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A thread explaining the origin and definition of the word gringo and why it is not an insult (explained by a Latin and Hispanic person).
ORIGIN OF THE WORD "gringo".
There are two origins given to the word gringo and both have a historical background involving both US people and hispanic people, specifically Mexicans
There are two origins given to the word gringo and both have a historical background involving both US people and hispanic people, specifically Mexicans
1. During the Texas Revolution (1835-1836), a war in which US settlers and Texans sought emancipation from Mexico, the Battle of the Alamo took place. In this confrontation, the US soldiers wore green military uniforms, causing that when Mexican soldiers see them and say: +
"Green go" (váyanse verdes). Throughout history, this word has been adapted and changed over time, becoming identified by sound terms as "gringo"
2. In the historical event of the Mexican War against the United States (1846-1848), an event that was a consequence of the colonisation of Texas by the United States, the US soldiers during the invasions of Mexico sang the military song "Green grow the lilacs". As in the +
previous case, due to word distortions, they ended up identifying the US colonists as "gringos".
DEFINITION
Although the origin of the word "gringo" is not yet defined, the meaning of the word is the same as it shares a common definition because of its urbanity.
The word "gringo" refers especially to people from the United States, however, it can also refer to non-latin +
Although the origin of the word "gringo" is not yet defined, the meaning of the word is the same as it shares a common definition because of its urbanity.
The word "gringo" refers especially to people from the United States, however, it can also refer to non-latin +
and non-hispanic foreigners who have Western features regardless of their skin colour
WHY IS "gringo" NOT AN INSULT?
Gringo in the Spanish language is an epithet to refer to all of the above mentioned. It is a word that lacks vulgarism and is not an insult. However, it can also be used derogatorily when it is combined with insults
Gringo in the Spanish language is an epithet to refer to all of the above mentioned. It is a word that lacks vulgarism and is not an insult. However, it can also be used derogatorily when it is combined with insults
CONCLUSION
gringo ≠insult
gringo ≠slur
gringo = epithet for US people or non-latin or non-hispanic foreigners who have Western features regardless of their skin colour
gringo ≠insult
gringo ≠slur
gringo = epithet for US people or non-latin or non-hispanic foreigners who have Western features regardless of their skin colour
I want to make it clear that English is not my mother language so if there is a misinterpretation of my words it may be a translation error as this thread is originally in Spanish :D https://twitter.com/gomidatch/status/1386518171537055750?s=19
