Å¢igan

A Romanian word for Gypsy (Romani) that is loaded with negative connotations. Many use it to avoid confusing Romani for Romanians, however a better alternative is Romi. Romi used to be enslaved in certain parts of Romania, the word tigan implies slave status. A lot of non-Romi will tell you it’s not offensive, but that’s because it’s not targeted at them. Though not the worst word, most Romi find it offensive and degrading. When Romi use it towards each other it’s fine. Even if it’s the direct translation of Gypsy, it’s meaning in Romanian shows how negative it is. You wouldn’t see such definition for other ethnicities.

nu-mi spune Ţigan, sunt Rom.

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