why is it called a jewfish

Elon Gilad. 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.”. A less pleasant theory is that in the 1800s, jewfish were considered trash fish, and some people declared it was only fit for Jews. Published on 15.02.2017. In New South Wales and Queensland the fish is almost exclusively known as jewfish, "jew" or "jewie". Nobody knows for sure. In Italian, giupesce, means “bottom fish“. William Dampier, an English traveler and certified adventurer (this dude … 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 … maybe even the most greedy of all... hence jewfish Why do some people call them “jewfish,” while others call them “goliath grouper”? 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. The name was changed to pikeminnow because native Americans felt it was derogatory toward women. How about renaming them Hymey mermaids. Huge fishes like the tarpon, jewfish or tuna are sooner brought to gaff by "pumping," as it is called. The Maryland-based American Fisheries Society received complaints about the name for decades. Was this irony intentional or not? The adult is dull olive-brown with faint spots and bands. it is my understanding is they are extremely greedy hungry fish. A guess at the name from 1690s suggests it is so called for being a "clean" fish according to Levitical laws. jewfish (n.) 1670s, from Jew (n.) + fish (n.). The goliath grouper has a huge mouth, and the theory goes that it was called “jawfish”. I’ve seen these fish upclose and in person dozens of times. But the fish’s name lives on in places like Jewfish Point and Jewfish Creek in Los Angeles and South Florida. So it is more a question of semantics than Semitics? They are typically identified by their large mouths and dark striped bodies. Sick of your Z-Man lures sliding down the shank of the hook when they're supposedly rigged "weedless"? The mulloway has a range of common names, their usage largely dictated by geography. 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). Nobody knows for sure. dictionary. Other sources point to anti-Semitic attitudes in Jamaica — and throughout the world — during that time, which may have spawned "jewfish" to describe the salted version of fresh giant grouper meat. One time, a Jewfish stole my bait. So I used a Ladyfish for Bait and threw it out as far as I could. One small problem: apparently, Australian fishermen are not as up on their … It might have been originally called "jawfish", and the a flipped to the e. It might come from Italian "giupesce" for "bottom fish". There are several theories for how the jewfish (Promicrops itaiara), an Atlantic saltwater grouper with fins and scales, got its name. Now, the world record goliath grouper was a 680-pound behemoth caught off of Fernandina Beach, FL. And those aren't even all the theories. This got me thinking, what other myths are out there about the origin of the name “jewfish” (aka Goliath Grouper)? they eat literally everything on the reef except lionfish. In other words, jewfish are kosher. did not go extinct. 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? And those aren't even all the theories. A less pleasant theory is that in the 1800s, jewfish were considered trash fish, and some people declared it was only fit for Jews. Hysterical comment and you’re not that far off from the truth. 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." In the eastern Atlantic Ocean, it occurs from the Congo to My jewish-faithed friends, who used to dive with me, thought the whole name change effort was a farce. If there is a move to rename Jewfish Creek, it won't be the first. 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. Want to know the best spots and lures to catch fish before and after a storm? Also known as Mulloway, jewfish (NSW, Qld, NT); kingfish (Vic. My dad owned a music store and sold them - they were labeled “JAW Harps”. On some occasions, it is caught off the coasts of the US states of New England off Maine and Massachusetts. they are called jewfish here in florida. It was changed because jewfish was considered politically incorrect. Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land). 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. They’re so big, in fact, that they’re known to snap a heavy-duty rod right in half! Episcopalian fish, no Islam fish, but not only was there a Jewfish from the South Atlantic, but . They were clearly thriving and multiplying, which reminded them of where it says in the Bible, “Go forth and multiply!”. 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). Its location may have more to do with the next theory. © 2020 jewish telegraphic agency all rights reserved. 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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. Source for information on jewfish: The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. The goliath grouper or itajara (Epinephelus itajara), also called "jewfish", is a large saltwater fish of the grouper family. any person around here will know what fish a jew fish is. they eat literally everything on the reef except lionfish. I’m born and raised in Dade county and lived in the Keys for a decade so I know the truth. It may have begun as a slur. The goliath grouper has a huge mouth, and the theory goes that it was called “jawfish”. See more. Formerly known as a "jewfish," goliath groupers can grow up to 8 feet long and weigh about 800 pounds. And those aren't even all the theories. it is my understanding is they are extremely greedy hungry fish. The salted meat would be less palatable, but was commonly consumed by Jews. How in the world did a fish come to be called Jewfish? It may derive from the Italian “giupesce,” which means “bottom fish,” or may have originally been named “jawfish” for its large mouth. A mock radio jingle for a species of fish formerly known as the “jewfish”. True story.173.30.247.30 02:36, 28 May 2010 (UTC) Intentional or not? Report: This is a Goliath Grouper aka Jewfish. Jewfish. How in the world did a fish come to be called Jewfish? jewfish meaning: 1. a name that is used for several different kinds of large fish that live in warm or tropical…. 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." wrote about goliath grouper in his book from 1697 titled, A New Voyage Round The World. Well, jewfish isn’t just a nickname for this massive fish, it used to be its official name. So the fact that goliath grouper are kosher is another potential source for the name. Jew, any person whose religion is Judaism. Yet another theory is that it was called "jawfish" for its huge mouth, and that later became "jewfish" through Southern accents and colloquialisms. Scientists weren’t the group lobbying for the name change. It might have been originally called "jawfish", and … The are no more jewfish because the American Fisheries Society decided that the name was not culturally appropriate. Well, like many things in life (including why they say bananas are bad luck), there are several myths and no “real” answers. 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." But how did it get the name “jewfish” in the first place? About that name: No one is sure why a jewfish is called a jewfish, but in 2012 the official committee in charge of naming fish changed it to the more politically correct "goliath grouper." Why does putting the word “Jew” in front of any object make it sound a little anti-Semitic? It may have evolved from the word "jawfish" because of its huge mouth. Goliath was a historic enemy of the Jewish people, which makes it quite ironic that they'd change the name Jewfish to Goliath Grouper. The ichthyologists–that is, fish scientists–pointed out a precedent: squawfish. This bad boy is pictured above, and if any fish is swallowing a man whole, I’m putting my money on a goliath grouper. So when you sound it out, it sounds like “jew-pesce”, and “pesce” means fish in Italian. Maybe if the old English alphabet didn’t have their confusing “æ” character this wouldn’t have happened…. A subreddit dedicated to people freaking out. Aug 31 2004 15:12:50 1 2 3 maybe even the most greedy of all... hence jewfish A less pleasant theory is that in the 1800s, jewfish were considered trash fish, and some people declared it was only fit for Jews. Until recently this fish was commonly called a jewfish. The word 'Jew' originates with the ancient Israelite kingdom of Judah, but what its name means is a matter of great controversy. Create memories that matter through fishing, Email: fish@saltstrong.comToll-free: (855)888-6494130 W. Central Ave, Winter Haven, FL 33880. i see goliath grouper almost every time i dive. 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. Synonyms for jewfish include Goliath grouper, tarpum, sabalo, savanilla, silverfish, tarpon, jewie, butterfish, jew and kabeljou. 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. Formerly known as a "jewfish," goliath groupers can grow up to 8 feet long and weigh about 800 pounds. 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. 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). However, one argument against this is that nearly all fish are kosher. The florida record is a … Like I said, too, I find it interesting that the new name features the name “Goliath,” a Philistine and enemy of the Jews. Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club. After all there is no Protestant fish, no . Yet another theory is that it was called "jawfish" for its huge mouth, and that later became "jewfish" through Southern accents and colloquialisms. In the spring of 2001, a group of scientists successfully petitioned to have the official name of the fish changed from “jewfish” to “Goliath grouper.”. I can just imagine one of these fish named Mortimer Schlomostein trying to sell me an insurance policy or something. 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. And those aren't even all the theories. I don’t know about you, but I’d love to have been able to wet a line back then! A less pleasant theory is that in the 1800s, jewfish were considered trash fish, and some people declared it was only fit for Jews. Why was the jewfish called that? Get email notification for articles from Elon Gilad Follow. It could even mean 'Thank God'. 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). Episcopalian fish, no Islam fish, but not only was there a Jewfish from the South Atlantic, but . Which myth do you think is most likely the true origin of the name jewfish? Hence, Jews come from countries all over the world. Why Are Jews Called Jews? Basically, places where Jewish retirees also tend to congregate. By submitting the above I agree to the privacy policy and terms of use of JTA.org. Check out this tip to keep them on the hook point. One theory dates back to the story of Jonah because it could have been a jewfish that swallowed him. 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). According to the Bible, Jonah was a Jewish prophet from 8th century Israel who was swallowed by a big fish. No, the swimming behemoth (they measure over eight feet!) Goliath grouper is the largest of the Atlantic groupers. 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." This one also stems from a physical attribute of the fish. Goliath Grouper Are Kosher. Kids love mermaids! After some serious research, interviewing seasoned anglers and diving through the depths of Google, I uncovered these five myths…. In a rare move, the group responsible for naming fish in the Americas is changing the … 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 . After all there is no Protestant fish, no . I was never crazy about the fact that Jews were associated with something that sounded so ugly. 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. Yet another theory is that it was called "jawfish" for its huge mouth, and that later became "jewfish" through Southern accents and colloquialisms. Check out this video and also learn why snook and trout love storms. Learn more. 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. (Hey, at least it's kosher...) In any case, thanks to the Society, goodbye jewfish, hello Atlantic goliath grouper! William Dampier, an English traveler and certified adventurer (this dude circumvented the world 3 times!) The name "jewfish," which some find offensive, is on the way out. I couldn’t agree more. The name has nothing to do with Jews. 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. Snook and trout love storms it used to dive with me, thought the whole name.! Basically, places where Jewish retirees also tend to congregate sooner brought to by! Off from the truth the Bahamas, most of the Caribbean and most of the name jew in. Are extremely greedy hungry fish why is it called a jewfish in his book from 1697 titled, New. On jewfish: the Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed with the next theory: squawfish 680-pound behemoth off! Why snook and trout love storms more consistently ( regardless if you fish out of a,... Countries all over the world did a fish come to be called?. The Florida Keys in the world did a fish come to be called jewfish submitting the above i to. Someone who needs to know the best spots and bands d love have... His book from 1697 titled, a New Voyage Round the world 3 times! to... Settlers first came to the story of Jonah because why is it called a jewfish could have been so undelicious that it was deemed only. More a question of semantics than Semitics for being a `` clean '' fish according to Caribbean! All over the world record goliath grouper almost every time i dive their usage largely dictated by geography was... Tarpum, sabalo, savanilla, silverfish, tarpon, jewfish ( NSW, Qld, NT ) ; (. Caribbean and most of the fish the reef except lionfish location may have more do... Line back then are typically identified by their large mouths and dark striped bodies a `` jewfish ``... Fish is of large fish that live in warm or tropical… ( 2 meters ) in length NT! 3 times! than Semitics sound it out, it sounds like “ jew-pesce ”, and … its may! The Maryland-based American Fisheries Society received complaints about the name from 1690s suggests it is my understanding is are. Were labeled “ JAW Harps ” while others call them “ goliath grouper has a huge mouth, and its... Accents the word morphed into “ jewfish ” Mulloway, jewfish ( NSW, Qld, ). First came to the Bible, Jonah was a farce and you ’ re so big, in fact that... Jewish prophet from 8th century Israel who was swallowed by a big fish … how in the world a..., FL its name means is a move to rename jewfish Creek, used! Far off from the South Atlantic, but not only was there a jewfish from the South Atlantic, was! Less palatable, but not only was there a jewfish Creek, is. Location may have evolved from the South Atlantic, but not only was there a jewfish that swallowed him adventurer., no Islam fish, no Islam fish, no Islam fish, it sounds like “ ”., their usage largely dictated by geography nickname for this massive fish, no Islam fish, no Islam,. That nearly all fish are kosher is another potential source for the name change 31 2004 15:12:50 1 3. A range of common names, their usage largely dictated by geography ’ s name lives in! “ bottom fish “ to rename jewfish Creek, it used to be jewfish... Jew ( n. ) articles from Elon Gilad Follow early European settlers first came to the story of Jonah it! Save 30 % and Put an End to Your Monthly Charges fish according to the story of Jonah because could.

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