Is this term offensive or not?

Apparently, there's a show on MTV called Jersey Shore. I have no interest in the show, but in the ads for the show, the guys refer to themselves as "Guidos" and a girl calls herself a "Guida". I talked to someone about this and we disagreed as to whether these were slurs or not.

I also fully get that there are some words (no examples, sorry) that people of a certain race/ethnicity/culture can call themselves but no outsider better dare speak.

So what is it? Are these offensive terms always, sometimes, never?

TIA, and please realize that I don't mean to insult anyone with this post. I myself am Italian, albeit one detatched from the American East Coast.

Eh. Some people are proud of the term, some people hate it. It's quite polarizing to tell you the truth. I don't particularly care for it, but I wouldn't go calling the Sons of Italy if I were called one .

It all depends on who says it to me and how they mean it. From the wrong guy, he'd lose some teeth. But from the right guy, no big deal.

anybody that calls me whitey gets there ass kicked...just because i am a ghost doesn't mean you can call me whitey.

I don't call anyone racial names, and I really don't care if anyone tries to use racial slurs at me. Doesn't even strike a nerve.

What does "Guido" mean if I can ask without breaking any board rules? My only experience was when I was a kid and my Italian neighbors had a dog named Guido.

Blib, check out the link below:


"Guido" - CLICK HERE

I'm not Italian, but I grew up in an area that has a significant Italian population. Guido is a first name, and I know people, named Guido. It's kind of like what Paddy is to the Irish, a name to identify a stereotpe.

Typically, I've always heard this term (mostly from other Italians, like my wife) to describe certain Italian (and non-Italian) males, who exhibit certain stereotypical traits, such as a swarthy complexion, thick black greased hair, jewelry, etc. My wife just used this term over Thanksgiving when she was describing my brother-in-law's "Guido shoes." I rarely hear the term used with viciousness or malice, but I avoid the word unless I'm joking with Italian friends. As olivant and pizzaboy pointed out, it can be offensive.

I thought it was odd to use the term in promoting a tv show, but I don't know what's going on with these kinds of words anymore.

Thanks SC. Going by the definition and wardrobe description there are a couple of Guidos working at a check cashing place I've been too. And as the definition says "not necessarily of Italian descent" because they are clearly not Italian.

I just saw SC's link, Blib. It explains the term better than I did.

Thanks to you too Kly

Dont mention it, Dago.

Actually I'm Scottish, so I prefer to be called Big-Mac, Sheep-Shagger, Haggistani, Groundskeeper Willie, Pipe Blower, or Thistle Arse. Thanks

My mistake, Blib. I erroneously thought you had the first post in the thread, but it was Mr. Blonde, who said he was Italian.

I haven't heard a lot of those names though.

The funniest ethnic incident I had involved meeting my wife's Italian grandmother 24 years ago. After I left, the famil asked what she thought of me and she said, "He's a pretty nice guy for an Irishman." My in-laws always remind me of this.

The only Guido I know:

Here at the Jersey Shore we get plenty of "Guidos/Guineas" during the summer. Does that mean all Italians (of which I consider myself)? Of course not.

But if someone of seemingly Italian decent comes down from North Jersey or New York driving a Z28 wearing a "guinea tee" shirt, driving like a dick and tossing trash out the car window, and dripping Patchouli cologne from his hairy back listening to 80s rock; then yeah, he's a Guido. lol (They exist.)

Stereotypes are based on truth, and many perpetuate the stereotype. But that doesn't mean every Italian is a "Guido" -- same for all races/creeds/etc.

Blib you forgot the old favourites Jock,MacTavish,Haggis-muncher and Man in a skirt. Having the old Scottish heritage myself i know all these.

That's a good point. Sometimes it's hard for all of us to escape certain stereotypes.

My late Italian father in law worked like a dog for most of his life, seven days a week, at the family restaurant. Now, as MaryCas could attest, I grew up in an area in northeastern PA that had a stronger mafia presence per capita than probably any place in the country. He was quiet and mild mannered, but was brutally critical of relatives and others, who perpetuated the stereotype because he felt they were branding him.

Like many Italians, he refused to watch movies and shows, like The Godfather, because he felt it fueled the stereotype.

The one luxury he allowed himself was a shiny black Cadillac, which he only drove to the mall on Saturday nights with his wife (making sure to park far away from other cars). He'd have the car for 5 years and only put on 10,000 miles.

I wish I had a nickel for every time I was called a WOP, or Dago, and even occasionally a Guido. However, it never bothered me much and still doesn't. It all depends on who says it and why. There are all kinds of ethnic and racial references. I don't use them, but some people do sometimes without thinking. Again, it all comes down to context.

Yeah, I agree. If I've known a guy all my life and he jokingly calls me a greaseball, I just laugh. On the other hand, if I'm on the upper east side of Manhattan, or out in suburbia, and some prim and proper, blue haired old lady looks down her nose at me, then I get pissed off.

okay then groundskeeper willie. lol

Haha, yeah Togi. Man-in-a-skirt (or crossdresser) would have a double meaning for me since I live in the San Francisco area

I don't know. I can't say I'd be offended by something like that. I guess it really depends on how it's said. I once had a co-worker (years ago) who would jokingly call me "wop". I never did get angry, probably because I knew her and knew she was joking.

Yogi, "Thistle Arse"? Can't say I've know any Thistle Arses. LOL

TIS

Geoff pretty much nailed the description. Coming from the 'burbs north of New Yawk City, the megalopolis of NY includes North Jersey - Soprano land. These types of folks typified the "Guido" look. Several beaches along the North Jersey shore were frequented by the Guido type; Belmar, Seaside Heights being the most popular. I have a nephew (German-Dutch) who was a bouncer in Belmar. He referenced Guidos quite often.

In truth, "GUIDO" is actually an Italian name which I believe was taken from the name of a saint.

It later became a slang term used in describing lower class hard working Italians and in using it in this capacity it was considered an offensive and racial slur by many hard working Italian people. I agree that if used in this capacity, it is an offensive and unacceptable racial slur.

It is now used to describe Italian males who drive around in cadillacs, wearing guinea tee shirts while slouched over towards the center of the car seat with a cigarette dangling out of the side of their mouth, and acting like loud mouth cavones.

Heck, I myself use the term "Guido" when I encounter these kinds of cavones even though I'm from an Italian background. These types of cavones are offensive and give a bad name to the Italian heritage in general.

As Geoff said, that does not mean that every Italian is a guido.

.....don't be besmirchin'.....an apology Senator, this committee owes and apology..

At the end of the day nobody can help what ethnicity they are born to so other people mocking them doesn't make much sense to me. For anybody who calls somebody a nasty name there is always a reply and that is before you even consider the "hilarious" names for anyone who might be over-weight or wear glasses or the like.

None of that makes any sense to me. If i want to call anyone a nasty name i just use something universal and non-offensive.....like shitbag!!

P.S. Apologies to any shitbags

Yea, that's pretty universal. I think all of us have known one or two shitbags in our lives. Respectfully of course.



TIS

I prefer Bag 'O Shit. I have met many.... along with Ass Aches, Dick Heads and Douche Bags.

What's an "Ass Ache"? A prisoner?

In keeping with the season, here is a video worth a laugh:

I never heard of shitbag before. I heard of dirtbag though.

Thanks for all the opinions, everyone. Out where I live, I hardly ever hear any of these terms.

And klydon1, thx all the same, you old so-and-so

BTW, I've seen that this show is getting a lot of attention, even though the preview I saw hardly made me interested at all. Ah well, what do you expect from someone who laments for the days when the M in MTV actually meant something?

I think Yogi is refering to those bags that people carry when they walk their dogs.

Indeed i am Ron!

That's funny! "8 How ya doings"

Never heard it before.


TIS

Btw, speaking offensive:

Is this video from "Jersey Shores". I had never heard of the show but just now on MSNBC they had a story saying that Italian-Americans were up in arms because of the stereotypical way they portray Italians. Anyone watch this show? I found this particular video funny.


TIS

I haven't seen it, TIS, but loved the you tube video. I forwarded it to my brother immediately.

Just did a mass mailing of the link to the video to my address book. That is priceless!

"And a ride in his IROC Z..."

IROC = I'm Really Only a Camaro

In the 1970's in Chicago it would have been a Trans-Am...parked diagonally across two spaces at the back of the Dominick's grocery store parking lot...where he bags groceries part-time at night during the school year...except in the summer when he also works days as a flagman on a paving crew for Palumbo Excavating. On weekends, he'd be dancing and drinking at "da Tree." Da Tree...da disco over by Diversey and Central. You know, "da Tree" -- One, Two, Tree...

The sign said "I-II-III" (One-Two-Three) but everyone in the neighborhood called it "da tree."

tony b.

I always thought shitbag referred to a colostomy bag.