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Living In Hell
Popular linguistic history notes that the word gringo is derived from the Greek word Griego meaning person who spoke a strange language or used a strange accent when speaking. It wasn’t intended to be a derogatory term.
Paul Theroux, one of my favourite American writers who has travelled the world extensively, wrote about the origins of the word gringo. His research traced its possible origins to the hinterlands of Eastern Europe where the locals would refer to strangers as gringas (ghosts), travellers who they had never seen who they thought appeared out of nowhere.
Paul Theroux, one of my favourite American writers who has travelled the world extensively, wrote about the origins of the word gringo. His research traced its possible origins to the hinterlands of Eastern Europe where the locals would refer to strangers as gringas (ghosts), travellers who they had never seen who they thought appeared out of nowhere.
That isn’t an insult or something to be offended about.
Case in point, anyone with slanted eyes often is called chino whether they are Chinese, of Chinese origin or not. The slented eyes themselves often are referred to as “achinaos” or “ojos chinos.” Chino isn’t always indicative of China or anything related to there.
Light color eyes are many times referred to as “ojos de gatos” (cat eyes). It isn’t an insult.
Your post of your DR friends faith in transformer oil recuperative powers jogged my memory. Years ago, I responded to a report of three old transformers that somehow ended up on a commercial fishing wharf. Because of their age, the oil in the transformers would be a PCB oil, to allow the transformers to handle the intense heat they generated without exploding. I arranged to have a certified HazMat company remove them for PCB oil removal and decontamination. One local fishermen was sad to see them go. He said he rubbed the oil on his arthritic elbow joints every morning before he headed out to pull his lobster pots and it relieved the joint pain.
I get it, but if I’m in Texas and refer to a Latino foreigner/immigrant as a “beaner” or “wetback” that is an insult. Same thing.
I would not say that to a foreigner. It’s insulting.
I don’t like being called a gringo.
Question: Has anyone ever heard comments about Chinese, or Asians in general, that they have beautiful eyes?
I don't think I've ever taken NOTICE of the color of eyes the Chinese have, or if it varies? Certainly they must have variances but I think mainly they have black eyes ?
The few times I have been called ‘hey Gringo!’ in a deratory way I replied with ‘hey Haitiano!’. Works well on Dominicans.
I understand what you're trying to say, but I don't think it is the same thing. The terms you give in your example are obviously meant by the person using them as an insult and to put themselves in a position over the one being insulted. Same goes for so many similar slurs we all know that are used against various races or categories of people. I don't think people here use "gringo" as an insult, but more of a description...same as when my lady friend's family refer to others in the family as "la gorda" or "la flaca". But, if the one being referred to is insulted, they need to let the ones using it know. On the other end of the spectrum would be the derogatory terms used for Haitians...obviously meant as an insult and to put the user in a higher position (in their own mind).
I should have used the word ‘derogatory’, english is not my first language. Also gringo usually means white American which I am not and don’t wish to be mistaken for. So I must be a little sensitive about the ‘gringo’ word.
When I am called extranjero, flaco, guapo or whatever I have no problem because they are right about that.
Those are vastly different things. Being called a gringo is not an insult. Calling a Mexican a Beaner is an insult.
I have a friend in Texas I call a wetback all the time, but I am sure most people of Mexican origin would not like that.
In Spanish, "gringo" (pronounced GREE-ngo) originates from the word "griego," which means "Greek" in Spanish. The term "gringo" is used in Spanish-speaking countries to refer to a foreigner, especially one from the United States or who speaks English, according to Vocabulary.com and Dictionary.com.
Gringo can refer to any foreigner. And it does not come from "green go" as many will incorrectly claim. The word gringo existed well before any American Army people wearing green were in any Spanish speaking countries. They can call me anything they want, just not late for dinner.
I am half Mexican, happy cinco de mayo gringos
You can call me any derogatory name in the book.
I couldn't care less.
Except French, never call me French !
I couldn't care less.
Except French, never call me French !
Chico. I’m aware of the expression China Doll. It was a compliment. It referred to their porcelain skin and beautiful exotic eyes of certain Asian women. I heard the expression from two of my uncles who were USAF servicemen, based in Asia at some point.
🤣 The stereotypical Frenchmen is the butt of many jokes, Peter Sellers Inspector Clouseau portrayal being some of the best. There are worse things. Where I live, the existence of aboriginals was denied by the government and the church’s For half a century. Indian was a derogatory term. The pendulum has swung the other way now. Many Australians were insulted if someone referred to their convict ancestors. Now it’s a fashionable status thing. Times change. I was never called a gringo by the DR locals. My expat and snowbird friends did jokingly.