Judging from some of the responses, I'm guessing "The Merchant of Venice" is no longer required reading in most high schools. Anyone who remembers that book should know exactly where the term shylock comes from and that the use of that term isn't a positive reference. Many Jews in Europe were in the money lending business at the time Shakespere wrote of Shylock, so there has been considerable discussion through the years as to whether Shylock was just a despicable person or meant to be a representative view of all Jews (I personally think it's the former). In any event, the character of Shylock became synominous with unethical money lending which is why loan sharks are called shylocks.
To me, shylock is a term that could be used either as a racial slur or as a unflattering reference to shitty people (loan sharks). Growing up in the NE in the 1950's, I wouldn't have used the term in front of a Jewish kid unless I was ready for a fight. I wouldn't use the term today either, as loan shark is equally descriptive and avoids any misunderstanding of my intent.
To me, shylock is a term that could be used either as a racial slur or as a unflattering reference to shitty people (loan sharks). Growing up in the NE in the 1950's, I wouldn't have used the term in front of a Jewish kid unless I was ready for a fight. I wouldn't use the term today either, as loan shark is equally descriptive and avoids any misunderstanding of my intent.