does not meet these stringent religious standards. For crossword puzzles, this clue often serves as a direct pointer to the Hebrew or Yiddish word "TREIF," which literally means "torn" but in common usage denotes non-kosher food. However, depending on the puzzle's constructor and the available letter count, broader synonyms like "TABOO" or "IMPURE" might also be fitting, capturing the essence of something forbidden or unaccepted.
Understanding the precise meaning and its broader implications helps crossword solvers not only find the correct answer but also appreciate the cultural and linguistic nuances that crossword setters often embed in their clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider direct translations: For clues related to specific cultural or religious terms like "not kosher," always think of direct foreign language equivalents first (e.g., TREIF for kosher/not kosher).
- Think synonyms and antonyms: If a direct answer doesn't fit the letter count, explore synonyms that capture the essence of the clue (e.g., 'TABOO' or 'IMPURE' for 'not kosher'). Similarly, consider antonyms if the clue is phrased negatively.
- Check word length: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. Always filter your potential answers by the required length before trying to fit them into the grid.
- Context is key: Pay attention to other clues in the puzzle, especially those that might hint at a specific theme (e.g., a puzzle heavy on religious or cultural terms).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'kosher' generally mean outside of food?
While 'kosher' primarily refers to food adhering to Jewish dietary laws, it has entered common English usage to mean something legitimate, authentic, proper, or in good standing. Conversely, 'not kosher' can imply something is illicit, questionable, or not quite right, even in non-food contexts.
Are all 'forbidden' foods considered 'not kosher'?
No. 'Forbidden' is a broader term encompassing various religious, cultural, or personal prohibitions. 'Not kosher' specifically refers to foods that do not meet the standards of kashrut, the Jewish dietary laws. For example, pork might be forbidden in Islam (haram) and Judaism (treif/not kosher), but other foods might be forbidden in one tradition but perfectly permissible in another.
How do crossword setters typically use 'not kosher' as a clue?
Crossword setters often use 'not kosher' as a direct clue for 'TREIF' because it's the precise Hebrew/Yiddish term. However, they might also use it more broadly to hint at concepts of prohibition, impurity, or something generally unacceptable, leading to answers like 'TABOO' or 'IMPURE'. The length of the answer is usually the best indicator of which specific synonym is expected.