Where does the term Dago come from when refering to Italians?
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Ridiculous
ANSWERS: 3
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From what I've just turned up online trying to answer this, it seems to come from a corruption of the common Spanish name Diego, which was used a generic name when speaking derogatorily about someone of Spanish/Latin origin... this use then extended to Italians gradually, since their Mediterranean complexion was fairly similar to those ignorant enough to be using racial slurs like "dago", and now encompasses pretty much anyone from that geographical area in the mind of bigots.
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where ever there is work, they go. Shorten to Dago
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I heard it came from their reputation to flee the battle field. There used to be a lot of anti-italian stereotypes during the wars. One of the most well-know jokes was: What do you call an Italian with a war medal? A thief. Hence "dago." came from the idea that any time there was a battle, people would see them flee and say "there they go." Shortened to Dago. Who knows? I heard this from an old school american who was prejudiced so like all sources...consider it.
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