by Arisztid in a COAT of Rromani awareness on January 31st, 2008
Being "Gypped" is offensive to the Rromani, i.e. "Gypsy". That is where the word "gypped" came from.
We are not RomaniAN. We are RromanI. Romania is a country, Rromani (however we spell it) is a people.
by iwnit on February 1st, 2008
I think that the term would be offensive to anyone.
It would also be offensive for people of Romanian descent for one more reason: because it is a discriminative and offensive insult which has been used against Romani people (those who came from India). Many Romanian people (descending from the Vlachs of Romania) don't want to be taken for Romani.
Sometimes, sadly, it is not only the need of respect for their own identity, but it could always be racism against the Romani.
But I hope it is a small minority.
by italiagirl on July 3rd, 2008
Start by not calling them gypsies, I think. Its Romani or Roma. And yes that saying is offensive, its a racial slur and has become way too commonly used among teens
by Kalryne on February 22nd, 2008
How can you become a Gypsy?
by kanara on July 15th, 2008
wow i just realized it was from the word gypsy. i wont say it anymore.
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Comments
pardon my ignorance i was intrigued by the question, but what's the difference? history or what?
by miRi hates social norms and regulations on January 31st, 2008
The Rrom came from, or through, India, eventually settling all over the world, including Romania. "Rom" means "man". It is just happenstance that the name "Rromani" and "Romania" are similar.
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Some bright bulb decided that we were from Egypt, which we are not, hence the word "Gypsy".
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Even more bright bulbs decided that "I've been gypped" is slang for "I've been ripped off" because of a stereotype of my people. Oh, most of us are law abiding, like myself.
by Arisztid in a COAT of Rromani awareness on January 31st, 2008
you're very defensive it seems about your culture. it's good to have pride though, i just hope it's not caused you much hostility.
anyways thanks for answering my question =) +4
by miRi hates social norms and regulations on January 31st, 2008
I have gotten quite a bit of hostility due to it (may the Gods bless the Martial Arts and a very thick hide) but it is NOTHING to what my folki in EU face every day. I am blessed. :)
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You are welcome and thankyou for the points. I try to not come off as hostile and, if I did, I apologize. I try to just educate. You would not even believe the things I have been asked or the things that have been said to me. :P
by Arisztid in a COAT of Rromani awareness on January 31st, 2008
no i asked for an answer and you gave it clearly, no hostility i read. i could just tell it made you passionate and that was admirable. thanks again
by miRi hates social norms and regulations on January 31st, 2008
:) Thankyou. I am a bit passionate about my people. I am kind of a Rromani rights activist, albeit not a big player.
by Arisztid in a COAT of Rromani awareness on January 31st, 2008
Arisztid: good answer and interesting complement in the comment.
by iwnit on January 31st, 2008
Thank you both for your comments! Sincerely, Arisztid, please forgive my ignorance. I asked the question because *I* thought it sounded offensive - and I have mentioned it to people who told me I was entirely too PC. I genuinely appreciate your clarification of where Gypsy came from - and the clarification of Rromani - Romanian misinformation.
by SelahWrites on January 31st, 2008
:) thankyou for the question... it is always good to clarify this silliness. That is how stereotpyes are eradicated.
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Being "Gypped" is along the lines of, please pardon this, being "J*wed down" or the use of the word "gay" as derogatory. These things have found their way into common usage which is sickening, to me. The word "Gyppo" is along the lines of the "n" word.
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Thankyou iwnit. :)
by Arisztid in a COAT of Rromani awareness on January 31st, 2008
Hahaha - I was going to mention how many times It's been suggested to me that I J*w someone down for something and how close I've come to... well, you know. I've got to remind myself they know not of which they speak, and mean no harm.
I do try to get my grandchildren (the teen boys) to stop doing the gay thing, and they've pretty much figured it won't fly at Bubbe's place.
Again, thank you for the clarification and the information. I appreciate it.
by SelahWrites on January 31st, 2008
Are you Jewish? It is hard for me to to not... well, you know... when they say "who did you Gyp today?" and worse.
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No ethnic or other bigoted slurs make it at my house or amongst my circle of friends.
by Arisztid in a COAT of Rromani awareness on January 31st, 2008
i work at a daycare from k-8 you can imagine how many times i nail my kids for saying "that's gay". as long as people make an effort to stop it, there can be progress
by miRi hates social norms and regulations on January 31st, 2008
Indeed.
by Arisztid in a COAT of Rromani awareness on January 31st, 2008
Yes, am Jewish - and I share your sentiments regarding stereotypes. My BF is Chinese. He gets the Chinaman's chance biz from time to time.
Mirigotquestions - bless your heart for trying! I think the common denominator between we three women is that we display a lack of tolerance for intolerance - so good on us!
by SelahWrites on January 31st, 2008
It is bloody annoying. I think most of us get it at some time or another but some do get it more than others. *shrugs*.
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Education is the only way to go and it has to start young. Indeed thankyou Mirigotquestions.
by Arisztid in a COAT of Rromani awareness on January 31st, 2008
Exactly. Education, compassion, and communication is the answer. We as humans have much more in common than is generally held. We all hurt, we all have problems, we all get happy. We want the same things out of life.
by SelahWrites on January 31st, 2008
welcome both ladies, keep it up and let's hope we can make a dif, shall we?
by miRi hates social norms and regulations on January 31st, 2008
Uhm.... I am a gent. Well, a guy, at least. :P
by Arisztid in a COAT of Rromani awareness on January 31st, 2008
lol i'm sorry for the confusion - my default online is that i'm talking to a female...[guess i'll start working on that assumption too]
by miRi hates social norms and regulations on January 31st, 2008
Not a problem. Some think I am female because of my hair, which is to my arse and my avatar reflects this.
by Arisztid in a COAT of Rromani awareness on January 31st, 2008
@Arisztid, I too made that erroneous assumption. It's difficult to tell with the small avatar. However, it still was an assumption ; >
by SelahWrites on January 31st, 2008
It does not help that my avatar is of a long-haired person. No problems. :)
by Arisztid in a COAT of Rromani awareness on January 31st, 2008
I need not answer the question now, thanks to you, Arisztid. I have read a fascinating book on the subject of the Rromani peoples called "Bury Me Standing". It was incredibly insightful and blew all of those long-standing myths about 'gypsies' away. I found the people in the book to be incredibly creative, talented, musical, and kind. The treatment of these people was (and still is) a travesty. Thanks for enlightening so many about your people here on AB!
by anonymous on February 1st, 2008
:D Thankyou Molecule! Thankyou for caring enough to read and think as well :)
by Arisztid in a COAT of Rromani awareness on February 1st, 2008