Gingers

/ˈdʒɪndʒərz/ noun

Definition

Plural of ginger, meaning multiple ginger plants, roots, or people with red or reddish-brown hair.

Etymology

Plural form of 'ginger,' derived from Sanskrit śṛṅgavera. The slang meaning for red-haired people emerged in the 20th century, possibly from the color of the ginger root.

Kelly Says

The term 'ginger' for red-haired people is modern slang that became popular in Britain in the late 1900s, but it wasn't universally used until TV shows like 'South Park' made it mainstream—and even then, it's considered offensive by many.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

The word 'ginger' applied to red-haired people, particularly women, has carried reductive and sometimes fetishizing connotations since at least the early 20th century. It's often used to reduce identity to appearance and can carry sexual stereotyping in popular media.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'red-haired' or 'ginger-haired' as descriptive modifiers rather than as nouns that reduce identity. Avoid in contexts implying physical type-casting.

Inclusive Alternatives

["red-haired person","person with red hair","ginger-haired individual"]

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