Who exactly is a Gringo in Colombia?

Satan says on May 27, 2009, 07:57:

This topic has been beaten to death here on pbh. Save everyone a lot of time and use the "search" function in the upper right corner of this page.

Nata S.

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elchibolo says on May 27, 2009, 07:58:

OK , I don't know about Colombia, but in Peru if you look like a "white" person you are a gringo. Even a Peruvian can be a gringo if he looks like one.

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Rocco81 says on May 27, 2009, 08:00:

You my friend are a common run of the mill European Wanker...jk

I am not sure about this but I think in general most "white" North American or Europeans are called Gringo's. Gringo in Specific was started as a slang for Americans but I think pretty much any European looking people are called gringo's, unless as you said they are Spanish.

I didn't receive that many looks and comments when I was in Colombia and I look very gringo (blue eyes and whiter than most Colombians etc) but the girls did tend to notice me simply because I looked different. Of course like anywhere you'll find some 100% Colombians who look "Rubio" etc and you'll find very latin looking gringo's walking around who know no Spanish at all.

Sic semper tyrannis

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Rocco81 says on May 27, 2009, 08:01:

BTW - I know that the Chileans l know tend to like the English for some reason. I used to know a few Chileans living here and one there in Santiago and they were always asking about British rock, food and soccer etc. They were in general pretty interested about England and Australia more than the US. The Argies on the other hand tend to not like you guys so much. The whole Falklands thing maybe?

Sic semper tyrannis

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Satan says on May 27, 2009, 08:04:

zunoman says on May 27, 2009, 08:01 (today): flag
Satan says on May 27, 2009, 07:57 (today): flag

This topic has been beaten to death here on pbh. Save everyone a lot of time and use the "search" function in the upper right corner of this page.
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if you are offering personal moderator service, then go make me a sandwich...


No mr. az. I was simply attempting to save the OP and everyone else time. Nothing more nothing less (Actually, it appears you were in your mod wannabe shoes when you wrote the above and if that's the case please take your own advice and leave those of us who are not flamers alone).

Nata S.

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coastalad says on May 27, 2009, 08:11:

basically everyone will assume you are from the US, instead of asking where are you from you are more likely to encounter where in the US are you from..... I nice response is where in Venezuela are you from, tongue in cheek of course.

So expect then to be known as "el gringo," again at this time, you can always look around puzzled and ask "donde es el gringo?"

always avoiding white picket fences

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Satan says on May 27, 2009, 08:16:

azman:

“Flamer” Choose which definition fits you best. http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=flamer

Here are just a few examples of what I was referring to when I stated the above:

http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/etymology-gringo/

http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/origin-of-the-word-gringo/

http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/why-gringo/

http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/the-word-gringois-it-offensive-o...

http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/i-will-tell-you-definitively-whe...

http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/who-you-calling-a-gringo/

http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/does-anyone-else-find-it-offensi...

Nata S.

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stephen_aubrey says on May 27, 2009, 08:42:

Satan most of the topics have been beaten to death here on pbh.

If you don't like a thread or feel it is a waste of your time from your everyday business of doing evil don't open it.

No one held a gun to head and said open it.

I like this thread I am called a gringo everyday here.

" Most people talk a lot, few are up for the moment"

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nine inch nails says on May 27, 2009, 08:46:

"In Colombia some complete cock will shout "oye gringo" at you at least once a day"

and I gonna say in return "Que decir sobreme spic o caro de mono" and he won't know what the eff to do next. jajajajaja All good fun when I hear it. Most smile when they say it so they just having some fun more than I think derogativo.

A taxista this past wknd. asked me how Gringo is regarded by us and I just too tired to really give a rat's ass.

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Man Tequila says on May 27, 2009, 10:27:

European wanker.

Or maybe gringo igual. What matters is what gringo means to you, there is not agreement on this issue.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

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ferran says on May 27, 2009, 11:09:

Being from Spain and a non blond blue eye I can camoflauge a lot better, until I open my mouth and notice my spanish accent, but then again being Spanish is consider one of "US" even if you are blond blue eye Spaniard.

Sir Francis Drake? ewh....dont want to touch on that subject.

All truth goes through three phases. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self evident.

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Simon says on May 27, 2009, 11:13:

Ferran, eres Espanol? Joder, y yo pensando que era otro gringo fastidioso!

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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ferran says on May 27, 2009, 12:34:

Coño Tio.....gringo fastidioso? Nunca!! somos de la misma sepa. creo que soy el unico aqui.

All truth goes through three phases. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self evident.

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Mononoke28 says on May 27, 2009, 12:59:

In Colombia anyone who doesn't speak Spanish and looks "white" with light colored eyes is considered a gringo. They may be from the US, from England, France, Norway, whatever.

If it's a black person and they're from either the US or Europe they're considered "un gringo negro".

If they're Asian, they're Chinese. It doesn't matter if they're from Japan, Korea or even Thailand, they're all "chinitos".

So yes my dear Christian, you're a gringo in Colombia.

Diana

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sirwhale says on May 27, 2009, 15:43:

Sounds pretty much like Chile then, but they do like us here. johnny2008 Ohiggin's parents were techinically British, seeing as Ireland was part of the United Kingdom back then. In Valparaíso there is even an Arch donated by the ´´Colonia Británica´´ and O higgin´s face appears on it.

Its also true that they like the brits here, the music, especially that of Manchester from the late 80s and early 90s is popular. Plus it goes hand in hand with the Anti-American movement (although Chile is pretty fucking right wing) that is slowly but surely bringing British English back in fashion down here.

When i lived in Andalucia I had it much worse than here, they generally don´t like us Brits in Spain, not surprising with all the idiots who live there and don´t speak Spanish...

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Chriscan (☼Travelguide writer) says on May 27, 2009, 16:50:

adrimm (Moderator) (☼Travelguide writer) says on May 27, 2009, 18:10:

Escape Artist says on May 27, 2009, 18:21:

I get called "mono" much more than I get called gringo by the locals. Actually I can't remember the last time I was called a gringo.

EA

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goin_south says on May 27, 2009, 18:39:

so, what is 'mono' suppose to mean?
I've not heard this term, until now.

nothin I say is to be takn for my words, but rather for the words of Sailor Jerry.

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adrimm (Moderator) (☼Travelguide writer) says on May 27, 2009, 19:05:

adrimm (Moderator) (☼Travelguide writer) says on May 27, 2009, 19:08:

In Colombia it is the word ofren used for blonde.

Mono also means monkey in Spanish, and in other places (in Spanish) the dictionary definition is "lovely".

http://www.spanish-only.com/2008/12/spanish-word-day-mono/

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Escape Artist says on May 27, 2009, 19:15:

In Colombia it refers to a light eyed, light haired or light skinned person. The literal translation, as we all know, is monkey but in this case it is a term used for someone with the features I've described above.

EA

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Simon says on May 27, 2009, 19:36:

"In Colombia anyone who doesn't speak Spanish and looks "white" with light colored eyes is considered a gringo. They may be from the US, from England, France, Norway, whatever."

I see, so I guess Russians are considered gringos too in Colombia. Imagine that, the gringos and the russkies considered one and the same!

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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Gator says on May 27, 2009, 20:07:

It's not really a pejorative term-it's how it's used. Like in the states if you run into an old friend, punch him on the arm and say,"How's it going you old SOB." I am called gringo by friends, the wife's family, neighbors in the building, and at the stores we visit regularly.

However there are certain terms you SHOULD be aware of: If you hear "¡Disparen el Gringo!" ¿Cual es la chimbada pues cara de verga? or ¡Arreste el Gringo!" Don't worry about a translation and do NOT reply "" ¡Su mamá!". When the big crunch come the less you know the better. Kinda like dealing with a bear in the woods-play dumb. But if, in combination with the above, you hear gun shots, let panic be your guide.

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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Simon says on May 27, 2009, 20:25:

Marco Polo,

You are a loser who has to resort to going to foreign countries to get some "P"!! Hahaha!!

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

1 funny, 1 helpful.

bufalo says on May 27, 2009, 20:33:

I haven't read all the responses so excuse me if I repeat. Last time I read a thread on this on this site someone mentined that "gringo" was traced back, waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back to it's "original" use in Europe. When there was a foreigner in town they refered to him/her as a "griego" or "gringo" this was because noone could understand their language - as in "it's all greek to me"

I heard the Mexican war one to but have heard it has been discounted as the US uniforms were not green at the time, rather brown. So there was no "green go!" being shouted.

Not sure who said it, but check the archives, this has been discussed a lot.

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor

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goin_south says on May 27, 2009, 20:34:

simonito.... why don't you stop it so I don't have to continue repeating:

"You are a loser, who can't get a fokn job in your own country... can't make a living in your own country, so you have to..... blah, blah, Blah,... BLAH."

nothin I say is to be takn for my words, but rather for the words of Sailor Jerry.

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Simon says on May 27, 2009, 20:36:

Goin_south.....Umm, I do live in my country of birth....so up yours!

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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goin_south says on May 27, 2009, 20:41:

Oh! Terrific, so... someone on that other post last week was right... Elmo, .. talking about how the off'spring of those coming from Colombia are so far out in left field about their parents' country.

And, welll... we're ready to ship your colombian arse back to WHERE YOU WISH YOU WERE FROM. LOL!

maybe we can talk ujay into tying you to one of those wheelchairs and throwing you overboard, in the Caribbean!
kiddin, Simon!
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sorta.
not.
;-)

nothin I say is to be takn for my words, but rather for the words of Sailor Jerry.

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ferran says on May 27, 2009, 20:51:

Esto es para ti Simom

How do you spell GRINGO...........

Guevon
Recochero
Inmaduro
Narcisista
Guererro
Ordinario

All truth goes through three phases. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self evident.

2 funny, 1 helpful.

Simon says on May 27, 2009, 20:55:

Disculpe el malentendido Ferran.

Todo bien!

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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ferran says on May 27, 2009, 21:06:

Simon lo interpretaste mal tio, mira las iniciales de cada palabra hacia bajo.......Deletrea GRINGO
Estoy de tu lado marica

Mira lo arregle para ti, no te enfades

Todo bien Simon......Gracias

All truth goes through three phases. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self evident.

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El Expatriado says on May 28, 2009, 03:47:

In my experience (Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Central America)enerlly, everywhere in Latin America, all white caucasians (European background) are gringos. In addotion, black english speakers would be called gringos. Chinese are always called "Chinos".

Americans specifially would be called "Yanquis"

In Cuba, the don't call anyone gringos, just "extranjeros".

Only my experience.

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El Expatriado says on May 28, 2009, 03:53:

"Gringo" is not a bad term, unless they say it to you maliciously. "Blanquero" on the other hand, is supposedly racist (like the S,N and P words).

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El Expatriado says on May 28, 2009, 03:57:

Yeah, one thing that's unique to Colombia. They do call us"Mono". Even call their own blond haired, light skinned, blue eyed (or any combination of the above) colombians Monos. Most common to the youngins, cuz everybody starts off a bit blonder early in life.

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RRAC says on May 28, 2009, 05:21:

satanas quedo ardido aaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh jajajajajajajajajaja!!!! evil's always a looser.
"MONITA LE LIMPIO EL VIDRIO?"

Amar la disciplina es amar el saber, odiar la reprensión es ser ignorante

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juanito_cro says on May 28, 2009, 05:46:

Whenever Colombians try to speak English with me, my only reply is "no hablo ingles". But I'm still gringo.
And if I say that I'm from Croatia, it doesn't help much. Most of them don't have any idea where it is. I guess they just think it is some city in US :)
So, if you are white - you are gringo. That's how it works :)

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bufalo says on May 28, 2009, 05:51:

A lot of people are called mono in Colombia, even a lot of colombians. Usually if your hair isn't stark black, they consider you a mono (yes, a bit exagerrated, but you get the point)

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor

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goin_south says on May 28, 2009, 10:50:

so, ... why, 'mono'? What does it imply?
I never heard this before, but then, maybe I wasn't listening.

nothin I say is to be takn for my words, but rather for the words of Sailor Jerry.

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Gator says on May 28, 2009, 11:26:

Damnit, it's a blonde/blond-nada mas.

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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bufalo says on May 28, 2009, 12:34:

never heard of "sarco" before, but I have heard lots of non-blondes called "mono".

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor

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Desideria (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on May 28, 2009, 12:56:

"Zarco" or "ojizarco" is common slang, at least in the Valle del Cauca, meaning a person with grey, blue or green eyes.
"Mono" is usual also for people with brown hair and white skin colour.
On the eastern plains blond, clear-eyed people are called catir/os/as.

A fronte praecipitium a tergo lupi

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