That’s right, the word gringo is not offensive in Brazil. It simply means foreigner. It is a friendly and easy way to refer to foreigners.
The reason I bring up this topic is because it is inevitable for gringos to be called gringos when they visit Brazil 🙂 And it is totally ok. Please do not feel uncomfortable with the nickname. If you date a Brazilian, you may even be called minha gringuinha (if you are a girl) or meu gringuinho (if you are a guy), which are very affectionate terms 🙂
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I just asked my wife who is a native Brazilian if it was an insult and she said no. And then I found this website which confirmed it. The idea that people are so defensive that they don’t like a term because they misinterpreted it it could be deemed a term of affection but I don’t like the way you said it or how you said it. Give me a break. This is the reason that so much of the western world is known as being overly sensitive and demanding when they travel to other countries. Embrace the culture.
You guys are thinking about the spanish-speaking countries, and that’s a huge mistake because brazilians DO NOT speak spanish, so the word have a different meaning here in Brazil.
This article is right, the word gringo in Brazil just means foreigner, so if you’re from US, Japan, India, Nigeria, Mexico… you’re a gringo (or foreigner).
And it doesn’t matter you skin color either, you can be a black dude from Ghana or a Japanese man and you’re still a gringo, because you are a foreigner.
If you have to predicate your explanation of “dont be offended, but…” – you know it’s going to be offensive.
Like when someone says “I’m not being racist, but….”, “I’m not being sexist, but….”, or “I’m not homophobic, but….” – you know something racist/sexist/homophobic is about to follow.
Unfortunately, Brazilians are never called gringo or treated as one – so they dont really have the necessary experience to say whether or not it is offensive.
It is offensive. You might not think so, but it doesnt matter you think because it is not you who is addressed as such. Brazilians, if you would like to avoid offending a foreigner, just avoid this word – simple. Maybe it is offensive, maybe it isn’t – but the fact is, many of us DON’T LIKE IT so just don’t say it.
why should we mold our culture to your liking?
I’m in agreement with Newn, this is an offensive term. The intention may be good in saying ‘gringo’ but that is besides the point. These terms hurt people and mark you as an outsider.
Here in Europe if you call someone a foreigner you can be quickly labelled as racist, despite your best intentions.
Furthermore I meet people from many different countries here in Ireland and I know they expect to treated with respect. I’ve even heard people become indignant at the slightest hint of being interpreted as a foreigner. Imagine if I were to use a term like branquinho or moreninho, even if I meant well it wouldn’t be well received.
I understand there are cultural differences but respect and dignity cut both ways across all borders.
it’s not offensive and it doesn’t matter if you think it is, after all, the offense is in the speaker’s intention. stop being a crybaby.
Cultural differences, in the west we are more cultured than Latin Americans are.