gypsy: [16] It appears that in late medieval Europe, it was widely believed that the Roma people originated in Egypt. They first appeared in England around the beginning of the 16th century, and at first were generally referred to as ‘Egyptians’ (a name which survived well into the 18th century). Egyptian was soon eroded to gyptian, and by the end of the 16th century a new ending had been grafted on to the word to produce gypsy.
Gypsy (n.)
also gipsy, c. 1600, alteration of gypcian, a worn-down Middle English dialectal form of egypcien "Egyptian," from the supposed origin of the people. As an adjective, from 1620s. Compare British gippy (1889) a modern shortened colloquial form of Egyptian.
Cognate with Spanish Gitano and close in sense to Turkish and Arabic Kipti "gypsy," literally "Coptic;" but in Middle French they were Bohémien (see bohemian), and in Spanish also Flamenco "from Flanders." "The gipsies seem doomed to be associated with countries with which they have nothing to do" [Weekley]. Zingari, the Italian and German name, is of unknown origin. Romany is from the people's own language, a plural adjective form of rom "man." Gipsy was the preferred spelling in England. The name is also in extended use applied to "a person exhibiting any of the qualities attributed to Gipsies, as darkness of complexion, trickery in trade, arts of cajolery, and, especially as applied to a young woman, playful freedom or innocent roguishness of action or manner" [Century Dictionary]. As an adjective from 1620s with a sense "unconventional; outdoor."
双语例句
1. Old - fashioned gypsy caravans are painted wooden vehicles that are pulled by horses.
旧式 的吉卜赛大篷车是由马拉的涂了颜色的木质车辆.
来自《简明英汉词典》
2. I had my fortune told by Gypsy Rose at the fair.
我在集市上让吉卜赛美女给我算了命.
来自《简明英汉词典》
3. Old - fashioned gypsy caravans are painted wooden vehicles.
旧时的吉普赛大篷车是涂了颜色的木质车辆.
来自《简明英汉词典》
4. She has pure gypsy blood in her veins.
她血管里流的是纯吉卜赛人的血液.
来自《简明英汉词典》
5. I will tell Maria and the Gypsy how to handle the horses.
