1 definition by djohio
When I was 12 years old I traveled to Mexico. Our guide said Gringo came from a misunderstanding. The Spanish/Mexicans asked who the Americans who they were and the Americans thought they asked where they were from. They told them Green Groves...which became Gringos. My parents figured it was just a story so we would not take offense if/when we were called Gringos.
As for those who say it is because America is a continent and not a country, The full name of the United States is The United States of America. Which is why we are called Americans. The full name of Mexico is the Estados Unidos Mexicanos which is why the people are called Mexicans! The continent is not America it is North America and South America. All those who live north of Columbia are North Americans. All those who live south of Panama are South Americans. But the United States of America is the only country on either continent that has America as part of it's name.
As far invading Mexico and taking it's land... Gringos were invited to move into Texas. They were living there as loyal Mexican citizens. But after Santa Ana declared himself a dictator several Mexican states including Texas revolted. Texas was the only one to win Independence. Then 10 years or so later after Texas joined the USA . Mexico wanted Texas back so declared war on the United States. Mexico lost and in the tradition of the day, the U.S.A. took more land as spoils of war.
As for those who say it is because America is a continent and not a country, The full name of the United States is The United States of America. Which is why we are called Americans. The full name of Mexico is the Estados Unidos Mexicanos which is why the people are called Mexicans! The continent is not America it is North America and South America. All those who live north of Columbia are North Americans. All those who live south of Panama are South Americans. But the United States of America is the only country on either continent that has America as part of it's name.
As far invading Mexico and taking it's land... Gringos were invited to move into Texas. They were living there as loyal Mexican citizens. But after Santa Ana declared himself a dictator several Mexican states including Texas revolted. Texas was the only one to win Independence. Then 10 years or so later after Texas joined the USA . Mexico wanted Texas back so declared war on the United States. Mexico lost and in the tradition of the day, the U.S.A. took more land as spoils of war.
Gringo / American
by djohio October 12, 2010