Gypsy Day is the term given to the period of time (May 31 to June 1) when sharemilkers move their cows from one farm to another. Photo / File
Gypsy Day is the term given to the period of time (May 31 to June 1) when sharemilkers move their cows from one farm to another. Photo / File
The time of the year - May 31 and June 1 - when sharemilkers move to another farm with their cows is traditionally called "Gypsy Day".
A recent Otago Regional Council media release referred to Gypsy Day, but Dunedin city councillor Aaron Hawkins objected, saying the term ''gypsy'' was oftenused as a slur against Roma people.
ORC officials later said the term was still commonly used in farming circles, but because of its ''undertones'', the ORC would not use it in future.
What connotations does the word "gypsy" have?
From Wikipedia: The English term gipsy or gypsy is a common word used to indicate Romani people, Tinkers and Travellers, and use of the word gipsy in modern-day English is so pervasive (and is a legal term under English law) that some Romani organisations use it in their own organisational names.
However, according to many Romani people and academics who study them, the word has been tainted by its use as a racial slur and a pejorative connoting illegality and irregularity, and some modern dictionaries either recommend avoiding use of the word gypsy entirely or give it a negative or warning label.
What do you think? Is it time to stop using the term "Gypsy Day"? Have your say in our poll below:
