gringo

[ gring-goh ]

/ ˈgrɪŋ goʊ /

noun, plural grin·gos. Slang: Usually Disparaging and Offensive.

a term used in Latin America or Spain to refer to a foreigner, especially one of U.S. or British descent (sometimes used facetiously).

Nearby words

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. 2019

Examples from the Web for gringo

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 Prison|Jason Batansky|October 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
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 Prison|Jason Batansky|October 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Faco fired again; Gringo made still another effort to reach him, but could not find him now, so returned to his "Silver-brown."
Monarch, The Big Bear of Tallac|Ernest Thompson Seton
Oddly enough, just as he reached the sleeping Gringo, the outflung arm lifted abruptly from the ground for an inch or two.
Steve Yeager|William MacLeod Raine

The general wants the Gringo to cut out his heart and liver.
Steve Yeager|William MacLeod Raine
Never would she have further to do with the Gringo who spoke such words.
The Night-Born|Jack London
The Mexicans were convinced that a large force of Gringo Diablos were at hand, and they feared for their lives.
Life and adventures of Frank and Jesse James|J. A. Dacus

British Dictionary definitions for gringo

gringo

/ (ˈɡrɪŋɡəʊ) /

noun plural -gos

a person from an English-speaking country: used as a derogatory term by Latin Americans

Word Origin for gringo

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

gringo

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."

Culture definitions for gringo

gringo

In Latin America, a foreigner, especially a North American or Englishman; usually a term of contempt.