ENGLISH
REFERENCE

gypsies

n. plural-only
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈdʒɪpsiz// UK //dʒˈɪpsɪz// gyp·sies

n. a group of people who traditionally travel from place to place instead of living in one house. Many people now consider this word offensive and prefer to use specific names like Roma or Travelers.

n. members of a traditionally nomadic ethnic group, specifically the Roma or Sinti people. While historically used as a neutral descriptor, it is increasingly regarded as a pejorative or an exonym; more precise ethnic identifiers are generally preferred in formal and academic contexts.


SIMPLE

The gypsies traveled across the country in colorful wagons.

CONTEXTUAL

Historically, many gypsies moved between towns to find seasonal work or trade handmade goods.

COMPLEX

The exhibition explores the cultural heritage of European gypsies while acknowledging the systemic discrimination and forced settlement policies they have faced over several centuries.

Synonyms
Usage

Often capitalized. While used historically as a collective noun, modern usage favors specific ethnic terms like 'Roma' to avoid negative stereotypes.

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