Gyp

/dʒɪp/ noun

Definition

Short for gypsum or a member of the Romani people (though 'Gypsy' is now considered outdated and potentially offensive).

Etymology

From 'gypsum' (a mineral used in plaster) or from 'Gypsy,' which came from 'Egyptian' as Europeans mistakenly thought Romani people originated in Egypt. The term is now considered problematic.

Kelly Says

The Romani people were wrongly called 'Gypsies' because medieval Europeans thought they came from Egypt, but they actually originated in northern India and migrated westward starting around 1000 CE.

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