what is a semite

The term "Semite" refers to a member of any of a number of peoples of ancient southwestern Asia, including the Akkadians, Phoenicians, Hebrews, and Arabs. The term was originally used in the 19th century to describe a member of any people who speak one of the Semitic languages, a family of languages spoken primarily in parts of western Asia and Africa. The name "Semite" comes from Shem, the eldest of the three sons of Noah, and the Semitic-speaking peoples do not share any traits aside from language. Today, the term "Semite" is largely unused outside the grouping "Semitic languages" in linguistics. The term "anti-Semitism" was introduced in 1879 by Wilhelm Marr, a German agitator who used it to describe anti-Jewish campaigns that were taking place in central Europe at the time. However, the term is a misnomer, as true anti-Semitism would imply discrimination against anyone of Semitic descent including Arabs, Ethiopians, and other Semites.