The English term Gypsy (or Gipsy) originates from the Middle English gypcian, short for Egipcien. The Spanish term Gitano and French Gitan have similar etymologies.

The word gyp, which probably originated as a shortened form of Gypsy, has noun and verb meanings relating to cheating and swindling that are widely considered offensive.

Dec 25, 2025 · The exotic stereotype of the nomadic Gypsy has often disguised the fact that fewer and fewer may have remained truly migratory, although this point is controversial.

The Roma, or as they are more commonly known in the English-speaking world, the Gypsies, entered Europe in the late Middle Ages from India. Many early chronicles referred to the Roma …

In reality, the people commonly known as “gypsies” originated in the Indian subcontinent and then spread into the Middle East and Africa to Europe, and later the Americas.

Definition of Gypsy noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. a member of an ethnic group (= a group of people with a shared cultural background, language, etc.), originally from …

The word Gypsy is an English term for a people seen as either carefree Romantic wanderers, or lazy untrustworthy lowlifes – both definitely outsiders. Gypsy is a derivative of Egyptian, from …

Apr 3, 2023 · The English word 'Gypsy' comes from the myth that the Romani originated in Egypt. Over time, it came to be used broadly for many nomadic or semi-nomadic groups in Eurasia. …

GYPSY definition: 1. a member of a race of people originally from northern India who typically used to travel from…. Learn more.

Dec 12, 2024 · The term "Gypsy" comes from the mistaken belief that they originated in Egypt. Early Europeans thought these newcomers came from the Egyptian territories, hence the name.