Is "gringo" derogatory or not, simple answer will do.
Is the term "gringo" a derogatory term or just a label for foreigners, a simple answer is sufficient.
8 Answers
Hi John and Welcome to the forum!
I think that for the most part, words, in and of themselves, do not impart a derogatory meaning; more so, it is the usage of words that conveys such feelings and colors the words (for better or worse). For example, I have heard people drop f-bombs while joking around with friends as if it were just another word, while in another situation, such a word might generate violent outrage from the recipient.
From what I understand, the word itself is used to refer to foreigners (and certainly is not considered profane), and any usage of this word that might appear xenophobic or hostile is more than likely a result of the prejudice of the speaker and not a result of the word itself. In America, for example, there are plenty of people who view all foreigners with disdain and suspicion. To these people, the word "foreigner" might hold a negative connotation, and you might hear a rant such as, "I'll tell you what's wrong with this country...It's all these d@#$ foreigners!" Similarly, you might here someone say something like, "Pin@#% gringos." In both cases, it is the prejudice of the speaker that colors the word and not the word itself. To many others, the word holds no negative connotations, just as in America, the word "foreigner" holds no negative connotations but is simply a way to refer to people living in their own country, who through circumstance of birth hail from another country and (usually) speak differently because of it.
A Simple Explanation
I know that you asked for a simple explanation, and this was a bit lengthy, but the long and short of it is that in and of itself the word is not offensive, but depends more on the intent, prejudice and attitude of the speaker (probably along with any preconceived prejudices or insecurities of the recipient of such a label).
Here are a couple of links that you might be interested in:
El origen o historia de la palabra "gringo"
Saludos
Welcome to the forum!
It depends on the region. Just to be safe, since you want a simple answer, better to avoid it.
No
(at least in Argentina)
HI joh, this depends how you look at it and how you take it, we had several threads with a lot of opinions, here is one, search for gringo and you will see.
I think in this case, it depends on who uses it--the tone and situation it is used--and where it is used. I've heard it used in a friendly way and in an insulting way. The English equivalent would be "jerk" or "dummy"--sometimes used in a friendly joking manner, but can be insulting. It isn't like "nigger"--which is generally always offensive.
Simple answer--choose another term that isn't potentially a problem...or else ask the company you're in if they mind if you use it, if you can't judge by their tone or other factors.
People say it all the time here and they are not being offensive. In my opinion, it all depends on the context, the tone of voice, or the expression on the face of the person using it. Even the Americans say it to each other.
As far as I know, it's not offensive in Colorado. There is a very popular mexican restaurant I frequently go to and I normally order the "gringo rellanos". The rellanos are good and I'm not offended.
No me molesta.
