Millions of Britons flock to Spain every year for sunshine, beaches, nightlife and a break from everyday life. But behind the postcard-perfect holidays, some visitors may be unaware they are being branded with an unflattering nickname by locals.

According to reports, the word is "guiri" – pronounced "guee-ree" – and it has become associated with certain types of tourists whose behaviour can irritate residents in some of Spain's most popular holiday hotspots.

For many British holidaymakers, the term may pass completely unnoticed. But as tensions over mass tourism continue to grow in parts of Spain, the nickname has become part of a wider debate about how visitors behave abroad.

Spain remains one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations. Every year, millions of people from the UK head there for holidays, whether they are exploring the country or spending time in resort areas packed with bars, restaurants and beaches.

However, the huge number of visitors arriving in tourist hotspots has also sparked a backlash in some communities.

Many residents in heavily visited areas complain that mass tourism brings problems alongside economic benefits. Concerns have been raised about rising living costs, overcrowding and disruptive behaviour from some visitors.

According to The Sun, this frustration has helped popularise the term "guiri".

Despite often being linked to British tourists, the nickname is not exclusively aimed at people from the UK. Instead, it can be used to describe tourists who display behaviours often associated with holiday excess.

Excessive drinking is one example frequently linked to the label. Tourists who become heavily intoxicated or engage in rowdy behaviour may find themselves being described as a "guiri".

Loud shouting, boisterous singing and other disruptive conduct can also earn visitors the nickname.

In other words, the term is connected less to nationality and more to how someone behaves while on holiday.

The origins of the word stretch back beyond modern tourism.

A "guiri" is said to derive from the Basque word "giri", which means "blonde" or "fair-skinned".

Because of this, the term was originally linked to appearance rather than nationality. Over time, however, it became associated with foreign tourists, particularly those whose behaviour stood out.

That evolution has made the word part of Spain's wider conversation about tourism and its impact on local communities.

In recent years, some areas of Spain have seen protests against what residents describe as "bad tourism".

Local people in tourist hotspots have increasingly voiced concerns about the effect of large visitor numbers on everyday life.

High demand from holidaymakers has pushed up the cost of living in some desirable destinations.

Residents often face the same elevated prices as tourists, despite living there year-round.

Rents and property prices have also risen sharply in some areas, making it harder for local people to afford homes in places where they grew up.

At the same time, critics argue that disruptive visitor behaviour can create additional tensions.

For residents dealing with overcrowding and rising costs, noisy or drunken conduct can become a flashpoint.

As a result, terms such as "guiri" have become shorthand for the type of tourist behaviour that some locals find frustrating.

The message for visitors is simple. Spain continues to welcome millions of tourists every year, but travellers who respect local communities and avoid disruptive behaviour are less likely to attract unwanted attention.

For anyone heading to the sun-soaked resorts this summer, there may be one easy way to avoid being labelled a "guiri" – behave responsibly and show respect for the place you're visiting.

Spanish people have 'offensive codeword' for Brits

Quite a few on here, innit?

14 minutes ago, bannork said:

According to reports, the word is "guiri" – pronounced "guee-ree

In Mexico it's pronounced Gringo

As in leave the green then go ✅