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Added 10 October 2026

sheeny

/ˈʃiːni/ noun

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about sheeny at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

(ethnic slur) offensive term for a Jew.

adjective

Reflecting light.
glistening bodies of swimmers

Origin

Seems to have originated in 1820s London. Could be a mockery of Yiddish שיין (sheyn, “beautiful, nice”), much used in praising wares.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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