Gender Masculine
Pronounced Pron. /ˈʃaɪ.ˌlɑk/(American English) /ˈʃaɪ.ˌlɒk/(British English)  [key·simplify]

Meaning & History

Used by Shakespeare, possibly from the Hebrew name Shelach, for the primary antagonist in his play The Merchant of Venice (1596). Shylock is a Jewish moneylender who demands a pound of Antonio's flesh when he cannot repay his loan. Subsequent to the play, the name has been used as an ethnic slur for a Jewish person and a slang term for a loan shark.

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Entry updated December 1, 2024