Holidaying in Spain this summer? The locals have a name for British tourists… and it's not flattering

Scottish Sun

3 days ago

And how you can avoid being labelled with this nickname
SPAIN PAIN Holidaying in Spain this summer? The locals have a name for British tourists… and it's not flattering
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AS Brits head to Spain's buzzing beaches and captivating cities this summer, it's worth knowing the one phrase locals have for tourists.
While the majority will enjoy a holiday without problems, some tourists can embarrass themselves - and the Spanish actually have a name for them.
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British tourists are sometimes named a 'guiri' by locals when in Spain
Credit: Lee Bell - Supplied
A 'guiri' - pronounced 'guee-ree' - is used by the Spanish to describe these types of tourists.
According to Lee Bell, a Brit who regularly travels to Barcelona, the name is believed to come from the Basque word 'giri', which means 'blond' or 'fair-skinned'.
Lee explains: "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."
Even though the nickname has negative connotations, the term is also often used by locals playfully to poke at tourists.
Lee added: "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."
Lee also explained that the term is not usually meant in a derogatory way.
But if you do want to avoid being called a guiri, the best thing to do is avoid any of the embarrassing behaviour that can see Brits hit the headlines.
Showing lots of skin even though you're not on the beach or excessively drinking will both earn you the nickname guiri from disappointed locals.
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According to Lee, shouting in English rather than speaking Spanish can be another clear sign of being a 'guiri', as well as not wearing sunscreen.
The Brit added: "[Guiris will] 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.
"The 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 sweet soda water) in the warmer months."
Another Brit, who lives in Spain, shared three common mistakes Brits make when visiting the country.
Megan Owens told the Sun Online Travel: "If the menu is written in several languages, or has pictures of the food, then it's most likely a tourist trap.
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The term often refers to the typical behaviour traits of Brits in Spain
Credit: Lee Bell - Supplied
"These menus are often laminated or covered in plastic film - Brits should stay away from them."
She added that holidaymakers should also use the public transport available more than taxis, as it is cheap and reliable.
The English teaching assistant continued that there are a lot of locals selling things on the streets.
She said: "Sometimes you just have to firmly say no."
From sea pools to hidden caves, Spain's cheapest beach destinations for this summer have also been named.
Plus, the Spanish island that's surprisingly one of the cheapest destinations for last-minute package holidays.