Gypsy

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈd͡ʒɪp.si/

Alternative forms

• gipsy, gipsey archaic
• gypsey, gypsie archaic

Origin

See Gypsy. The generic usage that refers to any itinerant person who is suspected of dishonest practices derives from traditional racist stereotypes of the Romani people.

Compare bohemian, from Bohemia.

Full definition of gypsy

Noun

1. (sometimes offensive) Alternative form of Gypsy: a member of the Romani people.
2. (offensive) An itinerant person or any person suspected of making a living from dishonest practices or theft; a member of a nomadic people, not necessarily Romani; a carny.
• Shakespeare:Like a right gypsy, hath, at fast and loose, Beguiled me to the very heart of loss.
• Borat:I will look on your treasures, gypsy. Is this understood?

Usage notes

See the usage note about Gypsy.

Derived terms

• gypsiologist, gypsiology
• gypsycraft
• gypsy hat
• gypsyish
• gypsyism
• gypsy's kiss
• gypsylike
• gypsy winch
• gypsywort

Adjective

1. Alternative form of Gypsy: of or belonging to the Romani people or one of it sub-groups (Roma, Sinti, Romanichel, etc).
2. (offensive) Of or having the qualities of an itinerant person or group with qualities traditionally ascribed to Romani people; making a living from dishonest practices or theft etc.If anyone questions them, they'll fold up faster than a gypsy roofing company.

Usage notes

See the notes about Gypsy.

Derived terms

• gypsy cab
• gypsy moth
• gypsy mushroom
• gyp, gip

Verb

1. (intransitive) To roam around the country like a gypsy.