Semantics and Sensibility

In “Vacation Deprivation by the Numbers” (June 2), you used the phrase “getting gypped.” The Random House dictionary defines “gyp” as “to defraud or rob by some sharp practice; swindle; cheat.” The etymology of the word is probably from “Gypsy,” and I think Gypsies (also known as Romanies) would consider this an ethnic slur.

I have excised the phrase from my vocabulary. The Times should follow suit.

PEGGY JOHNSON

Granada Hills