gringo
Gringo (noun) means a term, sometimes derogatory, used mainly in Latin America for a white foreigner, especially an American. Example: “The locals jokingly called the tourists gringos.”
How to use gringo
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA Spanish-derived nickname for a foreigner, particularly an American, that can be neutral or mildly insulting depending on tone.
Can carry a joking or an insulting edge depending on context — use with awareness of tone.
Word forms
gringos plural, gringoes plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The locals jokingly called the tourists _____.
Etymology
Borrowed from Spanish gringo, itself likely a twist on griego ("Greek") — historically used for anyone speaking an unintelligible foreign language, echoing the English phrase "it's all Greek to me."
Rhymes for gringo
See all rhymes for gringo →Frequently asked questions
What does “gringo” mean?
The word “gringo” means a term, sometimes derogatory, used mainly in Latin America for a white foreigner, especially an American. In plain terms, a Spanish-derived nickname for a foreigner, particularly an American, that can be neutral or mildly insulting depending on tone.
How do you pronounce “gringo”?
“Gringo” is pronounced GRIHNG-goh (/ˈɡɹɪŋɡoʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “gringo” in a sentence?
Here is “gringo” used in a sentence: “The locals jokingly called the tourists gringos.”
What part of speech is “gringo”?
“Gringo” is a noun.
Where does the word “gringo” come from?
The word “gringo” comes from Spanish. Borrowed from Spanish gringo, itself likely a twist on griego ("Greek") — historically used for anyone speaking an unintelligible foreign language, echoing the English phrase "it's all Greek to me.".
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include gringo: