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
by iiellax September 6, 2019
what a waitess at a small, family owned, Mexican restaurant called me to the Spanish speaking regulers after being asked to turn the jukebox down.
by junction September 23, 2005
Actually,the word come from a popular song that the American soldiers sang during the Mexican-American War. The songs title was, "Green Grows the Liliacs". To older Mexicans, and Mexican-Americans the word IS intended as an insult.
Today, it is a word overused and has lost its original meaning.
Today, it is a word overused and has lost its original meaning.
by Jesus Torres November 27, 2006
A derogatory term used to refer to white people. You'll never hear a Mexican say it unless they are upset with a white person. The Mexicans who use it are born in Mexico living here in the United States.
by Two_Bursches_One_Crub July 16, 2015
The word "gringo" (feminine "gringa") can take on many definitions. Some include:
1. A Spanish word for a white person of non-mixed European heritage. Not to be confused with "gachupin", a word for people with Spanish or Portuguese heritage. Can be used both as a term of endearment or a pejorative.
2. A term Latinos use to describe or nickname a friend with noticable European characteristics, such as fair skin/hair or green/blue eyes, or one that is actually white.
3. "Gringa" can mean a Mexican taco made with spicy pork and a flour tortilla (which is white), served with a variety of salsa.
4. In many parts Latin america, it can mean a person specifically from the U.S.A. or Northern America.
5. Adjective used to describe something that is European.
6. A former member of reggaeton group Baby Rasta y Gringo, now known as a solo artist.
7. A Spanish techno artist.
8. Can also simply mean a "foreigner".
1. A Spanish word for a white person of non-mixed European heritage. Not to be confused with "gachupin", a word for people with Spanish or Portuguese heritage. Can be used both as a term of endearment or a pejorative.
2. A term Latinos use to describe or nickname a friend with noticable European characteristics, such as fair skin/hair or green/blue eyes, or one that is actually white.
3. "Gringa" can mean a Mexican taco made with spicy pork and a flour tortilla (which is white), served with a variety of salsa.
4. In many parts Latin america, it can mean a person specifically from the U.S.A. or Northern America.
5. Adjective used to describe something that is European.
6. A former member of reggaeton group Baby Rasta y Gringo, now known as a solo artist.
7. A Spanish techno artist.
8. Can also simply mean a "foreigner".
Positive: In Salvadoran rap group Pescozada's release of Dialectos nativos, rapper Joaquin Santos was referred to as a "gringo", even though he was present and actually collaborating with the group.
Negative: "Get away from me, gringo!"
"Don't trust those gringos."
Food: Which restaurant has the best gringa?
Adjective: I'm a little alien to your gringo ways. Could you please explain them a little more?
Negative: "Get away from me, gringo!"
"Don't trust those gringos."
Food: Which restaurant has the best gringa?
Adjective: I'm a little alien to your gringo ways. Could you please explain them a little more?
by Gringostyle January 6, 2007