Derogatory term

[Clint]

Anyone know why the Mexicans call the cowboys gringos in the movies?

 

[Ghillie]

Hi!
Interesting - our US cousins are referred to as "septics", and not "J. Arthurs" (or Jodrells)

Septic tanks

 

[THBF]

I think gringo is the Mexican version of Yank. As in someone not of their country and from the USA. Just my take on it, nothing official.

 

[Ghillie]

Anyone know why the Mexicans call the cowboys gringos in the movies?

My mate's wife is Brazilian and even she calls him a gringo!

 

[Bigcol49]

Anyone know why the Mexicans call the cowboys gringos in the movies?

Hi!
I know two possible derivations, the second highly unlikely.
1. "Greek" in Spanish is griego. As in English ("It's all Greek to me) the Spanish use "Greek" to mean anything incomprehensible, and it became applied to all foreigners. The step from griego to gringo is less easy to understand.
2. Yank . . . sorry, US cowboys sang to their herds at night to keep them calm, and, apparently, Green Grow the Rushes was a popular choice.
US troops in the Mexican-American War are also thought to have sung the song.

 

[Clint]

Think bigcol is on track with answer 2...
Cowboy ballad..Green grow the lilacs..

 

[Chippy_Tea]

When I was in the Navy I had a Mexican ship mate who laughingly took on the nickname "Johnny Beaner."

Could have been worse it could have been Johnny Boner

 

[Bigcol49]

Could have been worse it could have been Johnny Boner

Hi!
I know his brother, Dick

 

[Chippy_Tea]

Hi!
I know his brother, Dick

 

[ACBEV]

Dick Yank... Thought I'd bring back to on topic.

 

[GerritT]

Another insight...

 

[MrRook]

Could have been worse it could have been Johnny Boner

He probably wouldn't have had a problem with that.

 

[Gerryjo]

Hi!
I know his brother, Dick

Does he wear a helmet