it's likely that you've used the term "gypped" when you've felt cheated of something and i'll bet you didn't know when you were doing so that you were saying something that was derogatory and more than a little racist. most of us don't know that the word originates from the term "gypsy" and began as a way of referring to activities of theirs perceived as sly, underhanded or outright criminal. it's evidence of a long, dark history of mistrust and vilification between white europeans and the widespread minority group they call gypsies.
the term "gypsy" itself is a misnomer, given by people who believed these darker-skinned neighbours originated in egypt. in fact, linguistic and dna analysis has determined that they came from northern india, beginning their migration between 500 and 100a.d. and arriving in europe [specifically the balkans] as early as the twelfth century. the romani language [also the proper name for the people w…
the term "gypsy" itself is a misnomer, given by people who believed these darker-skinned neighbours originated in egypt. in fact, linguistic and dna analysis has determined that they came from northern india, beginning their migration between 500 and 100a.d. and arriving in europe [specifically the balkans] as early as the twelfth century. the romani language [also the proper name for the people w…