dago
3 synonyms for dago, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — (offensive slang, dated) A derogatory term for a person of Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese descent.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
ginzo
greaseball
Etymology
An alteration of "Diego," a common Spanish given name; sailors in 19th-century America first applied it to Spanish-speaking crewmen before it broadened, and later narrowed in some countries to mean specifically "Italian."
Full origin of dago →Frequently asked questions
What does “dago” mean?
The word “dago” means (offensive slang, dated) A derogatory term for a person of Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese descent. In plain terms, a now-offensive ethnic slur historically aimed at Southern Europeans, especially Italians.
How do you pronounce “dago”?
“Dago” is pronounced DAY-goh (/ˈdeɪɡəʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “dago” in a sentence?
Here is “dago” used in a sentence: “The word is now considered a slur and is avoided in modern writing except when discussing its history.”
What part of speech is “dago”?
“Dago” is a noun.
Where does the word “dago” come from?
The word “dago” dates back to around 1800 and comes from Italian.
