Dago vs. Guinea — What's the Difference?
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By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 12, 2023
Dago and Guinea are both derogatory slang terms used in the U.S. to describe people of Italian descent, with "Dago" also referencing Spanish and Portuguese people. Using them is offensive and promotes stereotypes.
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Difference Between Dago and Guinea
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
While both Dago and Guinea have been used to derogate Italians, the former can also be used against Spanish and Portuguese people. It's essential to understand that using such terms is hurtful and perpetuates negative stereotypes about these communities.
![](webp/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5c3b8.webp)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Dago is a derogatory term that historically has been used in the English-speaking world to refer to Italians, Spaniards, or Portuguese people. This term is believed to have its origins from the Spanish name "Diego," which is equivalent to James in English. Over time, the term became an ethnic slur in parts of the English-speaking world, particularly in the U.S., against people from southern Europe.
![](webp/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5c3b8.webp)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
On the other hand, Guinea is a derogatory slang primarily targeting people of Italian descent in the U.S. Its origin is a bit unclear, but some believe it may be derived from "Guinea Negro," referring to the African region of Guinea. The term possibly denoted the dark complexion of southern Italians, drawing an ill-founded connection between them and Africans.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Both terms have been used in various literary works, movies, and other forms of entertainment, sometimes to portray historical prejudice or for shock value. However, in today's multicultural society, the use of Dago and Guinea is widely considered offensive and inappropriate.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Lastly, while these words have specific historical and cultural contexts, they are derogatory. It's crucial for individuals to be aware of the negative connotations and avoid using them to promote a more inclusive and understanding society.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Usage in Pop Culture
Found in older literary works/movies
Found in older literary works/movies
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
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Definitions
Dago
A slang term with origins from the Spanish name "Diego".
It's believed Dago evolved from Diego.
![](webp/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5c3b8.webp)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Guinea
A word to describe the supposed dark complexion of Southern Italians.
The term Guinea was wrongly used to associate Italians with Africans.
![](webp/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5c3b8.webp)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Dago
A pejorative term targeting Southern Europeans.
Discrimination often used the word Dago as a slur.
![](webp/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5c3b8.webp)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Guinea
A term historically used in the U.S. to stereotype Italians.
Italian immigrants often heard the term Guinea used against them.
![](webp/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5c3b8.webp)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Dago
A word from old movies or literature denoting a stereotyped character.
The character was dubbed as a Dago, reflecting the biases of that era.
![](webp/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5c3b8.webp)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Guinea
A derogatory slang term primarily for people of Italian descent.
His neighbors wrongly labeled him as a Guinea.
![](webp/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5c3b8.webp)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Dago
A derogatory term for a person of Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese descent.
He was wrongly called a Dago because of his accent.
![](webp/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5c3b8.webp)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Guinea
An ethnic slur with possible origins from "Guinea Negro".
Some say the term Guinea is related to the African region.
![](webp/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5c3b8.webp)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Dago
An ethnic slur used historically in the English-speaking world.
The term Dago has been discarded from modern respectful vocabulary.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Guinea
Guinea ( (listen)), officially the Republic of Guinea (French: République de Guinée), is a coastal country in West Africa. Formerly known as French Guinea (French: Guinée française), the modern country is sometimes referred to as Guinea-Conakry, after its capital and largest city Conakry, to distinguish it from other countries with "Guinea" in the name and the eponymous region, such as Guinea-Bissau and Equatorial Guinea.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 26, 2018
Dago
Used as a disparaging term for a person of Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese descent.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 26, 2018
Guinea
A gold coin issued in England from 1663 to 1813 and worth one pound and one shilling.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 26, 2018
Dago
A person of Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Greek, or other Mediterranean descent.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 26, 2018
Guinea
Offensive Slang Used as a disparaging term for a person of Italian birth or descent.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 26, 2018
Dago
A nickname given to a person of Spanish (or, by extension, Portuguese or Italian) descent.
![](webp/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5c3b8.webp)
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 26, 2018
Guinea
A gold coin originally worth twenty shillings; later (from 1717 until the adoption of decimal currency) standardised at a value of twenty-one shillings.
![](webp/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5c3b8.webp)
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 26, 2018
Guinea
A district on the west coast of Africa (formerly noted for its export of gold and slaves) after which the Guinea fowl, Guinea grass, Guinea peach, etc., are named.
![](webp/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5c3b8.webp)
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 26, 2018
Guinea
A gold coin of England current for twenty-one shillings sterling, or about five dollars, but not coined since the issue of sovereigns in 1817.
The guinea, so called from the Guinea gold out of which itwas first struck, was proclaimed in 1663, and to go for twenty shillings; but it never went for less than twenty-one shillings.
![](webp/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5c3b8.webp)
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 26, 2018
Guinea
A republic in eastern Africa on the Atlantic; formerly a French colony; achieved independence from France in 1958
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Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 26, 2018
Guinea
A west African bird having dark plumage mottled with white; native to Africa but raised for food in many parts of the world
![](webp/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5c3b8.webp)
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 26, 2018
Guinea
A term found in older works to portray Italian characters.
The book depicted the Italian protagonist as a Guinea, showing the time's prejudice.
![](webp/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5c3b8.webp)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
FAQs
Are there legal implications for using such terms?
While not illegal, using them can be seen as harassment or hate speech in specific contexts.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Is it appropriate to use the terms Dago and Guinea today?
No, both terms are derogatory and considered offensive.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Did these terms impact the Italian community in the U.S.?
Yes, they reflect historical prejudices faced by Italian immigrants.
![](webp/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5c3b8.webp)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
What's the origin of the term Dago?
It's believed to derive from the Spanish name "Diego".
![](webp/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5c3b8.webp)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Were these terms ever used in a non-derogatory way?
Historically, they might have been used casually, but have always carried a derogatory connotation.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Do other languages have similar slurs for ethnicities?
Yes, many languages have derogatory terms for various groups.
![](webp/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5c3b8.webp)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
How did Guinea become associated with Italians?
Possibly from "Guinea Negro", linking the dark complexion of some Italians with Africans.
![](webp/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5c3b8.webp)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Are young generations aware of these terms?
Many might not be, but it's essential to educate them on historical prejudices.
![](webp/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5c3b8.webp)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Why are these terms considered offensive?
They perpetuate negative stereotypes and ethnic prejudices.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
How can we educate others about the harm of such terms?
Through cultural awareness programs, education, and open dialogues.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
How do derogatory terms evolve over time?
Social dynamics, migration, and biases can birth and propagate such terms.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Do movies and literature today still use these terms?
While less common, some works might use them to portray historical biases.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Are there any efforts to reclaim these terms positively?
While some communities reclaim derogatory terms, Dago and Guinea haven't seen widespread reclamation.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
How have the Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese communities responded to these terms?
These communities have largely rejected and criticized these terms, advocating for respect.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Is it okay to use these terms if someone from the community uses them?
It's always best to avoid using derogatory language, regardless of context.
![](webp/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5c3b8.webp)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Author Spotlight
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.