is it racist to say 'that's a bit greek' when someone does or says soemthing lewd?

Question

it shouldn't be racist because you're referring to ancient greeks and not modern ones.

Answer 1

The saying, That's a bit Greek or It's all Greek to me has nothing to do with lewd but is an expression for when something is said to one that is not understood. Probably because the Greek language is quite a difficult one to learn.

Answer 2

I haven't actually heard that phrase. I have heard people say "It's all Greek to me!" - which I suppose just means, as already pointed out, that Greek is a difficult subject to study. I am guilty myself of saying "That's a bit Irish", meaning something is a bit odd or weird and that it probably much more offensive to some people. What people don't realise, as I don't have any Irish accent in my voice, is that I am actually half Irish so if I meant anything truly nasty by it, I would be insulting myself.

The world went PC crazy not so long ago (chalkboards instead of blackboards, what about whiteboards?!) and although some attitudes have calmed down a bit, there is still room for improved tolerance and the use of common sense and decency.

Answer 3

It is a little. But being racist is a difficult question to answer. There are two aspects to it. 1.The stereotyping. 2.The hatred of people from another race.

If you can accept people at face value and not have racist intent or feeling then it is okay to make these types of comment in jest.
I as a Greek am not offended as long as people accept me as an individual first before considering me a Greek.

political correctness doesn't wash with me. Banishing all racist comments will not stop people thinking or being racist.

people become less racist when they actually get to know and befriend people of other races.

I hope that helps. It is my personal point of view

Answer 4

I think that the reference is usually to homosexually oriented situations, or ones that can easily be construed as such--like "Greek-style wrestling" which is when two men wrestle in the classical style( meaning nude). Especially since all Olympic events were originally performed nude (and by men only). Also the ancient Greeks seemed to have an affinity for championing male to male relationships (Greek love).

No, I wouldn't exactly call it racist--I've never considered the term to be intended to be derogatory--but then I'm not Greek!

Answer 5

Cool question, because I never really thought about it.

I am inclined not to find this as an offensive statement, but the idea behind racism is that we shouldn't treat one group different than another. So I guess it's racist not to consider the statment as racist.

If we are to consider one term bad, we should consider all terms that have the sample principle of disparaging racial or ethnic group with such a term.

Answer 6

Wow i became in simple terms conversing approximately that with 2 buddies of mine who happen to be black women persons. They the two agreed that their race became greater racist. I quite tend to think of that possibly that's in simple terms greater one element being greater vocal whether the different is greater closeted. Afterall it quite is in intense undesirable style for a white guy or woman to assert something that interior the least way conveys a racial bias, while if a guy or woman of shade says something derogetory approximately whites, that's considered "comprehensible" or earned in a fashion. I particapted in a march to honor MLK Jr. i became the sole lady of diminished complexion. It did not look that truthfully everyone liked my being there. nonetheless i'm very happy i became there. the guy we've been honoring stood up and became counted, had many shifting issues to assert while he became alive, and has left a brilliant legacy.

Answer 7

I didn't realize ppl said that to mean something was lewd. I always hear it in the context of "it's Greek to me" meaning they didn't understand what someone was trying to tell them. Like if you were trying to explain a complex problem. I though it meant because Greek was a forgien language that was hard to learn....

Answer 8

Greek is not a race, it's a culture. So, it could be culturist. As well, how would anyone but you would know you were referring to ancient greeks. OY.

Answer 9

If anyone takes offence at that then don't worry about it. If they think it is racist then they are simply belittling something very serious. It would be along the lines of people being upset at black board, black sheep etc.

By getting hung up on that sort of thing then they detract from the serious issues of racism.

Answer 10

Usually only a person of Greek origin will get annoyed if at all!!
Normally so called rational folk know that it means " we cannot understand your language- ------ nothing really racist_-ok ?good bye!!