sheeny
Preserved but no longer current.
Meaning · English
A Jew. This word is used by both Jew and Gentile at the East-end of London, and is not considered objectionable on either side.
Era: ca. 1874 (Victorian)
Where it’s used:
Origin
British & Irish English
Sources & notes
Historical definition reproduced from Hotten’s The Slang Dictionary (1874, public domain; Project Gutenberg #42108, retrieved 2026-07-31). Reflects the attitudes of its era.
Common questions
What does “sheeny” mean?
A Jew. This word is used by both Jew and Gentile at the East-end of London, and is not considered objectionable on either side.
Is “sheeny” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.