Meaning & use
dago
Last updated
UK/ˈdeɪɡəʊ/
US/ˈdeɪɡoʊ/
Usage warning: this word is offensive and taboo. It can hurt or insult people. Learn to recognise it, but avoid using it about anyone.
Meaning
nouncountableoffensive
A deeply offensive and dated slur for a person of Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese background.
Grammar: Never use it; it is listed only so readers can recognize and avoid it.
The word dago is an ethnic slur and is considered unacceptable today.
Older films sometimes show characters using dago as an insult, which shows how common prejudice once was.
If someone uses the word dago, it is appropriate to challenge them.
Word forms
| plural | dagos |
|---|
Common combinations
- an offensive term
- Dago is an offensive term that should not be used.
- ethnic slur
- Teachers explained why it counts as an ethnic slur.
- historical use
- The historical use of the word reveals old prejudice.
Synonyms and how they differ
Word family
- slur noun
- an insulting word for a group of people
- prejudice noun
- unfair opinion of a group
- discrimination noun
- unfair treatment because of identity
Practice
How should the word dago be treated?
Choose one answer.
Dago is an ethnic slur. It is never a friendly or neutral word.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “dago”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.
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