Is Jew's harp offensive?
Robert Miller
Updated on May 01, 2026
The name “Jew's harp” is now considered offensive by many, particularly because the instrument has no special connection to the Jewish people or Judaism. It is known by a wide variety of other names, including jaw harp, mouth harp, Ozark harp and trump harp.
Why is a Jew's harp called a Jew's harp?
The origin of Jew's is uncertain. Some have connected it to the Cleveland dialectal gew-gaw, related to the Old Norse giga (compare modern Swedish giga). Others have suggested it derives from an early English or German word jue or jaws. The synonym jaw harp may have therefore come first.What is the meaning of Jew's harp?
Definition of Jew's harp: a small lyre-shaped instrument that when held between the teeth gives tones from a metal tongue struck by the finger.