The word "kosher" refers to food that is prepared according to specific dietary laws and regulations in Judaism. These laws dictate what foods are permissible (allowed) and how they should be prepared and consumed. For example, kosher meat must come from animals that chew their cud and have split hooves, and certain animals, like pork and shellfish, are not considered kosher. In a broader sense, "kosher" can also mean anything that is acceptable, appropriate, or legitimate in a particular context.
The word "kosher" comes from the Hebrew word "kasher," which means "fit" or "proper." It has been used in English since the late 19th century.