noun
dago
DAY-goh
noun
1
(offensive slang, dated) A derogatory term for a person of Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese descent.
"The word is now considered a slur and is avoided in modern writing except when discussing its history."
How to Use Dago
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA now-offensive ethnic slur historically aimed at Southern Europeans, especially Italians.
When to use it
Strongly offensive; included here only for dictionary completeness, not for use.
Word Forms
dagoes plural, dagos plural
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “dago”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
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."