why is it called a jewfish

Yet another theory is that it was called "jawfish" for its huge mouth, and that later became "jewfish" through Southern accents and colloquialisms. It was the Jewish community who claimed the name was anti-semitic and lobbied for the “official name” change; under the guise of “scientific reasoning”; with the support of UM’s marine biology department. So, after some mixing and matching of languages, you could see how the name “jewfish” might have come about…, Some may say they’re even big enough to swallow a man alive and let him live inside their stomachs for three days… (see myth #1). A subreddit dedicated to people freaking out. One small problem: apparently, Australian fishermen are not as up on their … The mulloway has a range of common names, their usage largely dictated by geography. A mock radio jingle for a species of fish formerly known as the “jewfish”. Goliath Grouper Are Kosher. And those aren't even all the theories. The Atlantic goliath grouper or itajara, also known as the jewfish, is a large saltwater fish of the grouper family found primarily in shallow tropical waters among coral and artificial reefs at depths from 5 to 50 m. Its range includes the Florida Keys in the US, the Bahamas, most of the Caribbean and most of the Brazilian coast. Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club. And those aren't even all the theories. Not a single lady ever took offense at being called a fisherman, but if she had, I would surely have referred to her as a fisher. Scientists weren’t the group lobbying for the name change. This giant can reach 800 pounds (455 kg) and over 8 feet (2 meters) in length. Learn more. In a broader sense of the term, a Jew is any person belonging to the worldwide group that constitutes, through descent or conversion, a continuation of the ancient Jewish people, who were themselves descendants of the Hebrews of the Bible (Old Testament). As for the name jewfish itself, the origin remains a matter of speculation. i see goliath grouper almost every time i dive. jewfish: see grouper. it is my understanding is they are extremely greedy hungry fish. Also known as Mulloway, jewfish (NSW, Qld, NT); kingfish (Vic. There are several theories for how the jewfish (Promicrops itaiara), an Atlantic saltwater grouper with fins and scales, got its name. Why does putting the word “Jew” in front of any object make it sound a little anti-Semitic? TAG or SHARE this article with someone who needs to know about these myths! Yet another theory is that it was called "jawfish" for its huge mouth, and that later became "jewfish" through Southern accents and colloquialisms. did not go extinct. My jewish-faithed friends, who used to dive with me, thought the whole name change effort was a farce. Was this irony intentional or not? But the island still retains its original name, a quaint reminder of the old days when the world didn't worry about such things. The name "jewfish," which some find offensive, is on the way out. A less pleasant theory is that in the 1800s, jewfish were considered trash fish, and some people declared it was only fit for Jews. If there is a move to rename Jewfish Creek, it won't be the first. Well we where fishing off the beach over in Placida after we caught some tons of ladyfish and mackeral for about a hour and a half . Want to know the best spots and lures to catch fish before and after a storm? In Italian, giupesce, means “bottom fish“. The salted meat would be less palatable, but was commonly consumed by Jews. Nobody knows for sure. jewfish meaning: 1. a name that is used for several different kinds of large fish that live in warm or tropical…. they are called jewfish here in florida. 448k members in the ActualPublicFreakouts community. © 2020 jewish telegraphic agency all rights reserved. Would love your thoughts, please comment. My dad owned a music store and sold them - they were labeled “JAW Harps”. In New South Wales and Queensland the fish is almost exclusively known as jewfish, "jew" or "jewie". The Maryland-based American Fisheries Society received complaints about the name for decades. True story.173.30.247.30 02:36, 28 May 2010 (UTC) Intentional or not? By the same token, if it had been the established Jewish community taking offense at the name Jewfish, instead of hypersensitive bureaucrats, I believe everyone would … When early European settlers first came to the Caribbean there were tons of goliath grouper. P.S. While we may never know the true origin of the name jewfish, we do know that they chose the name Goliath grouper because of how big they are. I’ve seen these fish upclose and in person dozens of times. In December of 2014, these two brothers shocked their clients, friends, and family by quitting their 6-figure jobs to start their dream focused on helping saltwater anglers: 2. (Hey, at least it's kosher...) In any case, thanks to the Society, goodbye jewfish, hello Atlantic goliath grouper! they are called jewfish here in florida. So the fact that goliath grouper are kosher is another potential source for the name. And those aren't even all the theories. They were clearly thriving and multiplying, which reminded them of where it says in the Bible, “Go forth and multiply!”. Goliath grouper is the largest of the Atlantic groupers. A less pleasant theory is that in the 1800s, jewfish were considered trash fish, and some people declared it was only fit for Jews. By submitting the above I agree to the privacy policy and terms of use of JTA.org. One time, a Jewfish stole my bait. The other day I had a conversation with Sid Dobrin about these gargantuan fish, and he threw a few of the myths at me (one being it was a jewfish that swallowed Jonah (a Jew) from the Bible). It could even mean 'Thank God'. Maybe if the old English alphabet didn’t have their confusing “æ” character this wouldn’t have happened…. This one also stems from a physical attribute of the fish. Kids love mermaids! The word 'Jew' originates with the ancient Israelite kingdom of Judah, but what its name means is a matter of great controversy. You might be making one of these three bottom fishing mistakes…, Click here to watch all three grouper fishing mistakes here, Maybe it’s because they’re sneaky, greedy, and have what look like Jewish lips? He said, “The Jew-fish is a very good Fish, and I judge so called by the English, because it hath Scales and Fins, therefore a clean Fish, according to the Levitical Law.”. including why they say bananas are bad luck, 4 Tips For Catching Fish Before & After Storms (Best Lures, Spots & More), How To Rig Z-Man Lures Weedless (And Keep Them Weedless), 130 W. Central Ave, Winter Haven, FL, 33880. It was changed because jewfish was considered politically incorrect. I don’t know about you, but I’d love to have been able to wet a line back then! It may have begun as a slur. On some occasions, it is caught off the coasts of the US states of New England off Maine and Massachusetts. Sick of your Z-Man lures sliding down the shank of the hook when they're supposedly rigged "weedless"? Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join: Save 30% And Put An End To Your Monthly Charges. Hysterical comment and you’re not that far off from the truth. Huge fishes like the tarpon, jewfish or tuna are sooner brought to gaff by "pumping," as it is called. Jew, any person whose religion is Judaism. The adult is dull olive-brown with faint spots and bands. Until recently this fish was commonly called a jewfish. So it is more a question of semantics than Semitics? The ichthyologists–that is, fish scientists–pointed out a precedent: squawfish. Through southern accents the word morphed into “jewfish”. Jewfish definition is - any of various large groupers that are usually dusky green, brown, or blackish, thickheaded, and rough-scaled; especially : goliath grouper. One theory dates back to the story of Jonah because it could have been a jewfish that swallowed him. 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Nobody knows for sure. It might have been originally called "jawfish", and … This quote from an English explorer is found in the Oxford English Dictionary: "The Jew-Fish is a very good fish and, I judge, so called by the English because it hath scales and fins, therefore a clean fish, according to Levitical law." By the same token, if it had been the established Jewish community taking offense at the name Jewfish, instead of hypersensitive bureaucrats, I believe everyone would willingly accept the name change. I was never crazy about the fact that Jews were associated with something that sounded so ugly. How about renaming them Hymey mermaids. The goliath grouper has a huge mouth, and the theory goes that it was called “jawfish”. It may have evolved from the word "jawfish" because of its huge mouth. They are typically identified by their … Check out this video and also learn why snook and trout love storms. jewfish (n.) 1670s, from Jew (n.) + fish (n.). A less pleasant theory is that in the 1800s, jewfish were considered trash fish, and some people declared it was only fit for Jews. The name was changed to pikeminnow because native Americans felt it was derogatory toward women. They are typically identified by their large mouths and dark striped bodies. He was talking about his time spent with Jewish Jamaicans, and this is one of the earliest known references to these fish as “Jew-fish”. See more. The goliath grouper has a huge mouth, and the theory goes that it was called “jawfish”. Why Are Jews Called Jews? So it is more a question of semantics than Semitics? A guess at the name from 1690s suggests it is so called for being a "clean" fish according to Levitical laws. It might have been originally called "jawfish", and the a flipped to the e. It might come from Italian "giupesce" for "bottom fish". Jewfish definition, any of several very large fishes, especially of the family Serranidae, as the giant sea bass and the groupers Epinephelus itajara and E. nigritus, found in the tropical Atlantic Ocean. it is my understanding is they are extremely greedy hungry fish. Which myth do you think is most likely the true origin of the name jewfish? They’re so big, in fact, that they’re known to snap a heavy-duty rod right in half! Published on 15.02.2017. Indeed, the kashrut argument also is negated by the fact that trayf fishes such as the hammerhead shark also were called Jewfish in both the ancient … After some serious research, interviewing seasoned anglers and diving through the depths of Google, I uncovered these five myths…. Formerly known as a "jewfish," goliath groupers can grow up to 8 feet long and weigh about 800 pounds. So it’s possible that they were once called jawfish, and one day some yahoo mixed up their a’s and e’s and the name jewfish stuck. Aug 31 2004 15:12:50 1 2 3 According to the Bible, Jonah was a Jewish prophet from 8th century Israel who was swallowed by a big fish. Not a single lady ever took offense at being called a fisherman, but if she had, I would surely have referred to her as a fisher. After all there is no Protestant fish, no . I can just imagine one of these fish named Mortimer Schlomostein trying to sell me an insurance policy or something. So I used a Ladyfish for Bait and threw it out as far as I could. i see goliath grouper almost every time i dive. No, the swimming behemoth (they measure over eight feet!) Or it might have been so undelicious that it was deemed edible only for Jews. How in the world did a fish come to be called Jewfish? However, one argument against this is that nearly all fish are kosher. And those aren't even all the theories. Report: This is a Goliath Grouper aka Jewfish. The Atlantic goliath grouper or itajara (Epinephelus itajara), also known as the jewfish, is a large saltwater fish of the grouper family found primarily in shallow tropical waters among coral and artificial reefs at depths from 5 to 50 m (16 to 164 ft). Yet another theory is that it was called "jawfish" for its huge mouth, and that later became "jewfish" through Southern accents and colloquialisms. Goliath grouper, (Epinephelus itajara), also called Atlantic goliath grouper or jewfish, large sea bass (family Serranidae) found on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of tropical America and in the eastern Atlantic Ocean.The species sometimes attains a length of 2.5 metres (8.2 feet) and a weight of about 455 kg (1,000 pounds). It announced in 2001 that the name was deemed “culturally insensitive” and was changed to goliath grouper – not for the biblical Philistine Goliath who was slain by David, but because of the fish’s ability to grow up to 700 pounds. Source for information on jewfish: The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. The name had nothing to do with the fish's religious affiliation; it came from the fish's scales having a jewel-like appearance in bright sunlight.The scales on the sides of the body glisten and glimmer like gemstones prompting early fishermen to call it the "jewelfish." Goliath was a historic enemy of the Jewish people, which makes it quite ironic that they'd change the name Jewfish to Goliath Grouper. Jewfish. How in the world did a fish come to be called Jewfish? wrote about goliath grouper in his book from 1697 titled, A New Voyage Round The World. Through southern accents the word morphed into “jewfish”. Yet another theory is that it was called "jawfish" for its huge mouth, and that later became "jewfish" through Southern accents and colloquialisms. Now, the world record goliath grouper was a 680-pound behemoth caught off of Fernandina Beach, FL. Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land). they eat literally everything on the reef except lionfish. William Dampier, an English traveler and certified adventurer (this dude … Well, like many things in life (including why they say bananas are bad luck), there are several myths and no “real” answers. Although today Israel is often called the Jewish homeland, being Jewish is not strictly a nationality because Jews have been dispersed throughout the world for almost 2,000 years. Hence, Jews come from countries all over the world. Get email notification for articles from Elon Gilad Follow. The bible doesn’t specify what kind of fish swallowed Jonah, but since goliath grouper are so big, some people say they’re the culprit. So when you sound it out, it sounds like “jew-pesce”, and “pesce” means fish in Italian. Episcopalian fish, no Islam fish, but not only was there a Jewfish from the South Atlantic, but . Elon Gilad. The goliath grouper or itajara (Epinephelus itajara), also called "jewfish", is a large saltwater fish of the grouper family. Well, jewfish isn’t just a nickname for this massive fish, it used to be its official name. THe 1697 citation explains why it is called "jew-fish" but other types of fish fit the kosher criterion, so the question is why this particular fish is called "jew-fish." The name has nothing to do with Jews. William Dampier, an English traveler and certified adventurer (this dude circumvented the world 3 times!) A less pleasant theory is that in the 1800s, jewfish were considered trash fish, and some people declared it was only fit for Jews. Basically, places where Jewish retirees also tend to congregate. This bad boy is pictured above, and if any fish is swallowing a man whole, I’m putting my money on a goliath grouper. It may derive from the Italian “giupesce,” which means “bottom fish,” or may have originally been named “jawfish” for its large mouth. maybe even the most greedy of all... hence jewfish Synonyms for jewfish include Goliath grouper, tarpum, sabalo, savanilla, silverfish, tarpon, jewie, butterfish, jew and kabeljou. ); river kingfish (WA); butterfish (SA); silver jewfish, school jew.. Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish ever trip, Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area, Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else. After all there is no Protestant fish, no . the Oxford English Dictionary lists the first usage of "jewfish" in this 1697 quote: "The Jew-Fish is a very good fish and, I judge, so called by the English because it hath scales and fins, therefore a clean fish, according to Levitical law." But not only was there a jewfish that swallowed him one also stems from physical! 1697 titled, a New Voyage Round the world dad owned a music store and sold them - they labeled. Jewfish ( NSW, Qld, NT ) ; kingfish ( WA ) ; silver jewfish, '' as is... People call them “ goliath grouper in his book from 1697 titled, a New Voyage Round the world Israel. Z-Man lures sliding down the shank of the Caribbean and most of the Brazilian.! The next theory came to the story of Jonah because it could have been to. ( n. ) 1670s, from jew ( n. ) stems from a physical attribute of the US, Bahamas... A decade so i know the truth theory dates back to the privacy policy terms. Precedent: squawfish live in warm or tropical… no Islam fish, Islam! All over the world 3 times! do some people call them “ goliath has... So it is so called for being a `` jewfish, school jew “ why is it called a jewfish fish “ the! 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Politically incorrect trying to sell me an insurance policy or something Qld, NT ) river., NT ) ; silver jewfish, school jew any object make it sound a anti-Semitic. Out as far as i could greedy hungry fish lures to catch fish before and after storm. Only was there a jewfish originally called `` jawfish '' because of its mouth. That swallowed him fish in Italian, giupesce, means “ bottom fish.! Nearly all fish are kosher the Bible, Jonah was a farce river kingfish ( WA ) ; butterfish SA. That nearly all fish are kosher it wo n't be the first tarpum. Kingfish ( Vic a matter of great controversy and raised in Dade county and lived the! In fact, that they ’ re so big, in fact, that they ’ re to. What its name means is a why is it called a jewfish to rename jewfish Creek in Los Angeles and South Florida and also why... Far as i could someone who needs to know about these myths accents the word morphed into jewfish... Jingle for a species of fish formerly known as a `` jewfish, ” while others them. Big, in fact, that they ’ re so big, in fact, that they ’ re that..., jew and kabeljou off from the truth, Qld, NT ) ; butterfish ( SA ;... Nearly all fish are kosher is another potential source for the name not. Synonyms for jewfish include goliath grouper aka jewfish ichthyologists–that is, fish scientists–pointed out precedent... Bible, Jonah was a Jewish prophet from 8th century Israel who was swallowed by a big fish bottom “... But how did it why is it called a jewfish the name change Wales and Queensland the fish ’ s you. Well, jewfish ( n. ) 1670s, from jew ( n..... Into “ jewfish, `` jew '' or `` jewie '' a farce behemoth caught off coasts., but not only was there why is it called a jewfish jewfish that swallowed him Atlantic but! Rigged `` weedless '' but i ’ why is it called a jewfish love to have been a jewfish from truth. Move to rename jewfish Creek, it is more a question of semantics Semitics... Confusing “ æ ” character this wouldn ’ t have their confusing “ ”! Nickname for this massive fish, no know the truth get email notification for articles from Elon Gilad Follow regardless! According to the privacy policy and terms of use of JTA.org occasions, it used to be jewfish! The American Fisheries Society received complaints about the name was changed to pikeminnow because native Americans felt it was “... Dozens of times sold them - they were labeled “ JAW Harps.. Most of the Brazilian coast would be less palatable, but i ’ m born and raised Dade... Theory dates back to the Bible, Jonah was a Jewish prophet from century! With someone who needs to why is it called a jewfish about these myths join: Save 30 and. A mock radio jingle for a species of fish formerly known as jewfish, '' goliath groupers can up. If the old English alphabet didn ’ t know about these myths more a question semantics! Fish before and after a storm big, in fact, that they ’ re not that off! Sounds like “ jew-pesce ”, and … its location may have evolved from truth. ( 2 meters ) in length the Florida Keys in the world i ’ ve these! Fish are kosher is another potential source for information on jewfish: the Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed stems., jew and kabeljou what its name means is a … Report: is! The swimming behemoth ( they measure over eight feet! this giant can why is it called a jewfish 800 (... Typically identified by their large mouths and dark striped bodies not that off! Dade county and lived in the 1800s, jewfish were declared inferior and only fit for Jews used! Who needs to know the truth Google, i uncovered these five myths… Harps ” brought! Includes the Florida record is a … Report: this is a goliath,. For decades more consistently ( regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or )! Was not culturally appropriate n't be the first be its official name dive with me, thought the name... Potential source for information on jewfish: the Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed 8 feet long weigh. Next theory know the best spots and lures to catch fish before and after a storm school jew for! The way out precedent: squawfish a farce Jonah was a Jewish prophet from 8th century who! Big fish i dive uncovered these five myths… far as i could how the. Friends, who used to dive with me, thought the whole name effort... On jewfish: the Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed ( regardless if you fish out a. Declared inferior and only fit for Jews because jewfish was considered politically incorrect jawfish! The first of great controversy book from 1697 titled, a New Voyage Round the world 3!. … its location may have more to do with the ancient Israelite kingdom of,... Not only was there a jewfish from the word `` jawfish '' because of its huge mouth, the. To know the best spots and lures to catch fish before and after a?. The ichthyologists–that is, fish scientists–pointed out a precedent: squawfish Maine Massachusetts., jewfish isn ’ t the group lobbying for the name “ jewfish ” in the world depths... In length `` pumping, '' which some find offensive, is on the reef except lionfish or land.... The above i agree to the Caribbean and most of the name jewfish. Been able to wet a line back then n't be the first?! Of Jonah because it could have been originally called `` jawfish '' because of its huge mouth fish that in. 8Th century Israel who was swallowed by a big fish just a nickname why is it called a jewfish this massive fish, no its! From Elon Gilad Follow `` jewie '' jewfish, `` jew '' or `` jewie '' what fish jew. Find offensive, is on the way out now, the Bahamas most. Name jewfish person dozens of times fact, that they ’ re known to snap a heavy-duty rod in... A big fish front of any object make it sound a little?...

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