cigano

Cigano is the Portuguese term used to refer to Romani people, an ethnic group whose members traditionally originate from the Indian subcontinent and who migrated to Europe over many centuries. In Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking communities, cigano is a common, everyday designation for Romani individuals and communities, and it is also found in Brazilian Portuguese.

Across Romance languages, the exonym for Romani people—including cigano in Portuguese, gitano in Spanish, and zingaro in Italian—has historical roots linked to medieval beliefs about a possible Egyptian origin. The precise etymology varies by language, but these terms have long been used to describe Romani groups that, in many regions, practiced nomadism or semi-nomadism and developed diverse subgroups and customs.

Romani people speak Romani languages, which consist of several dialects and often exist in contact with local languages. Cultural practices vary among subgroups, with traditions in music, crafts, storytelling, and itinerant trades playing notable roles in some communities. In modern times, many Romani communities are settled, yet they continue to maintain distinct communal institutions and cultural identities.

The term cigano can be encountered in everyday language, but its reception is nuanced. In contemporary discourse, it may be neutral in some contexts and pejorative in others, depending on tone and intent. Many scholars, advocates, and Romani organizations prefer using Romani or Roma as ethnonyms to emphasize ethnicity and rights. Romani people worldwide have faced discrimination, yet there are ongoing efforts to promote inclusion, representation, and the preservation of language and culture.