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).
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 for gringo
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.
Words nearby gringo
grinding wheel,
grinding-in,
grindle,
grindstone,
gringa,
gringo,
griot,
grip,
grip tape,
gripe,
gripe water
Example sentences from the Web for gringo
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
Cultural definitions for gringo
gringo
In Latin America, a foreigner, especially a North American or Englishman; usually a term of contempt.