Hello there!
I have a doubt about the use of the term “gringo”. I am from Brazil and it’s common to use it here to refer to a foreigner, especially people from the US. However, I was wondering if it can be used by Americans, in the US, to refer to foreigners in general. If not, is there a word Americans use to refer to foreigners other than “dado”, which is used to refer to a person of Italian and Spanish descent?
Thanks in advance!
No to all the above.
so… there’s no slang in English to refer to foreigners?
In the US, gringo generally refers to Americans and is mildly pejorative. This word would be used by people from Mexico and other Latin American countries.
I can’t think of a general slang term referring to all foreigners - maybe the adjective “fresh off the boat”. Of course we have many slang words, almost all derogatory, to refer to people from other countries - still working on one for the Belgians though!
***** NOT A TEACHER *****
Hello, Fezzitta:
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I am 77 years old and have lived every second here in the United States (I do not even have a passport). To the best of my knowledge, there is no “slang” word in American English to refer to foreigners in general.
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There are, however, many slang words to refer to particular nationalities.
a. But most of those terms are VERY rude, so I am not allowed to post them here. (Of course, you can find them by googling.)
- There are 2 terms, however, that are NOT really rude. So I think that I am allowed tell you:
a. limey. It refers to British people. (Many years ago, British sailors were getting sick. After they ate limes, however, they were no longer sick.)
i. In my opinion few Americans use that term in 2014, and probably most younger Americans have never heard of it. It can be rude, but it can also be affectionate – depending on which way the speaker wants to use it.
b. Canuck. My dictionary tells me that Canadians themselves use this term to describe themselves. My dictionary tells me that when Americans use it, it may be in a rude sense. But, again, I think that some Americans are just being friendly when using it, and I do not often hear it.
James
P.S. Speaking of slang terms, are you a carioca?
wow! thanks a lot, guys! this is all very useful! although i’ve been an english teacher for about 12 years now, i love the fact that there will always be something new to learn. :o)
and james, no, i am not a carioca. i am a “gaúcha”. in case you haven’t heard of that term, a “gaúcho” or “gaúcha” (male and female words - there is that difference in portuguese) is someone from rio grande do sul, a state in the very south of brazil. :o)
Thanks for the information, Fezzitta.