gringo
[gring-goh]
- a term used in Latin America or Spain to refer to a foreigner, especially one of U.S. or British descent (sometimes used facetiously).
Show More
Origin of gringo
1840–50, Americanism; < Spanish: foreign language, foreigner, especially English-speaking (pejorative); probably alteration of griego Greek. The belief that word is from the song “Green Grow the Lilacs,” popular during U.S.-Mexican War, is without substance
Usage note
Use of this term implies that the foreigner is an outsider who does not understand or respect Hispanic culture or does not treat Hispanics well. However, gringo is sometimes used consciously for humorous effect, without intent to offend.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for gringo
Contemporary Examples
The story of their visit quickly spread among the ‘Gringo Trail’ and McFadden lucked into a business as the unofficial tour guide.
Cocaine, Politicians and Wives: Inside the World’s Most Bizarre PrisonJason Batansky
October 12, 2014
After that, backpackers on the South American ‘Gringo Trail’ began touring and partying in San Pedro.
Cocaine, Politicians and Wives: Inside the World’s Most Bizarre PrisonJason Batansky
October 12, 2014
Historical Examples
Also at any moment the devil may send me a Gringo; their scouts are as plenty as scorpions.
RitaLaura E. Richards
Gringo, if you are not more careful we shall have to gag you!
Uncle Sam's Boys as LieutenantsH. Irving Hancock
Does my brother know the Gringo has asked the Apaches for a guide?
The Trail-HunterGustave Aimard
Gringo pig of a spy, you shall die and be fed to the buzzards!
Uncle Sam DetectiveWilliam Atherton Du Puy
In his arroyo again, he proposed to make the Gringo as a sieve.
The MissourianEugene P. (Eugene Percy) Lyle
gringo
- a person from an English-speaking country: used as a derogatory term by Latin Americans
Show More
Word Origin
C19: from Spanish: foreigner, probably from griego Greek, hence an alien
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for gringo
n.
1849, from Mexican Spanish gringo, contemptuous word for "foreigner," from Spanish gringo "foreign, unintelligible talk, gibberish," perhaps ultimately from griego "Greek." The "Diccionario Castellano" (1787) says gringo was used in Malaga for "anyone who spoke Spanish badly," and in Madrid for "the Irish."
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
gringo
In Latin America, a foreigner, especially a North American or Englishman; usually a term of contempt.
Show More
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.