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Originally Posted by lauracipolla
I know in other Latin American countries it's different (and I will let THEM explain), but in Argentina we don't use it as a way to identify an American living in our country (we call these "yanquis", not in any way connected to the Civil War, or anything disrespectful or pejorative). if any, it applies to any foreigner (and in the past, mostly Italians, whom we call "tanos" at present).
what I'm really curious about is the origin... any ideas or information, vicente?
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Until now I thought gringo was a word created by the Mexicans during the Mexican-American War of the 1840s. I had heard a story that Mexican citizens protesting the presence of American troops in Mexico City carried signs and shouted "Green Go Home!" (a reference to the green uniforms of the Americans).
I have heard the word commonly used in Central America to identify a white U.S. citizen. I don't know if it might also apply to Canadians and other North Americans regardless of color. In my experience it is not necessarily derogatory. That depends on the manner in which it is used.