What is the Y-word? Meaning explained...

SUPPORTERS of Tottenham have been asked to stop using the Y-word during chants.

Spurs adopted the term in the 1970s but the North London football club has decided to be "even more mindful" of the term and fans have been told to "move on" and not use it any more.

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What is the Y-word?

Used as a derogatory term for Jewish people, "Y**" is commonplace at Tottenham games in chants by Spurs fans who use the term as a badge of honour.

However, the Y-word is considered anti-Semitic in today's society.

Why do Tottenham fans use the Y-word?

Spurs have long been associated with a large Jewish fan base originally due to the Jewish communities in North London.

Fans have been seen waving the Star of David at games as a celebration of this heritage.

Since the 1970s, chants at the club have included "Y** army" despite only a minority of Tottenham fans being Jewish.

But some fans from other clubs used that as an excuse to conflate Tottenham and Judaism and abuse Spurs fans with blatant anti-Semitic songs and chants.

Where did the Y-word originate from?

The word is classed in the dictionary as "offensive".

It is unclear exactly when the Y-word became a derogatory term but it is likely from the 1930s.

Oswald Mosley's supporters are believed to have chanted it at the Jewish community.

There are examples of Jewish writers using the term after WWII but this is often in a self-deprecating manner.

What have Tottenham said about the Y-word?

After conducting a survey, Spurs found that 94 per cent of fans were aware of the offensive nature of the Y-Word.

Only 33 per cent of respondents said they would use the word at games.

Tottenham said: "This latest consultation amongst our fans comes at a time when there is an increased sensitivity about the use of words and behaviours that can be considered offensive and unacceptable."

"Sentiment around this term appears to be changing among the fanbase – there is a recognition of the offence the Y-word can cause and that a footballing context alone does not justify its continued use."

The change was prompted by the fans themselves and is an ongoing movement away from the word not a total ban.

They added: "This consultation has shown that a particular number of our supporters are offended by the term and almost half of all respondents indicated a clear desire to see fans use the Y-word less or stop altogether."

"We pride ourselves on being an inclusive and forward-thinking Club and these findings indicate the awareness our fans have of current sensitivities and a willingness to reconsider the appropriateness of the continued use of this term."