Why Do Latin Americans Call English Speakers Gringos?
Bob Garfield and Mike Vuolo discuss the origin of a Spanish-language pejorative with lexicographer Ben Zimmer.
Lexicon Valley has moved! Find new episodes here.
Listen to Lexicon Valley Episode No. 67:
Mike Vuolo and Bob Garfield discuss the etymology and history of the word gringo with Wall Street Journal language columnist Ben Zimmer. For more on the word, visit Zimmer’s Word Routes column on Vocabulary.com.
Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at www.slate.com/podcastsplus.
Lexicon Valley is sponsored by the Great Courses, offering engaging audio and video lectures taught by top professors. Courses like “Great Masters,” which delves into the life and music of well-known musicians and composers—including Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, and Tchaikovsky. Right now, choose from among four of the Great Masters lecture series for just $9.95 when you visit thegreatcourses.com/lexicon.
You’ll find every Lexicon Valley episode at slate.com/lexiconvalley, or in the player below:
Send your thoughts about the show to lexiconvalley@slate.com.