*thought*

[conuly]

When speaking of Jews, we say in English that any particular person keeps or doesn't keep kosher. Do we use the same verb when speaking of Muslims, having to do with whether or not they only eat halal foods? (And why do we use "keep" in this context at all? We don't say people keep vegetarian or keep organic, we say they are vegetarian or they eat vegetarian, organic, etc.)

Comments

[conuly]

You would think so, but most native English speakers* don't keep kosher OR halal, so I think that our dubious collective understanding of the fine distinction here isn't what's driving the usage. (Or not.)

* I'm not counting India at all, because I don't know if they have a high enough population of Muslims who speak English as a primary language to count, and I'm feeling a bit lazy, so I'm going to pretend they're a niche category.

[bitterlawngnome]

Well, half my family is Jewish and knows the difference, so I'm biased.

[conuly]

And you may actually be right. I'm still not sure on the widespread-ness and acceptability of "keep halal".

[bitterlawngnome]

I've never heard it, but that doesn't mean much.