GITANOS

Gypsies reached Spain around AD 1400 and since then they have led a makeshift relationship with the people of the country. They still cling to their customs, tribal laws, and ways of life led by their "ancianos, patriarcas" or elders. The animosity against them is very much alive, even in language. In spite of the new trends against inappropriate, and politically incorrect language, certain expressions can be heard today.  We can hear mothers say to their children: "Lávate la cara y las manos, que vas hecho un gitano." When people live like tramps, "viven como gitanos." I suppose, and wish, this phraseology will eventually die out... In the meantime, vivir como gitanos is to live like tramps, and ir hecho un gitano is to lool like a tramp. And some people ar "sucios como gitanos." And others "mienten como gitanos."