The secret name that the Spanish have for Brits abroad – and it’s no compliment

SPAIN is one of the most popular travel destinations for Britons looking to switch out the soggy skies for some sun, sea and sangria.

But British tourists aren’t always welcomed with open arms by locals when visiting the sun-drenched nation.

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Thanks to those UK travellers who have a penchant for excessive drinking and embarrassing boozy behavour, tourists from the UK visiting Spain often get a bad rap.

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.

But what exactly does it mean, and why do Spanish people often use it to refer to British tourists?

I go to Barcelona almost every month and still get called a guiri from time to time, even when trying to blend in with the locals. Let me give you the inside scoop…

What is a “guiri”?

So what does “guiri” actually mean, why do Spanish people use the word, and why is it considered a “secret” term?

One theory is that the name derives from the Basque word “giri”, which means “blond” or “fair-skinned,” and was originally used to describe the physical appearance of tourists. 

However, over time, it has taken on a broader meaning.

Spanish locals now use “guiri” to refer to all types of foreign tourists, especially those from English-speaking countries.

While it can be used to refer to any foreigner, it’s most commonly used to refer to British visitors specifically.

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”. 

Is “guiri” an insult?

Despite its negative connotations, the term “guiri” is often used by locals as a playful nickname to poke fun at tourists. It’s generally not something to take offence to.

It’s not uncommon to hear Spanish people calling out “Hola guiri!” to British tourists as they walk down the street, and many British people even take it as a term of endearment.

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.

Just smile and say gracias – acknowledging you know what it means might just change their mind!

How to not be a “guiri”

A Spanish local can spot a guiri a mile off. But what makes a guiri a guiri? 

Think typical Brit abroad behaviour and you won’t be far off.

Brits that the Spanish would call guiris will share a few behaviour traits that make other people blush when seen abroad.

This includes wearing very little, including flip-flops, even when the weather isn’t that warm.

When the locals are still wearing coats and scarves in spring, guiris will stand out like a sore thumb with vests or shorts because the sun is shining and it feels comparatively warm to British standards. 

Drinking excessively is another guiri trait, which usually leads to outlandish behavour, such as singing football chants that locals aren’t too fond of.

Another embarrassing thing a guiri does is shout in English rather than attempting to speak in the local language.

They’ll also order 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 summer red wine) with gaseosa (a sweeter soda water) in the warmer months. 

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 hotels in beach clothes sporting severely burnt body parts.

So if you want to avoid being labelled a guiri by the locals, just dodge the above – and you’ll soon blend right in with the locals.

Here are some of my other tips on avoiding Barcelona tourist traps and looking more like a local while 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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