[Ireland]

Originally Posted by Coda

"Gypsy" is sometimes considered faintly racist. It's not a horrible slur, but it calls back to a mistake in less-enlightened times (the Romani aren't actually from Egypt). Some people are more sensitive about it than others. Most modern Romani people are actually totally okay with it and even use it in their own organization names.

Yes, historically the word Gypsy was negative - I currently portray a Romani female tribal leader, or Rom Bari, at a Washington Ren. Faire. I have to talk about this a lot to patrons.

Gypsy was used a slur against the Romani people (originally from India, who then spread to Eastern Europe and eventually western Europe). In English it means "wanderer", though they used it negatively against the Romani people, who unfortunately used a scapegoat in many countries as they were nomadic people and always outsiders.
Some also say the word (or term) "Gyppt" is derived from that word as well.

I love their culture...I kinda have to spend 3 weekends in the sun dancing and playing with the Kumpania in 95 degree heat. X3 I have to wear a lot of clothing as Romani woman, despite Disney's attempt, dressed very conservatively.

Nowadays, the majority of people don't even know that at one point the word was negative. Now it's attached to fashion trends that are influenced by loose clothing and tribal-fusion influences, dream catchers, incense, and new-age thinking. All of which I also partake in. ^^;