Yekke
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The term yekke (adjective: yekkish) is a generally jovial, mildly derogatory term used to refer to Jews originating from Germany or adhering to the Western-European minhag. The word itself stems from a coagulation of Hebrew and Yiddish, loosely meaning "jacket".
The title originates from the cultural differences in dress that developed between the more westernized Western European Jews who traded in the more traditional long coats for shorter "jackets" while the outer clothing worn by the Eastern European Jews was typically "longer" (such as bekishes.).
The term is often used in a slightly derogatory or cynical manner, although it is also used as a badge of honour. It is used mainly in reference to the German Jews' legendary attention to detail and emphasis on being punctual. This sense for detail extends into the adherence to minhagim (religious customs, especially when pertaining to the synagogue service).