SPAIN has become a popular destination for Britons who want to escape the rainy weather and enjoy some sun, surf and sangria.
But British tourists aren’t always welcomed with open arms by locals when visiting the sun-drenched nation.
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Thank you to all UK travellers Tourists from Britain who visit Spain are often criticized for their excessive drinking habits and boisterous behaviour.
We might know them as typical ‘Brits abroad’ – but the Spanish have their own secret word for these stereotypes.
A “guiri,” pronounced ‘guee-ree’, is like a secret code that the Spanish use to describe certain foreigners in their country in an uncomplimentary manor.
Why do Spanish people use this term to refer to British tourists and what does it actually mean?
Even though I try to fit in, when I visit Barcelona nearly every month, sometimes people call me a guiri. Let me give you the inside scoop…
What is a “guiri”?
Why do Spanish people call it “guiri?” And why does this term have a secret meaning?
According to one theory, the word “giri” (which means “blond”, “fair-skinned” or “fair skin”) was first used by tourists as a way of describing their physical appearance.
It has, however, taken on an encompassing meaning over the years.
Spanish locals now use “guiri” to refer to all types of foreign tourists, especially those from English-speaking countries.
Although it is used for any visitor, British visitors are most frequently mentioned.
This is especially the case for the stereotypical ‘Brit abroad’ – a term for an embarrassing tourist who travels to foreign countries with no intention of integrating with the culture there.
Although the Spanish use of guiri isn’t just limited to British visitors. It’s also used to refer to northern Europeans, such as Germans or Swedish, or even Americans.
So regardless of whether you’re a German tourist, an exchange student from the US or a British pensioner living in Spain, you could be called a “guiri”.
Does “guiri’ mean insult to you?
The term “guiri”, although it has a negative connotation, is used often by the locals to mock tourists. It’s generally not something to take offence to.
Spanish people are known to call out “Hola Guari!” The phrase “Hola Guiri” is often used by Spanish tourists to greet them as they pass on the street.
Although some locals will use it in a more negative or dismissive way, it’s most likely because they’ve been aggravated by bad tourist behaviour.
If you get called a guiri, don’t fret, it’s playful – I often refer to myself as a guiri when I visit Barcelona to take the mick out of myself with my local friends, or when I’m doing typical “guiri” things like drinking Sangria.
It’s generally not a term used in a racist or degrading way, so it’s important to take it personal if you get called a guiri by a local.
Smile and thank them – if you acknowledge that you understand what they mean, it might change their minds!
What you can do to avoid being a “guiri”.
Locals in Spain can identify a guiri from a distance. What is it that makes a Guiri a Guiri?
Think typical Brit abroad behaviour and you won’t be far off.
Brits, which the Spanish might call guiris (or guirias), will often share certain behaviours with other cultures that can make them blush.
Wearing flip-flops is also acceptable. The weather isn’t that warm.
If the locals wear scarves and coats, SpringGuiris are going to stand out in shorts and vests, as the sun is brightening up.
Another guiri characteristic is excessive drinking, which can lead to bizarre behaviour, like singing. chants that locals aren’t too fond of.
A guiri will also shout in English instead of trying to communicate in local dialect. The language of the article is.
They’ll also orYou can find out more about this by clicking here.r cliche Spanish menu items like Sangria and paella in very touristy restaurants, or worse still, insist on ordering typical British food items, or looking for a kebab shop after a night out.
Spanish don’t really drink Sangria, it’s seen more of a tourist thing as locals opt for ‘tinto de verano’ (meaning This summer, you can enjoy a variety of activities. In the summer, replace red wine (or other wines) with Gaseosa soda water.
Another very popular guiri stereotype is not bothering to wear sunscreen – after a day on the beach, guiris are likely to be laughed at by locals as they’re spotted walking back to their Hotel Accommodation In the beach Wearables Getting severely burned Bodybuilding parts.
Avoid the following to blend in and avoid the label of a “guiri” by locals.
These are my tips for avoiding tourist traps in Barcelona and how to look more local when visiting the city.
And I’ve also explained how to save money while visiting Spain if you’re looking to do it on a shoestring.
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