Is Gringa/Gringo a friendly term or not?

Eymi · #1 05-29-2009, 03:44 PM

Was just wondering if Gringa/Gringo is said in a friendly manner or as an insult when they are speaking about you?
Thanks x

El_Uruguayo · #2 05-29-2009, 03:46 PM

It's a neutral, easy way of referening to you. No need to feel insulted unless "gringa" is coupled with "estupida", "tonta", "imbecil". Its term for foreigner or american, but doesnt necessarily cary any negative connotations.

Eymi · #3 05-29-2009, 03:49 PM

Ok thanks for replying

x

Gringo · #4 05-29-2009, 04:00 PM

My Dominican wife of 15 years still refers to me as The Gringo.... gee hope its friendly

jrhartley · #5 05-29-2009, 04:25 PM

it depends what adjective they use with it lol

pyratt · #6 05-29-2009, 05:19 PM

I introduce myself as "Gringo" all the time....the nickname was given to me by a Cuban friend of mine when we were kids....it stuck. His mother recently found out my first name, after 30 years of calling me "Gringo"....I always responded to her as it was usually followed with an offering of cuban coffee, cuban pastries or a kiss on the cheek.

It's GOOD to be "Gringo"!

boca chica dave · #7 05-29-2009, 08:11 PM

My father in law refers to the chicken bought in la Sirena as pollo gringo.Even though its Dominican chicken As posted it depends on context; for the most part it seems to mean a non-latino

Dragonfly32837 · #8 05-30-2009, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boca chica dave

My father in law refers to the chicken bought in la Sirena as pollo gringo.Even though its Dominican chicken As posted it depends on context; for the most part it seems to mean a non-latino

Could it be because it did not come from the backyard? I have heard this term before.

Chirimoya · #9 05-30-2009, 05:44 PM

Yes, that's it. Same with eggs - 'huevos gringos' are intensively produced, 'huevos criollos' are the farmyard, free range variety.

alicious · #10 05-30-2009, 05:52 PM

As with all comments on this thread...CONTEXT.

Personally though, I do find it to be an insult to be called a gringa.

Honestly, most Dominicans to call you to your face gringa, unless you are very close with them and they are joking, if they call you a gringa/o I doubt they mean it in an endearing way.

If you are close to them, and they are sort of joking around with you..then it may be acceptable.

Other than that, as I said, I would consider it not the most positive way to identify/address you.