zigeuner

See also: Zigeuner

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Borrowed from German Zigeuner. See the German entry for further etymological information. Doublet of tzigane.

Noun

zigeuner (plural zigeuners)

  1. (offensive) A Gypsy.

Usage notes

"Zigeuner" is an imprecise term derived from a Greek word for "untouchable".[1][2][3] It is considered offensive by many Romani. In Germany, the Central Council of German Sinti and Roma rejects the use of the corresponding German term, "Zigeuner", as a designation for the Roma, regarding it as racist and as having been discredited by the Nazis' use of it.

See also the note about Zigeuner.

References
  1. 2004, Viorel Achim, The Roma in Romanian History (Bucharest), page 9
  2. 2007, Jean-Pierre Liégeois, Roma In Europe, page 17
  3. 1993, Struggling for Ethnic Identity: The Gypsies of Hungary (published by Human Rights Watch), page 1

Anagrams

Dutch

Etymology

Borrowed from German Zigeuner See the German entry for further etymological information.

Pronunciation
  • IPA(key): /ˌziˈɣøː.nər/
  • Audio(file)
  • Hyphenation: zi‧geu‧ner
  • Rhymes: -øːnər

Noun

zigeuner m (plural zigeuners, diminutive zigeunertje n, feminine zigeunerin)

  1. (sometimes offensive) Gypsy, member of the Roma
  2. (sometimes offensive) gypsy, person who leads a nomadic life

Usage notes

Sometimes considered offensive by Romani people. Use of the word for non-Romani people may also be considered offensive, as well as incorrect.

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