Gallas

Gallas is a term with several distinct uses. Historically, it has been used as an exonym for the Oromo people, the largest ethnic group in Ethiopia, and also in parts of Kenya and Somalia. The term appeared in various European and regional languages and was widely used in colonial and ethnographic literature. In contemporary usage it is considered pejorative and outdated by many Oromo people and scholars, who prefer the ethnonym Oromo or specify subgroups or regions instead. Because of its pejorative connotations, modern references usually avoid the term in favor of more respectful designations.

Gallas is also a surname. In Western contexts it appears as a family name of diverse linguistic and national backgrounds. Notable individuals include William Gallas (born 1977), a French former professional footballer who played as a defender for clubs such as Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham Hotspur.