What is the difference between a gypsy and a pikey

It was becoming far too mainstream and acceptable. Eva, Glasgow 'Pikey' is a word that has been fairly frequently heard for some years now within the middle-class world I live in. Generally, it seems to be used and received as a mildly humorous insult, used in a context which intends no hostility towards Travellers. I've never really perceived it to be any more offensive than calling something or someone 'gay' the use of 'gay' as a form of insult in recent times having been previously covered by these pages Allan Moore, Chippenham I have been called "Pikey" many times because of my name and I am not bothered in the slightest.

However I can understand that "Pikey" used as slang for Irish "Travellers" could be mildly insulting, as mildly insulting as calling someone "posh"! Irish travellers are a proud and tough community who can give as good as they might get and I am sure they have their own names for those who do not travel and live in their own houses. Nigel Arpike, Aylesbury The term pikey has been used in the same context as the word "chav" for at least eight years in my memory - it sums up the tracksuit wearing, peaked cap-to-the-sky "elite" that seem to create the stereotypes given to teenagers.

If it affects the Romani and offends them, then I don't personally believe they are truly Romani. Saying that however, I'm sure it could be seen in the same context as the word "Nomadi" in Italian, which, for all rights and purposes has the same effect.

A Vincent, Portsmouth I think the British sense of humour needs to win out over the PC brigade and we need a little more common sense, there are FAR more important things going on in the world to waste column inches on this. I guess this may well turn into the media led witch hunt that it normally does. Perhaps we could have the same witch hunt against the many hedge fund owners who are trying to bankrupt us all as we speak!! Most Popular Now 56, people are reading stories on the site right now.

BBC News Magazine. News Front Page. E-mail this to a friend Printable version. The OED says it's an offensive term. ITV has apologised for Brundle's comments. This is the language of social discrimination and it's quite shocking that this language is now being bandied about.

In today's Magazine. Tony Thorne. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites. Ghost town.

The guerilla plant. Walking away. Printable version. How offensive is the word 'pikey'? This is the language of social discrimination and it's quite shocking that this language is now being bandied about Slang expert Tony Thorne. E-mail this to a friend. In today's Magazine Big beasts How elephants helped to shape human history, by David Cannadine Change a-coming Justin Webb on America's love affair with progress Audience of one Would you watch a play all on your own?

Magazine regulars Tweetbook Say goodbye to worktime boredom. Pikey as an adjective UK, slang, derogatory :. Pikey as a verb UK, slang, derogatory :.

The difference between Gypsy and Pikey When used as nouns , gypsy means a member of the romani people, whereas pikey means a pike fish.

Gypsy as a noun sometimes, offensive : a member of the Romani people. Examples: "If anyone questions them, they'll [[fold up]] faster than a gypsy roofing [[company]]. Amature vs. Lieing vs. Preferred vs. Omage vs. Finally vs. Attendance vs. Latest Comparisons Tubercule vs. Glyptal vs. Faucet vs. Com vs. Destroyable vs. Aboriginal vs. Coelomate vs. Ocean vs. Judge vs. Flag vs. Forbear vs. Awesomely vs. Fat vs. Sonhood vs. Ricochet vs. Channel vs. Trending Comparisons.

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