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dago

noun

da·​go ˈdā-(ˌ)gō How to pronounce dago (audio)
plural dagos or dagoes
offensive
used as an insulting and contemptuous term for a person of Italian or Spanish birth or descent

Word History

Etymology

alteration of earlier diego, from Diego, a common Spanish given name

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dago was in 1832

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dago.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dago. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.

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