German · Words You'll Hear But Must Never Say
Zigeuner
tsee-GOY-ner · /t͡siˈɡɔɪ.nɐ/
A slur for Roma/Sinti — now widely rejected
nuclear/taboo — comprehension only, never recommended
Literally
"(Outdated exonym for Roma and Sinti people)"
Word-for-word — which is rarely what it means.
How to use it
A word travellers still meet fossilised in old recipes and product names — the classic "Zigeunersauce" was renamed by manufacturers in 2020/21 precisely because the term is a slur with a genocidal history (the Nazi Porajmos). The correct terms are "Roma" and "Sinti." You'll see the old word on a faded menu; understand why it's being retired, and don't use it.
Heard in the wild
(Comprehension only — the historical term; use 'Roma'/'Sinti'.)
(Recognise it; use 'Roma'/'Sinti' instead.)
Where it lands
Germany — historical/offensive; being phased out
Quick answers
- What does "Zigeuner" mean?
- In German, "Zigeuner" means "A slur for Roma/Sinti — now widely rejected". Literally it's "(Outdated exonym for Roma and Sinti people)". A word travellers still meet fossilised in old recipes and product names — the classic "Zigeunersauce" was renamed by manufacturers in 2020/21 precisely because the term is a slur with a genocidal history (the Nazi Porajmos). The correct terms are "Roma" and "Sinti." You'll see the old word on a faded menu; understand why it's being retired, and don't use it.
- Is "Zigeuner" offensive?
- Yes — very. It rates 5/5 on the Punch-o-Meter (Do not deploy). nuclear/taboo — comprehension only, never recommended. Read the usage note before you even think about it.
- How do you pronounce "Zigeuner"?
- Say it "tsee-GOY-ner" — capitals mark the stressed syllable. In IPA: t͡siˈɡɔɪ.nɐ.
Related in German
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