gippy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowInformal, Offensive, Dated
Quick answer
What does “gippy” mean?
An informal, dated, and offensive term for an Egyptian person. Historically used by British military personnel.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An informal, dated, and offensive term for an Egyptian person. Historically used by British military personnel.
Sometimes used colloquially in dated UK slang to refer to things from Egypt (e.g., 'gippy tummy' for traveller's diarrhoea in Egypt), but the primary reference remains derogatory toward people.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originated from and is historically associated with British English, particularly military slang. It is virtually unknown in American English, where its use would be confusing and equally offensive.
Connotations
UK: Offensive, archaic, colonial-era slang. US: Largely unknown; if understood, recognized as a slur.
Frequency
UK: Extremely rare in modern usage, found in historical contexts. US: Effectively non-existent.
Grammar
How to Use “gippy” in a Sentence
Noun (countable): a GippyAdjectival: a gippy soldier (archaic/offensive)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gippy” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He was suffering from a bout of gippy tummy after the trip. (dated/colloquial)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Unacceptable in any professional context.
Academic
Only mentioned in historical or sociolinguistic discussions of offensive/colonial language.
Everyday
Not used; would be considered offensive.
Technical
No technical usage.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gippy”
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gippy”
- Using it as a neutral or acceptable term.
- Confusing it with 'Gypsy' (an unrelated and also often offensive term for the Roma people).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Gippy' is an offensive term for an Egyptian person. 'Gypsy' is often considered an offensive exonym for the Roma people. Both are slurs and should be avoided.
While the phrase 'gippy tummy' is dated British slang for traveller's diarrhoea, its derivation from the offensive term 'gippy' makes its modern use insensitive and best avoided. Use 'traveller's tummy' or similar instead.
It's a colonial-era British military slang shortening of the word 'Egyptian', used in a derogatory manner, particularly during Britain's presence in Egypt.
You should only be aware of it as a term to recognise and avoid, not as a word for active use. Understanding its offensiveness is part of cultural and linguistic competence.
An informal, dated, and offensive term for an Egyptian person. Historically used by British military personnel.
Gippy is usually informal, offensive, dated in register.
Gippy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdʒɪp.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdʒɪp.i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “gippy tummy: (dated, informal) a stomach upset, especially as experienced by visitors to Egypt.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Warning Flag: Think 'G' for 'Generally Offensive'. This word is a slur and should not be memorised for active use, but only recognised as a term to avoid.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Derogatory epithet).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary reason 'gippy' should not be used?