Google Answers Logo
View Question
 
Q: Slang ( Answered,   1 Comment )
Question  
Subject: Slang
Category: Miscellaneous
Asked by: des9516-ga
List Price: $2.00
Posted: 31 Aug 2003 07:44 PDT
Expires: 30 Sep 2003 07:44 PDT
Question ID: 250746
Origin of the word "guinea" derogatory slang to describe people of
italian ancestry?
WAP came from "without papers"
Answer  
Subject: Re: Slang
Answered By: tutuzdad-ga on 31 Aug 2003 08:16 PDT
 
Dear des9516-ga;

Thank you for allowing me an opportunity to answer your interesting
question. It appears that the origin or the racial slur can be traced
back to the sheer ignorance of those who coined it more than anything
else.

To answer your question I referred to – where else – the RACIAL SLUR
DATABASE:
http://rsdb.org/search?q=guinea

The origin of the derogatory slur “guinea” is intelligently explained
this way:

“Pronounced "gi-nee." Came from "Guinea Negro" and originally referred
to any Black or any person of mixed ancestry. This dates back to the
1740's. By the 1890s it was being applied to Italians--almost
certainly because they tend to have darker skin than
Anglo-Saxons/Germans. By 1911 the term began being applied to
Hispanics, although the reference to Italians is the most common.
Derived from Sicilian immigrants who paid in Italian currency,
Guineas. Used in the film 'True Romance' as separate from WOP’s from
Northern Italy, and in The Godfather by a Northern Italian character
when referring to Southern Italians and Sicilians.”

A similar explanation comes from MACKIDO/POLITICS/WHAT’S IN A NAME?
And seems to confirm what is said in the database above:
http://www.mackido.com/Politics/WhatsInAName.html

“One story is that this came from a large Italian immigration to New
York, around the time the subways were being built, and these Italian
laborers were paid in "Italian money" or "guineas". Whenever they went
into pubs/bars the locals would say, "here comes the guineas", and it
stuck.”

Below you will find that I have carefully defined my search strategy
for you in the event that you need to search for more information. By
following the same type of searches that I did you may be able to
enhance the research I have provided even further. I hope you find
that that my research exceeds your expectations. If you have any
questions about my research please post a clarification request prior
to rating the answer. Otherwise, I welcome your rating and your final
comments and I look forward to working with you again in the near
future. Thank you for bringing your question to us.

Best regards;
Tutuzdad-ga


INFORMATION SOURCES

Defined above 


SEARCH STRATEGY


SEARCH ENGINE USED:

Google ://www.google.com


SEARCH TERMS USED:

GUINEA ORIGIN SLUR ITALIAN

GUINEA SLUR DEROGATORY ORIGIN

GUINEA INSULT SLUR ORIGIN
Comments  
Subject: Re: Slang
From: denco-ga on 31 Aug 2003 13:35 PDT
 
Howdy des9516,

It appears that tutuzdad and I have similar interests when it comes to
some of the questions on Google Answer.  Hopefully, this adds to his
great answer.

When it comes to the derogatory term "wop" the usually accepted origin
(WithOut Papers) is probably wrong.

Here is the Wordorigins.org take on the word.
http://www.wordorigins.org/wordorw.htm

"Like many other etymologies contained in these pages, this one is
not certain, although most authorities agree on the likely origin.
It probably derives from the Italian dialectical guappo, or thug."


Search Strategy:
Google search on keywords: wop slang origin
://www.google.com/search?q=wop+slang+origin

Looking Forward, denco-ga

Important Disclaimer: Answers and comments provided on Google Answers are general information, and are not intended to substitute for informed professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice. Google does not endorse, and expressly disclaims liability for any product, manufacturer, distributor, service or service provider mentioned or any opinion expressed in answers or comments. Please read carefully the Google Answers Terms of Service.

If you feel that you have found inappropriate content, please let us know by emailing us at answers-support@google.com with the question ID listed above. Thank you.
Search Google Answers for
Google Answers  


Google Home - Answers FAQ - Terms of Service - Privacy Policy