Gypsy: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”ฎ
Add to dictionary

gypsy

 

[ หˆdส’ษชpsi ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

nomadic lifestyle

A member of a traditionally itinerant ethnic group with origins in South Asia, typically living a nomadic lifestyle and practicing fortune-telling or trade.

Synonyms

nomad, traveler, wanderer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
gypsy

Traditionally, it refers to the Romani people, an ethnic group with a distinct culture and history. This term can be offensive because it is tied to stereotypes and prejudices.

  • She wore a traditional gypsy dress.
  • The gypsy camp was vibrant with music and laughter.
nomad

Used to describe people who move from place to place, often for cultural or survival reasons, without a permanent home.

  • The nomad tribes have roamed this desert for centuries.
  • As a digital nomad, he works from various countries around the world.
wanderer

Describes someone who moves about freely and often aimlessly, without a clear destination or purpose. It often evokes a more poetic or romantic image.

  • He is a wanderer by nature, never staying in one place too long.
  • The wanderer walked through the forest, lost in thought.
traveler

A general term for anyone who moves from one location to another, usually for leisure, business, or exploring new places.

  • She is an avid traveler who has visited over 30 countries.
  • The travelers gathered at the station, ready to board the train.

Examples of usage

  • She lived like a gypsy, traveling from place to place with no permanent home.
  • The gypsy woman told fortunes using her crystal ball.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A person who is unconventional, nonconforming, or free-spirited.

Synonyms

bohemian, free spirit, nonconformist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
gypsy

This term is often used to describe a person who leads a nomadic lifestyle, frequently traveling and not settling in one place. It can be seen as derogatory towards the Roma people, so it's important to be cautious when using it.

  • She lived like a gypsy, moving from city to city.
bohemian

This word is typically used to describe someone who lives an artistic, unconventional lifestyle, often with a focus on freedom and creativity. It carries a positive connotation and is popular in artistic and literary circles.

  • The artist's bohemian lifestyle inspired many.
free spirit

This phrase is used to describe someone who is independent, carefree, and not bound by societal norms. It has a positive tone, celebrating individualism and freedom.

  • She's a free spirit who always follows her own path.
nonconformist

This term is used to describe someone who does not conform to societal norms or expectations. It can be either positive or negative, depending on the context and the perspective of the speaker.

  • As a nonconformist, he rejected traditional career paths.

Examples of usage

  • She was a free-spirited gypsy, always following her own path.
  • The artist was known for being a gypsy, rejecting traditional norms.

Translations

Translations of the word "gypsy" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น cigano

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคœเคฟเคชเฅเคธเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Zigeuner

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ Gipsi

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั†ะธะณะฐะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ Cygan

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ธใƒ—ใ‚ทใƒผ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท gitan

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ gitano

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท รงingene

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ง‘์‹œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุบุฌุฑูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ cikรกn

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ cigรกn

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ‰ๆ™ฎ่ต›ไบบ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ cigan

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ sรญgauna

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัั‹า“ะฐะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒแƒจแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ qaraรงฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ gitano

Etymology

The term 'gypsy' is a controversial and potentially derogatory term used to describe the Romani people, an ethnic group with origins in South Asia. The word has been historically associated with stereotypes and discrimination. The Romani people have faced persecution and marginalization throughout history. It is important to be aware of the negative connotations of the term and to use it with caution and sensitivity.

See also: gypsies.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,487, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.