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shonk

(offensive, ethnic slur, dated) A Jew.

/ʃˈɑŋk/Documented since 1940s1940sSilenthistorical244 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
🇦🇺 Australian & NZ slang
1 definition
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Etymology timeline

Born ~1943 · no dated citations yet
1943BornToday, 2026

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AustraliaOffensive
#1·Apr 27, 2026AUS

(offensive, ethnic slur, dated) A Jew.

“Did you know? A Sheeny. One of them blokes you can’t seem to like. A Shonk. A Yid. One of Mr Nathan’s crew. Same family as Ike Buzgang. A Non Skid. Did you know? Funny, ain’t it?”
Origin: Perhaps related to shonicker. Origin information sourced from Wiktionary contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0).
For parents

"shonk" is a strong or offensive slang term meaning a jew. Teens often use words like this for shock value or to bond with peers, without fully appreciating who could be hurt by them. The concern is less the word itself and more whether it is aimed at a particular person or group. A short, matter-of-fact conversation about who hears these words and how they land is usually more effective than banning the word outright.

For ESL learners

"shonk" is highly informal and vulgar English meaning a jew. It is used widely across English varieties. A more formal or neutral equivalent would be something like "a jew" expressed in standard vocabulary. A common mistake for non-native speakers is to use "shonk" thinking it is neutral; in fact it is rude and can offend, so avoid it in writing or in any professional setting. If you are a B2 or C1 learner, it is useful to recognise this word when you hear or read it, but think carefully about whether the situation really calls for it before using it yourself.

Heard in the wild
  • “Notable people with the surname include: - [Gabrielle Shonk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabrielle_Shonk "Gabrielle Shonk"), Canadian singer-songwriter - [George Washington Shonk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington_Shonk "George Washington Shonk") (1850–1900), American politician - [Herbert B.”

  • “3. **[^](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabrielle_Shonk#cite_ref-3 "Jump up")**["Gabrielle Shonk’s Voice Is Too Big for Small Towns"](https://www.vice.com/en/article/gabrielle-shonks-voice-is-too-big-for-small-towns/). _[Noisey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noisey "Noisey")_, July 11, 2016.”

  • “Shonk, about 1893. **George Washington Shonk** (April 26, 1850 – August 14, 1900) was a [Republican](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republican_Party_(United_States) "Republican Party (United States)") member of the [U.S.”

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For specific readers

"shonk" is a strong or offensive slang term meaning a jew. Teens often use words like this for shock value or to bond with peers, without fully appreciating who could be hurt by them. The concern is less the word itself and more whether it is aimed at a particular person or group. A short, matter-of-fact conversation about who hears these words and how they land is usually more effective than banning the word outright.

Why is this section here?

Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.

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🇦🇺About Australian & NZ slang slang

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