Is "gypped" a racist term?

[Liberty Belle]

I've never considered it. I've used it without knowing where it really came from. I feel bad if I've offended anyone.

So is "gypped" a racist word in your opinion?

 

[eclectics]

I've never considered it. I've used it without knowing where it really came from. I feel bad if I've offended anyone.

So is "gypped" a racist word in your opinion?

It's reference and origin is from "gypsy". They were known around the world for their scams and theft. Not sure if I would call it racist, though.

 

[AKL_Megs]

I have NEVER made the connection before!

What a fool I feel like.

But with that in mind, no, I don't find it racial at all.

 

[JennyMominRI]

I've never considered it. I've used it without knowing where it really came from. I feel bad if I've offended anyone.

So is "gypped" a racist word in your opinion?

Prejudiced maybe, It's akin to "Jew them down" but i think very few people know the origins of the word..They aren't using it in a racist way as they don't really know the root of the word .
If I hear someone say Gypped, I don't assume they are racists, I assume they don't realize the above

 

[Carl]

Don't you know, in this PC world, EVERYTHING is a racist word.

 

[Cool-Beans]

Gypsies aren't a race, so in no way is it racist.

I don't think anyone associates the word with "gyp" with Gypsies. It may be how the word came to be, but nobody intends any malice toward Gypsies when using it. I doubt anyone even thinks of Gypsies when using it.

I use the word. I use the word "screwed", too...but don't mean that in its original and most literal sense.

 

[eclectics]

Gypsies aren't a race, so in no way is it racist.

I don't think anyone associates the word with "gyp" with Gypsies. It may be how the word came to be, but nobody intends any malice toward Gypsies when using it. I doubt anyone even thinks of Gypsies when using it.
I use the word. I use the word "screwed", too...but don't mean that in its original and most literal sense.

Not anymore, I'm sure. Gypsy tribes however, are still very much in existence in quite a few countries of the world, including the USA. I've read that they very much dislike the use of the term... Understandabley of course.

 

[Cool-Beans]

Not anymore, I'm sure. Gypsy tribes however, are still very much in existence in quite a few countries of the world, including the USA. I've read that they very much dislike the term... Understandabley of course.

People get way too worked up over stupid stuff. If nobody intends to insult you, don't decide to be insulted. Makes everything so much easier for everyone.

There are all kinds of silly things said about Irish people. I don't go around "getting my Irish up" over them...whether they are intended as insults or not. I just don't really care. Why anyone does care is beyond me.

 

[eclectics]

People get way too worked up over stupid stuff. If nobody intends to insult you, don't decide to be insulted. Makes everything so much easier for everyone.

There are all kinds of silly things said about Irish people. I don't go around "getting my Irish up" over them...whether they are intended as insults or not. I just don't really care. Why anyone does care is beyond me.

I don't think the OP said she recieved a complaint from anyone. She was just curious. Unless I misunderstood the post?

 

[PatsGirl]

I say "got gypped today" and "jewed em' down" but never really thought about the connotation. I seem to be very UN PC lately (like the last 10 years, lol). I never want to offend anyone yet it seems that so many people are wired to be "offended". I happen to be Native American and DD is Portugeese but we don't get offended as easily as some (not at all really), even when some people ask DD why she's so light skinned so she says, hey: Moms' Indian and Dad's Portugee, my skin is nearly perfect! In reality, I'm only 50% Indian and her Dad is what is considered "white portugeese". Now, calling people "white portugeese" is what I think should be offensive -- why make the differentiation?

 

[freckles and boo]

I never made the association before. I suppose it could be considered anti-Roma but I seriously doubt most people have a clue.

 

[Cool-Beans]

I don't think the OP said she recieved a complaint from anyone. She was just curious. Unless I misunderstood the post?

I didn't mention the OP. Wasn't talking about the OP. Was talking about the Gypsies you mentioned who very much dislike the word "gyp."

 

[eclectics]

I didn't mention the OP. Wasn't talking about the OP. Was talking about the Gypsies you mentioned who very much dislike the word "gyp."

Sorry. I wasn't clear on your point.

Although, I suppose if the word was said, not just as an expression, but as a deliberate jab at gypsys (which I'm sure is never the case, at least in this country) they would have a right to be a bit peeved.

 

[Liberty Belle]

I don't think the OP said she recieved a complaint from anyone. She was just curious. Unless I misunderstood the post?

No, you're correct. I actually was going to use it on the "post-birth medication" post, googled it to make sure I was spelling it correctly, and saw someone call it a racist word. Since it hadn't occurred to me before, I was curious how others felt about it.

 

[ConcKahuna]

When I was a carny....

What a way to start a post

But really, when I worked a carnival during HIgh School, there was a gypsy family who ran a few of the food booths and of course the palmistry booth. They hated that term, but I never really thought about it. I just didnt want to get them mad because the grandmother could out-cook anyone I've ever met and always insisted on bringing me food at least every couple of hours

 

[MrsPete]

I've never considered it. I've used it without knowing where it really came from. I feel bad if I've offended anyone.

So is "gypped" a racist word in your opinion?

Yep. It's right up there with, "The car salesman wanted $$$$$$$$$ for the car, but I jewed him down to $$."

 

[disykat]

Yep, and it's one I've always said along with others like "going Dutch treat." It's amazing how many expressions are racist if you start thinking about it.

 

[ConcKahuna]

Worst ever: "That's Gay" or "That's Ghey."

Gay people make sense and are too the point. I propose it be changed to "That's so hetero!"

 

[Liberty Belle]

Yep. It's right up there with, "The car salesman wanted $$$$$$$$$ for the car, but I jewed him down to $$."

See, I'd never dream of saying "jewed". It just seems really offensive to me.

 

[LisaNJ25]

Don't you know, in this PC world, EVERYTHING is a racist word.

so true and its out of control. I dont view it as a racial world.