Is it permitted to say the word "pig" when talking about a חזיר?
Question
Hello
Is it permitted to say the word "pig" when talking about a חזיר?
thank you
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question.
Although the Torah mentions "pig" since it needs to say the halacha of not eating that specific animal. However, since the pig is the most despised animal throughout scripture, often used as a metaphor for a variety of negative things. As such, The Gemrah in Pesachim (page3a) writes that when it is possible one should try to speak clean language (לשון נקיה) so for example instead of saying pig one could say "Davar Acher" and people will know that you mean a pig.
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Author of the "Dalet Amot BeHalacha" series
Smicha Yoreh-Yoreh (1999) and Yadin-Yadin, author of "Dalet Amot BeHalacha" (11 volumes)
Orach Chaim, Yoreh Deah, Even HaEzer, Choshen Mishpat (excluding laws of interest)
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