gitan

Gitan is a word used in several Romance languages—most notably French and Spanish—to refer to a member of the Romani people or to things associated with Romani culture. In French, gitan (feminine gitane) and in Spanish, gitano, are common nouns and adjectives used in literature, music and everyday speech to denote Romani identity, style or cultural practices, such as music and dance.

The term’s etymology traces back to medieval European usage, likely via the Spanish gitano and ultimately to medieval Greek Athinganoi, a name applied to certain itinerant groups encountered in the Middle Ages. Over time it became widely applied across Western Europe to Romani communities, though local names and self-designations like Roma, Romani and Sinti are preferred in many contexts.

Gitan/gitano appears in cultural contexts—most famously in references to flamenco and folk traditions in Spain and in portrayals of itinerant life in literature and film. It can also be found in commercial names (for example, historic cigarette and music-related brands) and as a surname in some regions.

Use of the term can be sensitive: depending on context and intent, gitan may be viewed as neutral, descriptive, or pejorative. Contemporary guidance from advocacy groups and scholars encourages use of community-preferred names and respectful, specific language when referring to Romani peoples and cultures.