My Mexican non-English speaking cousin-in-law asked me if I thought that "Gringo" was an offensive term.My response was "no".My reasoning is that "Gringo" is a slang term for non-Mexican North Americans.Was I right or wrong? Opinions please. . .

Like most other slang words, someone will take offense to it. Just like n$=%& is common in Europe but is offensive here.

My first thought is that it is not an offensive term to me. But.... it is all in HOW the term is used, and under what circumstances - which I think is the same for most "offensive" terms.

This may also be regional, depending on what state, province or country you are in.

"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.

Growing up, I heard that word many times. But, I've never heard it used in such a way that it would lead one to think about it as an insult. I also heard the word "americano" used in the same way, which was to, more or less, describe a anglo person.However, the same is not true of a certain term, which I also heard sometimes. This term, "pinchi gringo" is offensive, without a doubt.

Is "Gringo" an offensive or derogatory word? | Good Sam Community

wildtoad
Explorer II
Mar 14, 2015
I think what matters is the adjective which precedes it.
4X4Dodger
Explorer II
Mar 14, 2015
bigcitypopo wrote:
i think if you are offended by a "word" than there is a lot more in your life that you are unable to deal with....

just my hay-penny

Words are important and so is how we use them. Words carry weight, meaning and can hurt.

That is why there are a number of words that used to be common in our language here in the US that are no longer socially acceptable. I am sure I dont need to write the list.

I for one am offended anytime I hear the derogatory slang words for Gays or people of color or any racial or ethnic slur. And I dont believe I am alone in this even though I am not included in the group being defamed.

A little sensitivity doesnt hurt. And yes my friends from Guatemala and Bolivia and Columbia tell me that the word Gringo, as used among themselves is a derogatory term.
navegator
Explorer
Mar 14, 2015
Stnbnv you are correct, I have been repeating the song in my head over and over and Green grow the rushes fits right in, to a non English speaker it sounds like gringo.

That fits the various stories that I have heard over the years, Thank's.

navegator
bigdog2
Explorer
Mar 14, 2015
When I introduce myself as 'Bronceado Gringo' ( loosely translated as Tan White Man ) to the pretty young waitresses it always gets a smile or a giggle. At the dentist office both he and his assistant had to stop what they were doing they were laughing so hard.

My 84 year old friend is known as 'Sr. Guapo'

It breaks the ice and lets them know we aren't stuck up and are friendly.
westernrvparkow
Explorer
Mar 14, 2015
Funny how the only group of people who do not have a derogatory term that sends them instantly off the deep end is the White male. Personally, you can call me anything you want, just don't call me late to dinner.
PRodacy
Explorer
Mar 14, 2015
When I hear the word it's nearly always used in a derogatory way, so yes, I consider it to be offensive.
navegator
Explorer
Mar 14, 2015
Well the term started during the Mexican American war and has stuck ever since, as for the color of the uniforms I do not know, I was not there I was helping Leif Erikson with his long boat.

navegator
cbshoestring
Explorer II
Mar 14, 2015
stanbnv wrote:
No other country that I can find in the western hemisphere has America in it's official name. I therefore will continue to call myself an American!

Maybe we shall all call ourselves STATESMEN....has a ring of nobility with just a hint of arrogance.
darsben
Explorer II
Mar 14, 2015
If he doesn't mind SPIC I do not mind GRINGO
stanbnv
Explorer
Mar 14, 2015
The US Army wore BLUE uniforms up until just before WWI, I don't think it would refer to the color of the uniforms of the troops in 1848. I also heard that a popular song at that time was "Green Grow the Rushes" was sung a lot by American troops and it originated from that. I have read that many language scholars believe that the term "gringo" is slang for the Spanish, Greek, as in "It's all Greek to me", meaning I don't understand that language. The name of the country between Canada and Estados Unidos Mexicanos is The United States of America. It was the first country in the western hemisphere to declare independence from the European colonizers in 1776. That has been it's official name since then. No other country that I can find in the western hemisphere has America in it's official name. I therefore will continue to call myself an American!