Zigan
/ˈziːɡən/noun
An archaic or variant English term for a Romani person, now generally avoided because related labels are often considered outdated or offensive.
Did you know?The word belongs to a family of European names for Romani people, many traditionally connected—though not conclusively—to Byzantine Greek atsinganos and a mysterious religious group called the Athinganoi.
Etymological Timeline
Byzantine Greek, 11th Century
Greek
athinganos / atsinganos
“A term associated with the Athinganoi, whose identity and connection to the Romani remain debated; later interpreted by some as “untouchable.””
Medieval Greek and Balkan usage
Greek/Balkan
tsinganos
“A developing designation applied to Romani communities in southeastern Europe.”
Middle High German, 13th–14th Century
Middle German
zîg(e)uner
“A name for a Romani person, probably transmitted through southeastern European forms.”
Early Modern European usage
German/Italian/French
Zigeuner / zingaro / tsigane
“Related regional forms used for Romani people across continental Europe.”
Modern English
English
zigan
“An obsolete or variant English form, chiefly encountered in historical, dictionary, or literary contexts.”