No Pikeys allowed

PIKEY: a pejorative slang term used, mainly in England, to refer to travelers, Gypsies or people of low social class.

Somewhere in my european lineage I believe there existed a smattering of vagabonds, vikings, gypsies if you like. My father's side of this that makes me who I am was a dark brooding Irish. My father is tall with dark hair, blue eyes and a monster of a temper when unleashed is a sight to behold. We are perhaps what is known as "black irish". A myth of physical differences as a small percentage in Ireland. There has also been "legend" in the Gent legacy of gypsy behavior. Perhaps our Viking ancestors led the way to the Green Isle, setting up camp, raising concern amongst the smaller citizens of Ireland. In relation to myself and where I teeter on the family tree branch, well there is truth in my blood. All stereotypes aside: I have a ferocious temper, I am not opposed to fighting and physical violence, I believe in honor and am very superstitious, I have spent a great deal of my young life moving from place to place, my grandad on my mom's side used to affectionately call me a "gypsy", never alluding to a negative idea of this behavior.

"Gypsy has several different and overlapping meanings under English Law. Under the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 Gypsies are defined as "persons of nomadic habit of life, whatever their race or origin, but does not include members of an organised group of travelling showmen, or persons engaged in travelling circuses, travelling together as such.",[5] this definition includes such groups as New Age Travellers, as well as Irish Travellers and Romany."

""Travellers" is a wider term for groups of people with a nomadic lifestyle, traditionally including but not restricted to the Romani. The Irish Travellers and Scottish Travellers are often included under the term "gypsies". In Central and Western Europe, the Yeniche are known as gypsies (or Zigeuner and other local equivalents of the term) although they are not considered part of the Romani people."

Being a gypsy has had negative connotations in history. They were seen as shifty and untrustworthy perhaps practicing voodoo or witchcraft. Setting up camp, thieving and then disappearing at a moments notice. Perhaps all of this is true but their lifestyle is something to admire. The world was their home. They gleaned what they could from every place they stayed. They are supernatural creatures with wisdom unparalelled. So whatever word you use to describe this unique group, I am one of them.