The word "guiri" is a noun.
/ˈɡiɾi/
In Spanish, the term "guiri" is colloquially used to refer to foreigners, especially those from primarily English-speaking countries, who are visiting Spain. It often carries a connotation of being a tourist and is sometimes used humorously or with a hint of affection. The frequency of use is relatively high in informal contexts, primarily in oral communication, though it can occasionally appear in written text, such as social media or conversational blogs.
"Los guiris siempre llevan cámaras y miran todo con asombro."
"Foreigners always carry cameras and look at everything in awe."
"No te preocupes, los guiris no entienden nada de nuestro idioma."
"Don't worry, the tourists don't understand anything of our language."
"Los bares en la playa están llenos de guiris en verano."
"The bars on the beach are full of tourists in the summer."
The word "guiri" is often used in various idiomatic expressions, reflecting the cultural nuances associated with tourists in Spain. Here are a few examples:
"Hacer guiri"
This phrase means to act like a tourist, often implying a lack of awareness about local customs.
Example: "Cuando viene mi primo, siempre hace guiri y pide tapas en inglés."
"When my cousin comes, he always acts like a tourist and asks for tapas in English."
"Guiri de verano"
This refers to a summer tourist, usually implying a more relaxed or careless attitude.
Example: "Los guiris de verano vienen a la playa solo a broncearse."
"Summer tourists come to the beach just to tan."
"Los guiris no saben que no se puede tocar el jamón así."
"Tourists do not know that you can't touch the ham like that."
This reflects cultural norms that might be overlooked by foreigners.
"Ser un guiri en tu propia ciudad"
This idiom is used to describe someone who feels lost or out of place in their own environment, much like a foreign tourist.
Example: "Desde que cambié de trabajo, me siento como un guiri en mi propia ciudad."
"Ever since I changed jobs, I feel like a foreigner in my own city."
The term "guiri" is believed to have originated from the word "guiri," which refers to a "greenhorn" or an inexperienced person. It likely gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s among Spaniards to describe foreign tourists, especially those from Northern Europe and the UK.