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Greek · Words You'll Hear But Must Never Say

γύφτος

gýftos

YEEF-toss · /ˈʝif.tos/

An ethnic slur for Roma people, also used loosely for 'stingy/uncouth.' Comprehension-only.

5/5 Do not deploy

nuclear/taboo — comprehension only, never recommended

Literally

"(ethnic slur for Roma, from 'Egyptian')"

Word-for-word — which is rarely what it means.

How to use it

We're telling you so you understand it, not so you say it. "Γύφτος" is an ethnic slur for Roma people, and it's also thrown around loosely to mean stingy, grubby, or uncouth ("μη γίνεσαι γύφτος," don't be a cheapskate) — the loose use trading on the ethnic stereotype, which is exactly why it's not harmless. The respectful term is "Ρομά." Severity 5, comprehension-only. You'll hear it; recognize it for the slur it is and never put it in your own mouth. Do not deploy.

Heard in the wild

[Heard in casual local speech; documented for recognition, not use.]

[An ethnic slur — recognize it, never use it.]

Where it lands

Greece & Cyprus (universal); a slur, comprehension-only

Quick answers

What does "γύφτος" mean?
In Greek, "γύφτος" means "An ethnic slur for Roma people, also used loosely for 'stingy/uncouth.' Comprehension-only.". Literally it's "(ethnic slur for Roma, from 'Egyptian')". We're telling you so you understand it, not so you say it. "Γύφτος" is an ethnic slur for Roma people, and it's also thrown around loosely to mean stingy, grubby, or uncouth ("μη γίνεσαι γύφτος," don't be a cheapskate) — the loose use trading on the ethnic stereotype, which is exactly why it's not harmless. The respectful term is "Ρομά." Severity 5, comprehension-only. You'll hear it; recognize it for the slur it is and never put it in your own mouth. Do not deploy.
Is "γύφτος" 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 "γύφτος"?
Say it "YEEF-toss" — capitals mark the stressed syllable. In IPA: ˈʝif.tos.

Related in Greek

γαμώ την Παναγία σου gamó tin Panagía sou ghah-MOH teen pah-nah-YEE-ah soo The nuclear Greek blasphemy — sexualizing the Virgin against a person. You will hear it; never say it. γαμώ το Χριστό σου gamó to Christó sou ghah-MOH toh khree-STOH soo Nuclear blasphemy aimed at Christ. Comprehension-only — never say it. πούστης poústis POO-steess A homophobic slur, also used loosely as 'scumbag/sneak.' You'll hear it constantly; never say it. αράπης arápis ah-RAH-peess A dated, offensive racial term for a Black person. Comprehension-only — never say it. μαλάκας malákas mah-LAH-kahss Asshole / idiot — OR — dude / mate. The single most important word in Greek. βλάκας vlákas VLAH-kahss Idiot / fool / dummy.

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