țigan

From a Slavic word *ciganinъ, from Greek τσιγγάνος (tsingános), from Byzantine Greek Ἀθίγγανος (Athínganos), ultimately from either a word meaning "untouchable"[1][2][3] or the name of a Christian sect.[4] Compare Hungarian cigány and German Zigeuner, which are from the same Greek source (as well as Italian zingaro, French tzigane, ultimately).

• IPA^(key): /t͡siˈɡan/

țigan m (plural țigani, feminine equivalent țigancă)

1. Gypsy

The term "țigani", an imprecise exonym for several groups, is loaded with negative connotations: historically, it implied a status like that of a slave; today, the Dictionary of Romanian Language defines a fi țigan (“to be Gypsy”) as "to be a dark-skinned person" or "to be a person with bad habits".[5][6] Careful speakers therefore refer to the Roma people by their self-designation, romi, or (to prevent confusion with the word român (“Romanian”)) its alternative spelling rromi.

țigan m or n (feminine singular țigană, masculine plural țigani, feminine and neuter plural țigane)

1. Gypsy