gringo

[ gring-goh ]

noun

, Slang: Sometimes Disparaging and Offensive.

, plural grin·gos.

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

gringo

/ ˈɡrɪŋɡəʊ /

noun

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

gringo

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

Sensitive 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 often used consciously for humorous effect, without intent to offend.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gringo¹

First recorded in 1840–50; from Spanish: literally, “foreign language, foreigner, especially an English-speaking one who speaks Spanish poorly”; often pejorative; probably alteration of griego “Greek, incomprehensible language”; compare English “It's Greek to me,” first recorded in English in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar (1599). The English and Spanish come from the Latin Graecum est; non legitur, “It's Greek; it isn't read” (either because the Greek was incomprehensible or because it was possibly heretical), supposedly dating from medieval monastic scriptoria. The belief that this word is from the song “Green Grow the Lilacs,” popular during the U.S.-Mexican War, is without substance. Greek

Word History and Origins

Origin of gringo¹

C19: from Spanish: foreigner, probably from griego Greek, hence an alien

Example Sentences

In addition to using body-worn cameras, they said, the male investigator leaned into his gringo persona and openly recorded with a camcorder — until English drove up and asked him to put it away.

From Washington Post

In my opinion if “gringo” is used with a disparaging tone or in a negative context it’s not appropriate for the workplace, but it’s still definitely not discrimination or worthy of investigation.

From Voice of San Diego

We also discussed a curious story out of Chula Vista where the mayor called a City Councilmember a “gringo” and it led to a $16,000 discrimination investigation.

From Voice of San Diego

Months later, an outside attorney for the city concluded that while “gringo” is an inappropriate term to use in the workplace, it didn’t rise to the level of being harassment or discrimination in this case.

From Voice of San Diego

While gringo-run restaurants with standard international menus full of imported ingredients rule many resort towns, they aren’t where most Ticos opt to eat.

From Eater

The story of their visit quickly spread among the ‘Gringo Trail’ and McFadden lucked into a business as the unofficial tour guide.

From The Daily Beast

After that, backpackers on the South American ‘Gringo Trail’ began touring and partying in San Pedro.

From The Daily Beast

The ladies generally prefer marrying a Gringo to a Paisanito.

From Project Gutenberg

The man wavered a second, then laughed cunningly, "A crucifix means nothing to a Gringo, and fear makes liars of all men."

From Project Gutenberg

The Mexicans were convinced that a large force of Gringo Diablos were at hand, and they feared for their lives.

From Project Gutenberg

Allied troops had reached the Gringo, five miles north of Monte Lisser.

From Project Gutenberg

He had surprised his daughter and the Gringo holding hands and exchanging kisses in a grove near the house.

From Project Gutenberg