What does gipsy mean?
Gipsy is an old English noun formerly used for a member of the Romani people, a diverse population traditionally associated with travelling across Europe and other parts of the world. The term is now regarded as offensive, especially when used by non-Romani speakers, and it has generally been replaced by Romani or by a more specific name for the relevant community. In older or figurative contexts, gipsy could also denote someone leading an itinerant or unconventional life, although this usage carries similar prejudices and is dated. The word survives in established names such as gipsy moth and in descriptions of historical language. Its alternative spelling, gypsy, became especially common in American English, but that spelling is also now usually avoided when referring to people. Recognizing gipsy is therefore important for understanding older texts and for avoiding offensive language in contemporary writing.
An old, now generally offensive term for a member of the Romani people; in dated figurative use, a person who lives an itinerant or unconventional lifestyle.
"The curator explained that the historical word gipsy is now considered offensive and that the exhibition uses Romani instead."
The figurative sense is dated and may reproduce the same stereotypes associated with the historical label for Romani people.
Relating to Romani people or their culture; formerly, also describing an itinerant or wandering way of life.
"The gipsy moth is widespread in North America and can defoliate oak trees."
The adjective is also offensive when directly labeling Romani people or their culture, although it persists in some established names.
This is the traditional plural, but when referring to Romani people, use Romani people or a more specific community name instead.
"The historical catalogue uses gipsies, a term that modern editors have replaced with Romani people."
An old label for Romani people that belongs in dictionaries chiefly so writers can recognize, contextualize, and avoid it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gipsy come from?
The word appeared in English during the early 16th century in forms derived from older designations for the Romani people. Its deeper origin is uncertain, although early usage was influenced by the longstanding belief that the Romani had come from Egypt and by Greek, Latin, and continental European forms associated with that belief. The modern spelling gipsy developed alongside the alternative gypsy, which became particularly common in American English.
Related word forms
How gipsy is actually used
When referring to a person or people, use Romani or a more specific community name instead. The word remains recognizable because of older writing, historical language, and established names such as gipsy moth, but its presence in a name does not make the historical label acceptable for describing Romani people.
Easily confused with gipsy
Gypsy is an alternative spelling that became especially common in American English, but it is also now generally considered offensive when referring to a Romani person.