A "gypsy" traditionally refers to members of the Romani people, an Indo-Aryan ethnic group originating from northern India who historically lived a nomadic lifestyle, traveling from place to place often in caravans

. The Romani people, also called Roma or Romany, migrated through Europe and beyond over centuries and have diverse subgroups including the Sinti, Romanlar, Gitanos, and others

. The term "gypsy" itself originated in the 16th century from the mistaken belief that these people came from Egypt, though linguistic and genetic evidence shows their roots lie in northwestern India

. The word "gypsy" is sometimes considered offensive by Romani people because it has been associated with negative stereotypes such as criminality and a wandering lifestyle

. Romani culture places strong emphasis on family and community, and their language, Romani, is derived from Sanskrit and related to Hindi

. While traditionally nomadic, many Romani today live in settled housing but maintain cultural traditions. The Romani follow various religions depending on their country of residence, including Christianity and Islam

. In summary, a "gypsy" is most accurately a member of the Romani ethnic group known for a historically itinerant lifestyle, Indian origins, and a distinct language and culture. However, the term carries complex social and historical connotations and is sometimes viewed as a pejorative label