Pronunciation: [zjˈuːətə] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "xueta" can be a bit confusing for non-Catalan speakers. This word refers to a group of people in Mallorca who were forcibly converted to Christianity during the Spanish Inquisition. The IPA phonetic transcription for "xueta" is /ʃwɛtə/. The "x" is pronounced like the "sh" in "shoe", the "u" is a short "oo" sound, and the "e" is pronounced like the "e" in "bet". The "t" and "a" are both pronounced as in English.
Xueta refers to a term used to describe a particular group or population of people originating from the Iberian Peninsula, mainly from Spain and Portugal. The term primarily applies to individuals of Jewish descent who converted to Catholicism during the Spanish Inquisition, a period marked by religious persecution and forced conversion. Although the term is commonly used today, it carries historical connotations and is often considered derogatory.
The xueta community has a unique cultural identity as their ancestors faced significant discrimination and marginalization. Due to their Jewish heritage, they were subjected to suspicion and prejudices, often facing social exclusion and limitations on their rights. The xueta people, however, retained aspects of their Jewish heritage, customs, and traditions despite converting to Catholicism.
The term xueta is derived from the Catalan word "xueta" itself, which is believed to be a modification of the word "segueta" meaning "saw" in reference to the sawing motion made by forced converts during their secret observances of Jewish rituals.
Today, the xueta community represents an integral part of the cultural diversity found in Spain and Portugal. Many xueta individuals have embraced their Jewish heritage and actively participate in efforts to preserve their unique customs and traditions. However, it is essential to approach the term with sensitivity, recognizing the historically discriminatory context in which it originated.
The word "xueta" comes from the Catalan language and is derived from the term "xuetó" or "xueton", which means "big pig" or "piglet". The origin of this term dates back to the medieval period in the Catalan region of Spain. During this time, individuals of Jewish origin who had converted to Christianity were known as "xuetes" or "converts". However, these converted Jews faced discrimination and were often subjected to derogatory remarks and insults, including being called "xuetes". Over time, this term became associated specifically with the descendants of these converted families. Today, the term "xueta" refers to the descendants of Jewish converts from the Balearic Islands and their unique cultural and historical identity.
