Zigeuner, n. & adj.

zigeuner
http://www.oed.com/dictionary/zigeuner_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_use
Revised 2020

# Zigeunernoun & adjective

## Earlier version

- Zigeuner in OED Second Edition (1989)

## Factsheet

### What does the word Zigeuner mean?

There are two meanings listed in OED's entry for the word Zigeuner. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Zigeuner is considered offensive.

### How common is the word Zigeuner?

About 0.03occurrences per million words in modern written English

1800 | 0.016
1810 | 0.016
1820 | 0.016
1830 | 0.017
1840 | 0.016
1850 | 0.017
1860 | 0.019
1870 | 0.019
1880 | 0.019
1890 | 0.02
1900 | 0.021
1910 | 0.021
1920 | 0.021
1930 | 0.02
1940 | 0.02
1950 | 0.021
1960 | 0.023
1970 | 0.024
1980 | 0.028
1990 | 0.03
2000 | 0.032
2010 | 0.034

### How is the word Zigeuner pronounced?

#### British English

/tsɪˈɡɔɪnə/
tsig-OY-nuh
/zɪˈɡɔɪnə/
zig-OY-nuh

#### U.S. English

/tsɪˈɡɔɪnər/
tsig-OY-nuhr
/zɪˈɡɔɪnər/
zig-OY-nuhr

### Where does the word Zigeuner come from?

Earliest known use

1800s

The earliest known use of the word Zigeuner is in the 1800s.

OED's earliest evidence for Zigeuner is from 1802, in Universal Magazine Knowledge & Pleasure.

Zigeuner is a borrowing from German.

Etymons: German Zigeuner.

### Nearby entries

1. zidovudine, n. 1987–
2. Ziegfeld, n. 1913–
3. Ziegler, n. 1957–
4. Ziegler-Natta, n. 1965–
5. Ziehl, n. 1892–
6. Ziehl-Neelsen, n. 1892–
7. ziff, n. 1917–
8. ZIFT, n. 1988–
9. zig, n. 1978–
10. zig, v. 1969–
11. Zigeuner, n. & adj.1802–
12. Zigeunerin, n. 1845–83
13. ziggety, int., adj., & adv. 1924–
14. ziggurat, n. 1873–
15. zigzag, n., adj., & adv. 1712–
16. zigzag, v. 1777–
17. zigzag connection, n. 1922–
18. zigzagged, adj. 1774–
19. zigzaggery, n. 1761–
20. zigzaggy, adj. a1845–
21. zigzag machine, n. 1952–

## Etymology

### Summary

A borrowing from German.
Etymon: German Zigeuner.
< German Zigeuner Romani person (15th cent. in early modern German, also as zigīner, zegīner, zigeiner, zeguner, zigüner, cigäwnär, zeganer; plural Zigeuner), ultimately < medieval Greek τσίγγανος (see…
< German Zigeuner Romani person (15th cent. in early modern German, also as zigīner, zegīner, zigeiner, zeguner, zigüner, cigäwnär, zeganer; plural Zigeuner), ultimately < medieval Greek τσίγγανος (see Tzigane n.).

Compare Zigeunerin n.

### Notes

Compare Middle French (Switzerland) cheguner Romani person (1465; < early modern German zigüner).
Compare an earlier instance in English, transmitted via post-classical Latin, and showing a plural form in ‑i after the Latin plural form:

1. 1625

   > These Carendies haue no Proper and setled dwellings, but wander in the Countrie hither and thither, almost as our Cingari, and Zigeuneri [German wie pey uns die Zigeiner, Latin ut nostri Cingari sive Zigeuneri].

   S. Purchas, Pilgrimes vol. IV. vii. iv. 1348

## Meaning & use

1. noun
   1. 1802–
      Esp. in German-speaking countries or in Hungary: a member of the Romani people, a Gypsy. Now rare and often considered offensive.
      1. 1802

         > The numbers of the Zigeuners, or Gypsies in Hungary, are about 17,000.

         Universal Magazine Knowledge & Pleasure December 399/2
      2. 1856

         > In winter-time, when the pasturage disappears, and subsistence becomes more difficult, the zigeuners draw nearer to settled parts of the country.

         Chambers's Journal 3 May 274/1
      3. 1962

         > From two million Zigeuners three years ago—a figure already held to be exaggerated—the number claimed today has risen to 12 million.

         Times 3 January 6
      offensive
      1. gyptian 1533–1874
         A member of a widely dispersed, traditionally itinerant people originating in South Asia and now found mainly in Europe and North and South…
      2. Egyptian 1538–
         = Gypsy, n. & adj.
      3. Bohemian 1574–
         A Gypsy, a member of the Romani people. Now rare (chiefly historical).
      4. Gypsy 1574–
         Usually with capital initial. A member of a widely dispersed, traditionally itinerant people originating in South Asia and now found mainly in… Now sometimes considered derogatory or offensive, the term Gypsy has been steadily replaced in official contexts by Romani or (in plural) Roma. Nevertheless, Gypsy remains the most widely used term for this group among English-speakers. It is also sometimes used to refer to or include Travellers (see traveller, n. 2b.i), whose way of life is similar in certain respects. However, this usage is generally deprecated by members of both communities.
      5. tinker 1575–
         British and Irish English. Chiefly derogatory. Any itinerant trader, performer, or beggar; spec. (esp. Scottish and Irish English) a Traveller…
      6. Zingani 1581–1879
         With plural agreement. The Romani people; Gypsies collectively. Cf. zingana, n.¹, Zingaro, n.
      7. Zingaro 1600–
         A member of the Romani people, a Gypsy; (in later use) esp. one from Italy. Cf. Zingara, n., Zingani, n. Now rare and sometimes considered offensive.
      8. moonman 1608–
         cant. A Gypsy. Now historical.
      9. faw 1756–
         A Gypsy, Traveller, or other person with an itinerant way of life.
      10. vagabond 1756–
          A nomad. rare.
      11. Zingara 1756–
          A Romani woman or girl. Cf. Zingaro, n., zingana, n.¹
      12. gitano 1761–
          A Romani man or boy from Spain (esp. Andalusia); a male Spanish Gypsy. Cf. gitana, n.
      13. gitana c1770–
          A Romani woman or girl from Spain (esp. Andalusia); a female Spanish Gypsy. Cf. gitano, n.
      14. Roman 1800–
          = Rom, n.²
      15. Romani 1800–
          A member of a widely dispersed ethnic group, found mainly in Europe and North and South America, tracing its origins to South Asia; = Rom, n.² Cf…
      16. Tzigane 1802–
          A member of the Romani people; a Gypsy, esp. one from central or eastern Europe, particularly Hungary. Now often considered offensive.
      17. Zigeuner 1802–
          Esp. in German-speaking countries or in Hungary: a member of the Romani people, a Gypsy. Now rare and often considered offensive.
      18. Sinti 1827–
          A Romani people of central and eastern Europe. Also occasionally as a count noun: a member of this people.
      19. piker 1838–
          Chiefly English regional. derogatory. (A term of abuse for) a vagrant, tramp, or good-for-nothing; = pikey, n. & adj.¹
      20. pikey 1838–
          Chiefly English regional (south-eastern) slang. derogatory. Now considered offensive. A traveller or Gypsy; a vagrant, a tramp; (hence more generally) a lower-class person, regarded as coarse or disreputable.
      21. Rom 1841–
          A member of a widely dispersed ethnic group, found mainly in Europe and North and South America, tracing its origins to South Asia and speaking a…
      22. Zincalo 1841–
          A Spanish Romani person (esp. a man or boy). Often in plural. Cf. gitano, n., Zincala, n.
      23. Romanichal 1843–
          A member of a widely dispersed ethnic group, found mainly in Europe and North and South America, tracing its origins to South Asia; = Romani, n. A.1.
      24. Zincala 1844–91
          A Romani woman or girl from Spain. Cf. gitana, n., Zincalo, n.
      25. Zigeunerin 1845–83
          In German or German-speaking contexts: a Romani woman or girl.
      26. nomadian 1847
          A nomad.
      27. Romanichal 1851–
          spec. (usually in form Romany chal). A Romani boy or man. Cf. Romany chai, n. Now rare.
      28. Romany chai 1851–
          A Romani girl or woman. Cf. Romanichal, n. A.2.
      29. didicoi 1853–
          British (colloquial and regional). Now usually derogatory and offensive. A Gypsy, a member of the Romani people; (also) a member of any traditionally itinerant community; a Traveller. Sometimes (chiefly in Romani usage)…
      30. Bedouin 1863–
          transferred. One who leads a Bedouin-like life elsewhere; a wanderer, an itinerant. (Cf. city Arab, n.)
      31. gyppo 1868–
          Chiefly British. A member of the Romani people; a Gypsy. Now also in extended use: a poor or ill-kempt person. Now offensive and derogatory.
      32. zingana 1883
          A Romani woman or girl. Cf. Zingani, n., Zingara, n.
      33. gyp 1886–
          colloquial (sometimes considered offensive). A Gypsy; a member of the Romani people.
      View in Historical Thesaurus
2. adjective
   (in attributive use).
   1. 1869–
      Designating a Zigeuner; of or relating to Zigeuners; esp. of, relating to, or characteristic of traditional central European Romani music.
      1. 1869

         > Liszt..gives a most interesting account of a promising zigeuner lad, on whom he tried the experiment of musical training.

         J. C. Byrne, Pictures Hungarian Life iii. 87
      2. 1946

         > Billy Reid's ‘Gypsy’ tees off with a typical ‘zigeuner’ fiddle intro as a scene setter.

         Billboard 11 May 33/1
      3. 2001

         > Vardos, a new folk ensemble specialising in the popular Zigeuner tradition, playing Romanian and Hungarian music.

         Canberra Times (Nexis) 26 December a20
      1. nomadian 1591–1844
         Nomadic; itinerant.
      2. Gypsy 1595–
         Designating a Gypsy; Romani (Romani, adj.).
      3. Bohemian 1665–
         Gypsy, Romani. Now rare.
      4. gypsyish 1787–
         Resembling or characteristic of a Gypsy.
      5. nomad 1798–
         = nomadic, adj. 1a.
      6. nomadical 1801–
         Characteristic of a nomad; itinerant. Cf. nomadic, adj. 1a, 2.
      7. nomadic 1807–
         Of a person or group of people: living as a nomad or nomads; itinerant. Also in extended use.
      8. nomade 1819–72
         = nomad, adj. B.1.
      9. Romani 1837–
         That is a Rom; of or relating to the Roma or their language.
      10. pikey 1838–
          Chiefly English regional (south-eastern) slang. derogatory. Now considered offensive. Of or relating to such people; (also in later use) squalid, disreputable, vulgar.
      11. Romanian 1841–
          Of or relating to the Roma (see Rom, n.² & adj.) or their language.
      12. Roman 1851–
          = Rom, adj.
      13. Romanichal 1851–
          That is Romani; of or relating to Romani peoples.
      14. Tzigane 1853–
          Designating a Tzigane; of or relating to Tziganes; esp. of or relating to traditional Hungarian Romani music.
      15. mobile 1866–
          Of a group of people, a species, etc.: prone to or capable of movement, migration, or travel; nomadic; peripatetic.
      16. Zigeuner 1869–
          Designating a Zigeuner; of or relating to Zigeuners; esp. of, relating to, or characteristic of traditional central European Romani music.
      17. Rom 1906–
          Now esp. in form Roma. That is a Rom. Also: of or relating to the Roma.
      18. gyppo 1924–
          Chiefly British. Designating a member of the Romani people. Now offensive and derogatory.
      View in Historical Thesaurus

## Pronunciation

### British English

/tsɪˈɡɔɪnə/
tsig-OY-nuh
/zɪˈɡɔɪnə/
zig-OY-nuh

### U.S. English

/tsɪˈɡɔɪnər/
tsig-OY-nuhr
/zɪˈɡɔɪnər/
zig-OY-nuhr

####

##### Consonants

- ppea
- ttea
- kkey
- bbuy
- ddye
- ɡguy
- tʃchore
- dʒjay
- ffore
- θthaw
- ssore
- ʃshore
- vvee
- ðthee
- zzee
- ʒbeige
- xloch
- hhay
- llay
- ɬrhingyll
- rray
- wway
- jyore
- mmay
- nnay
- ŋsing

Some consonants can take the function of the vowel in unstressed syllables. Where necessary, a syllabic marker diacritic is used, hence /ˈpɛtl/ but /ˈpɛtl̩i/.

##### Vowels

- iːfleece
- ihappy
- ɪkit
- ɛdress
- atrap, bath
- ɑːstart, palm, bath
- ɒlot
- ɔːthought, force
- ʌstrut
- ʊfoot
- uːgoose
- əletter
- əːnurse
- ɪənear
- ɛːsquare
- ʊəcure
- eɪface
- ʌɪpride
- aʊmouth
- əʊgoat
- ɔɪvoice
- ãgratin
- ɒ̃salon
- ᵻ(/ɪ/-/ə/)
- ᵿ(/ʊ/-/ə/)

##### Other symbols

- The symbol ˈ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with primary stress.
- The symbol ˌ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with secondary stress.
- Round brackets ( ) in a transcription indicate that the symbol within the brackets is optional.

View the pronunciation model here.

####

##### Consonants

- ppea
- ttea
- kkey
- bbuy
- ddye*
- ɡguy
- tʃchore
- dʒjay
- ffore
- θthaw
- ssore
- ʃshore
- vvee
- ðthee
- zzee
- ʒbeige
- xloch
- hhay
- llay
- rray
- wway
- jyore
- mmay
- nnay
- ŋsing

* /d/ also represents a 'tapped' /t/ as in

Some consonants can take the function of the vowel in unstressed syllables. Where necessary, a syllabic marker diacritic is used, hence /ˈpɛd(ə)l/ but /ˈpɛdl̩i/.

##### Vowels

- ifleece, happy
- ɪkit
- ɛdress
- ætrap, bath
- ɑlot, palm, cloth, thought
- ɑrstart
- ɔcloth, thought
- ɔrnorth, force
- ʊfoot
- ugoose
- əstrut, comma
- ərnurse, letter
- ɪ(ə)rnear
- ɛ(ə)rsquare
- ʊ(ə)rcure
- eɪface
- aɪpride
- aʊmouth
- oʊgoat
- ɔɪvoice
- ɑ̃gratin
- æ̃salon
- ᵻ(/ɪ/-/ə/)
- ᵿ(/ʊ/-/ə/)

##### Other symbols

- The symbol ˈ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with primary stress.
- The symbol ˌ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with secondary stress.
- Round brackets ( ) in a transcription indicate that the symbol within the brackets is optional.

View the pronunciation model here.

####

Simple text respell breaks words into syllables, separated by a hyphen. The syllable which carries the primary stress is written in capital letters. This key covers both British and U.S. English Simple Text Respell.

##### Consonants

b, d, f, h, k, l, m, n, p, r, s, t, v, w and z have their standard English values

- gguy
- jjay
- yyore
- chchore
- khloch
- shshore
- ththaw
- dhthee
- zhbeige

##### Vowels

- atrap
- ahpalm
- airsquare
- arstart
- arrcarry (British only)
- awthought
- ayface
- a(ng)gratin
- edress
- eefleece
- eerdeer
- errmerry
- ikit
- ighpride
- irrmirror
- olot (British only)
- ohgoat
- oogoose
- oorcure
- orforce
- orrsorry (British only)
- owmouth
- oyvoice
- o(ng)salon
- ustrut
- uhletter
- urnurse
- urrhurry
- uufoot

## Forms

### Inflections

Plural: unchanged, Zigeuners

### Variant forms

Also with lower-case initial.

## Frequency

Zigeuner typically occurs about 0.03 times per million words in modern written English.

Zigeuner is in frequency band 3, which contains words occurring between 0.01 and 0.1 times per million words in modern written English. More about OED's frequency bands

Frequency data is computed programmatically, and should be regarded as an estimate.

### Frequency of Zigeuner, n. & adj., 1800–2010

* Occurrences per million words in written English

Historical frequency series are derived from Google Books Ngrams (version 2), a data set based on the Google Books corpus of several million books printed in English between 1500 and 2010.

The overall frequency for a given word is calculated by summing frequencies for the main form of the word, any plural or inflected forms, and any major spelling variations.

For sets of homographs (distinct entries that share the same word-form, e.g. mole, n.¹, mole, n.², mole, n.³, etc.), we have estimated the frequency of each homograph entry as a fraction of the total Ngrams frequency for the word-form. This may result in inaccuracies.

Smoothing has been applied to series for lower-frequency words, using a moving-average algorithm. This reduces short-term fluctuations, which may be produced by variability in the content of the Google Books corpus.

Decade | Frequency per million words
--- | ---
1800 | 0.016
1810 | 0.016
1820 | 0.016
1830 | 0.017
1840 | 0.016
1850 | 0.017
1860 | 0.019
1870 | 0.019
1880 | 0.019
1890 | 0.02
1900 | 0.021
1910 | 0.021
1920 | 0.021
1930 | 0.02
1940 | 0.02
1950 | 0.021
1960 | 0.023
1970 | 0.024
1980 | 0.028
1990 | 0.03
2000 | 0.032
2010 | 0.034

Zigeuner, n. & adj. was revised in September 2020.

Zigeuner, n. & adj. was last modified in December 2024.