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.