[Callers] Advice about "gypsy"

[Ron Blechner via Callers]

"Spiral".

That said, I've yet to hear a report of a Romani being offended. It's my
understanding that this may be a problem, say, in Europe, where the term
may be used as a slur. But here in America... we have plenty of racial
slurs, and I've yet to hear or hear of gypsy being used in a derogatory
manner.

But hey, prove me wrong. I'm just one person who hears things.

Should Brits stop calling cigarettes "fags" because we Americans have
hurtfully turned that into a slur?
On Oct 24, 2015 2:52 PM, "Richard Hart via Callers" <
callers at lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> 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
> >
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