dago

Etymology
Alteration of, from by law of Hobson-Jobson.

Noun

 * 1)  A person of Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Greek, or other Mediterranean descent.
 * 2)  A person of Italian descent.
 * 1)  A person of Italian descent.

Usage notes

 * The word has sometimes been reclaimed in recent years by its targets, with people of Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Greek origin themselves adopting the term. In the Upper Midwest region of the United States, the term is used for several Italian-inspired food items.
 * The term may have originated following British or American encounters with Portuguese and Spanish sailors. "Diego" is the Portuguese nickname for any deckhand. After transforming into "dago" in English and becoming a common term for Spanish and Portuguese people, the slur expanded in usage to then refer to Italians and Italian immigrants, another Mediterranean and Latin ethnic group.
 * The Hill in St. Louis, an Italian-American enclave, is often referred to colloquially as "Dago Hill."

Verb

 * 1)  be few