"However, the word gringo originated in Spain long before there was a Spanish-speaking Mexico and at one time, the word in Spain was often used to refer specifically to the Irish"--Wikipedia.
HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY.
Guess it depends on who you talk to, how it is used. The urban dictionary says it was used because the soldiers from up north wore green and it became a quick way of saying "green go Home". They also say that since other in South America do not like to refer to US Citizens as American, they use Gringo to refer to peole from the USA.
From experience I can tell you that being called a F2&k!3% GRINGO normally did not make me feel loved.
Truth be told...I think when most people,your in-law included,are referring to THAT gringo...it is probably not meant to be nice. If they are just talking about the difference between Gringos and those with Spanish decent, they probably mean no harm.
