Kosher
Meaning
Referring to food or products that satisfy the requirements of Jewish dietary law, or, by extension, something that is legitimate and proper.
Origin
The word 'kosher' springs from the ancient Hebrew kasher, meaning simply 'fit' or 'proper'. This seemingly straightforward term is the bedrock of kashrut, the intricate system of Jewish dietary laws established millennia ago in the Torah. These laws dictate not only which foods are permissible—like certain animals and fish—but also the exacting methods of their slaughter, preparation, and even their separation from other food groups, such as meat and dairy. Originally a deeply spiritual concept about purity and holiness in consumption, 'kosher' gradually transcended the kitchen, transforming into a colloquial stamp of approval for anything considered legitimate, proper, or above board.
Examples
- Before the picnic, she double-checked that all the ingredients for the potato salad were kosher.
- The politician's actions were certainly not kosher, raising questions about his ethics and integrity.