Quote:
Originally Posted by DrPhil
That's interesting. Does "gypsy" have an offensive origin or did it simply develop a stigma?
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It's from Greek, the same root as Egypt/Egyptian. It comes from the incorrect idea that the Romani originated in Egypt. Legend was they were exiled from Egypt for giving refuge to the Holy Family.
And actually Irish Travelers (they call themselves Pavees) are recognized as an ethnic group by British law. Irish law designates them a "social group." Though not Romani, due to the similar roaming lifestyle, Irish Travelers were sometimes called Gypsies in Britain and Ireland.
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