(no subject)

Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves...?

A lot of people are up in arms today about the term 'gypsy'. Not at all sure why today in particular, but I'm noting down some thoughts and facts here.

• Roma are a race. 'Gypsy' is an old slang word for travellers, being shortened from Egyptians, which was where people thought they came from... You also have the Irish travellers, or Pavee, and new age travellers.


• In schools, teachers aren't allowed to use the word 'gypsy', all nomadic groups are referred to as Travellers."


• I don't really see this as 'PC gone mad' given all the names and stuff covered by gypsy. The fact that 'gypsy' often seen as an insulting word, meant that 'traveller' could be seen as a more accurate, and less offensive way of describing people who follow a nomadic life, or whose culture is nomadic. Many Roma object to being called gypsy, but see traveller as a good description of what they do. PC gone mad, to me, would be changing things because someone might find it offensive, regardless of whether anyone from the relevant race/religion/whatever found it insulting! However, it is true that many Roma now seem to dislike the term 'traveller' as much as they hated 'gypsy'. Whether this is because it now has all the negative connotations of 'gypsy' (e.g. outsider, unwelcome, thief) or because it is a government-imposed term, or another reason entirely, I don't know.

~ derived from comments left by me to a post by smogo.

A Gypsy (derived from Egyptian/Copt) may be:

• any member of any nomadic people the term is sometimes considered derogatory), especially:
  • the Roma and Sinti, found worldwide but mainly in Europe;
  • Travellers found mainly in Great Britain, Ireland and the United States; and
  • Luli in Central Asia.
  • Gitanos or Spanish Gypsies speak Caló.

~ Wikipedia

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I've left this open, but with some screening of comments for non-fl people, because I am interested in the opinions of others who might not read this otherwise. I shall probably add and change this as time goes along, but will try to make it clear.