We've been gypped about gypping
June 6, 2016 2:31 PM Subscribe
The term "to gip/to gyp" is often assumed (and reported in modern source after modern source) to be a related term to "Gypsy" and thus perceived as an ethnic slur. However, this history seems to be, in fact, a folk-etymology; as the earliest uses of the word are not in reference to Gypsies but to bed-makers in college dormitories, a lowly position with a reputation for thieving. This letter from 1805 explains the term. The word is still used in some British colleges, according to Merriam-Webster.
Interestingly, the term Gypsy is generally agreed to come from the word Egyptian; and according to Henry Kirke White, the term for the servant was from the Greek word for vulture, which itself is an apparent reference to the Egyptianness of the bird. At a time when Latin and Greek were standard languages for college students to learn, it's sensible the students would pick it up as an insult against someone who probably couldn't understand it. However, by the late 19th century, the job of a gyp had become a more respectable position -- perhaps why the insulting title fell out of use.
Interestingly, the term Gypsy is generally agreed to come from the word Egyptian; and according to Henry Kirke White, the term for the servant was from the Greek word for vulture, which itself is an apparent reference to the Egyptianness of the bird. At a time when Latin and Greek were standard languages for college students to learn, it's sensible the students would pick it up as an insult against someone who probably couldn't understand it. However, by the late 19th century, the job of a gyp had become a more respectable position -- perhaps why the insulting title fell out of use.
This post was deleted for the following reason: Heya, the appropriate response to not liking that a mod reached out to you about a word that someone didn't like in a post you made is to hit up the contact form or MetaTalk to talk about it. Making a stunt post on the front page arguing the point is not. -- cortex
Still, even if this is the case, saying “gyp” is like saying “niggardly”. The etymology may be 100% inoffensive, but the fact that it sounds potentially offensive means that (a) those unaware of the etymology may be offended, and (b) those wishing to say something offensive whilst retaining a figleaf of plausible deniability will leap for a chance to use these words. So the etymology is not enough to salvage these words.
posted by acb at 2:36 PM on June 6, 2016 [4 favorites]
posted by acb at 2:36 PM on June 6, 2016 [4 favorites]
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posted by Pope Guilty at 2:35 PM on June 6, 2016 [2 favorites]