Other theories suggest that the word derives from griego, the Spanish word for Greek (and possibly a term applicable to any foreigner speaking a foreign tongue). However, the term was in use before the 19th century, making this explanation unlikely. The most popular explanation is that Yankee soldiers sang the song “Green Grow the Lilacs” during the Mexican-American War, prompting Mexican soldiers to shout “Green Go” in response.
Though everyone has a pet theory about the origins of the word gringo, its etymology is unclear. (For taco eaters, a gringa also refers to a rubbed pork taco served with melted cheese in a flour tortilla.) It can be used a noun, as in, “the gringo is taking photographs of a pelican,” or as an adjective, as in “McDonald’s is a gringo restaurant.” Like all Spanish words, it has both a masculine and feminine form the feminine form is gringa. Let’s begin with the first question: Who (or what) is a gringo? In Mexico, gringo usually refers to something or someone from the United States. Who (or what) does it refer to? What are its origins? And-the most intriguing question for most foreigners-is it derogatory or simply descriptive? You won’t be in Mexico long before you hear the popular term gringo in use-especially if you are a gringo yourself. Photo © Neil Conway, licensed Creative Commons Attribution. Stand for the Gringo Gazette, an english-language newspaper distributed in Baja.
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