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Jewish piano

(slang, offensive) A cash register.

ˈd͡ʒuɪʃ piˈænoʊDocumented since 1900s1900sSilenthistorical62 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
🗺️ Regional & Other
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Born ~1900 · no dated citations yet
1900BornToday, 2026

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#1·Apr 27, 2026Global

(slang, offensive) A cash register.

Seeing Joe Rubin, someone would yell to Ogy, the bartender, as he rang up a cash register sale, "Play that Jewish piano, Ogy. Make the Jewish piano sing.
Origin: From the row of keys on a cash register and the stereotype of Jews as money-grubbing. Origin information sourced from Wiktionary contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0).
For parents

"Jewish piano" is a strong or offensive slang term meaning a cash register. 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

"Jewish piano" is highly informal and vulgar English meaning a cash register. It is used widely across English varieties. A more formal or neutral equivalent would be something like "a cash register" expressed in standard vocabulary. A common mistake for non-native speakers is to use "Jewish piano" 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.

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For specific readers

"Jewish piano" is a strong or offensive slang term meaning a cash register. 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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