16 definition by backpacker_x2

1. Originally used in Spanish to refer very specifically to a person of 50% European and 50% Amerindian descent.
2. Nowadays used to refer to any Hispanic person of mixed Amerindian and European descent, regardless of proportions. Sometimes even used as a general term for any Hispanic person of mixed racial origins.
3. Sometimes used to refer to the Hispanic culture of the Americas (as it is a mix of different indigenous, European and African cultures).

The cognate word in Portuguese is mestiço, while in French it is métis.

1. Originally referred to poor, homeless itinerant workers in the USA. These original hobos travelled from town to town seeking temporary employment, usually along the lines of physical labour. They are traditionally associated with freighthopping (illegally riding in the carriages of freight trains). See also drifter, vagabond and okie.

2. Nowadays commonly used throughout the English-speaking world to refer to any homeless person. See also bum, tramp and beggar.

1. In its original, broadest and literal meaning, an immigrant is any person who lives in a country other than their country of birth.

2. Today the term “immigrant” is sometimes used with a more specific meaning: economic migrants, as opposed to people who retire abroad and international businessmen (who are both considered ex-pats); refugees; people serving abroad with the military or diplomatic corps; and international students.

1. <noun> A person from New Zealand. The term is very commonly used because the alternative, "New Zealander", is perceived as being kind of long and cumbersome.

2. <adjective> From, of or relating to New Zealand. This term is very commonly used because the country of New Zealand doesn't really have any other adjective ("New Zealandic" or "New Zealandish" are not correct).

3. <noun> A small, brown flightless bird indigenous to New Zealand. A common national symbol for New Zealand.

4. <noun> A fruit (also known as a "kiwifruit", a "Chinese gooseberry" or a "melonette") which originates from southern China, but is today grown in many parts of the world, notably Italy and New Zealand.

Originally a derogatory term for Romani people, who were known by the British population as gypsies because it was falsely believed that they originated from Egypt.

With the arrival of Irish Travellers in Britain, the terms "gyppo" and "gypsy" were also applied to these people.

Nowadays the term "gyppo", like "pikey", is often used as an insult to refer to anyone who is perceived to be poor, dirty, smelly and/or inclined to theft.

1. British term used to refer collectively to two separate traditionally-nomadic groups found in the UK: Irish Travellers (also known as Pavee, tinkers and pikeys) and Romani (also known as Roma, Romany, Romanichals, Romnichals and Kale). The term is used to replace the traditional term "gypsy", which is now considered offensive by some. The term refers to members of these two groups regardless of whether they actually live a nomadic or sedentary lifestyle.

2. A term used by people who are travelling away from home, but have distaste for the terms "tourist" and "holidaymaker". Travellers are often said to be distinct from tourists/holidaymakers due to the fact that they travel for longer periods of time, seeing a variety of places in one trip, and make an effort to experience the real spirit of the places they visit, rather than just tourist resorts. Those who self-describe as travellers are also often travelling on a tighter budget than traditional tourists, staying in hostels rather than hotels. A roughly synonymous term is "backpacker".

A vague term used to refer to people who live some sort of "alternative", often artistic lifestyle. The term is associated - although not exactly synonymous - with the term hippie. The term originally came to be used in this sense in 19th century France, in an attempt to liken non-conventional artist types to Romani (gypsies), who the French associated with Bohemia in Central Europe (today part of the Czech Republic).