What does gypsy mean?
Gypsy is a historical English term widely used for a member of the Romani people. It is now widely regarded as an offensive label, so “Romani” is preferred for the people or their language, while “Roma” may refer to an individual. In older writing, the word could also mean an itinerant traveler or wanderer, and the adjective and verb survive in dated or literary senses. Another established use appears in the moth’s former common name, which was changed in 2022 when the Entomological Society of America adopted “spongy moth.” The spelling “gipsy” occurs in older English and in some other languages, but it has the same offensive connotations when applied to Romani people. Historically, the term became associated with the supposed Egyptian origin of itinerant Romani communities, although no sound linguistic relationship between the word and the Romani language has been established. In contemporary writing, it is chiefly encountered in historical sources, discussions of discriminatory language, or the moth’s traditional name.
A member of the Romani people; the term is now widely regarded as offensive and has largely been replaced by “Romani” or “Roma.” In older usage, it could also mean an itinerant traveler or wanderer.
"The exhibition explains how Roma families were portrayed and described as “gypsies” in nineteenth- and twentieth-century sources."
The personal sense is a dated ethnic label with strong offensive connotations.
Relating to Romani people or to an itinerant way of life; now chiefly encountered in dated literature and the moth’s former common name.
"The specimen was labeled “Gypsy moth,” although spongy moth is now the preferred common name."
When applied to Romani people rather than preserved in a historical name, the adjective is also regarded as offensive.
To travel or live as an itinerant; rare and now chiefly literary or dated.
"They gypsied through Europe for years, performing and repairing fairground rides."
This verb is uncommon in current English and should not be used as a substitute for the respectful terms “Romani” or “Roma.”
This is the standard historical plural, but it is inappropriate in contemporary reference to Romani people; use “Roma” or “Romani” according to context.
"Museum labels now identify the family as Roma rather than using the older plural “gypsies.”"
In 2022, the Entomological Society of America retired the moth’s old name “gypsy moth” and adopted the less controversial “spongy moth.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gypsy come from?
The word appeared in English during the early modern period in forms such as “Gipsy” and “Egyptian,” probably reflecting a mistaken belief that itinerant Romani people originated in Egypt. Its precise source is uncertain, and it has no established linguistic connection with Romani, the language of the people it was used to label. The name is conventionally associated with the obsolete English term “Egyptian,” whose own history ultimately leads to Latin and Greek forms referring to Egypt.
Related word forms
How gypsy is actually used
For Romani people, the term is a historical pejorative and should generally be avoided; use “Romani” for the people or language and “Roma” for an individual. The traditional moth name is being replaced by “spongy moth.”
Easily confused with gypsy
“Gipsy” is a traditional variant spelling of the same historical word, with the same offensive connotations when used to refer to Romani people.