[Callers] Advice about "gypsy"

[Richard Hart via Callers]

I always describe a gypsy as being just like a dos à dos, but face to
face, instead of back to back.

As that is the case, why not use French again. As "dos à dos" means
back to back, why not use "face à face" which means face to face?
Pronunciation would probably be difficult for those who don't speak
French, so it would probably become "facey-face" for many.

On Sat, Oct 24, 2015 at 10:08 AM, Don Veino via Callers
<callers at lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
> Before I respond directly, I ask that all of us posting what I expect to be
> many replies to trim post quotes to just the pertinent bits (particularly
> those reading the "digest" version).
>
....
> Curiously enough, I'd raised this naming issue with a group of callers (and
> dancers glommed on) at a house party recently. An area caller had tried
> rebranding the Gypsy as an Orbit, which this group rejected due to the
> existing usage & meaning for that term. One participant was of Romani
> heritage and expressed pride at the existing term and satisfaction at it
> being used for such a nice dance move and would feel loss were it to be
> renamed. I don't mention this to make excuses for anything that might offend
> but rather to show that there are many possible perspectives. I'd since
> thought of other possible names and came up with these:
>
> Swirl - gentlest, unfortunately similar to "twirl" in sound
> Cyclone - too "violent", encouraging abandon?
> Vortex - distinct in sound, 2 syllables and short when spelled out.
>
> Sorry you find yourself in this situation. We know your actual intent was to
> bring happiness, not offend.
>
> -Don
>