Gadgies

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Young men or boys often characterized by a carefree and mischievous demeanor
2. A playful term for energetic or spirited youths known for their lively behavior
3. Informal label referring to lively young males who enjoy socializing and having fun

Etymology: "Gadgies" is simply the plural of "gadgie," so its story is really the story of that singular form. The singular came into English from Romani, the language of the Romani people, where "gaʒe" is the plural of "gaʒo," meaning a non-Roma person. English borrowed the plural form, and the singular "gadgie" followed from it. The Romani word is the source of a small family of related English terms. "Gadje" and "gorger" are doublets: separate borrowings from the same Romani root that reached English by different routes and took on slightly different shapes. What makes the word unusual is how far it has travelled from its origin. A term used by outsiders to refer to the Romani people's non-Roma neighbours has, in informal British usage, become a cheerful label for young men out for a good time.