Gypsy groups have launched a campaign to remove the definition of them as 'swindlers' from the  Spanish dictionary. Protest letters were delivered to members of Spain's Royal Language Academy, which produces the definitive dictionary. The Gypsy Secretariat Foundation, which are leading the campaign, are hoping to use it to raise awareness of discrimination against gypsies, also known as Roma. Members of Spain's gypsy community throw flower petals into the Manzanares river, symbolizing the departure of their ancestors from India and their exodus across the world during an event in memory of the Roma victims of the Nazi Holocaust in Madrid, Spain . The reference to a swindler ('trapacero') was introduced late last year following complaints about the 22nd edition entry that included a colloquial reference to a 'gypsy' ('gitano') as one 'who deceives or maneuvers to cheat.' 'Gypsies feel indignant,' said Sara Jimenez, 37, a Roma lawyer who works for the foundation's equality department. 'It's not fair because we are a people marked by prejudices, stereotypes and these type of contributions by the Royal Language Academy encourage rejection and stigmatization and do not correspond to gypsies in Spanish society.' The academy said definitions reflect actual use and are not meant to be derogatory but has offered to change the forthcoming online edition to clarify that such references are pejorative. Foundation spokeswoman Pilar Calon said the group did not object to other academy dictionary definitions for gypsy but would like the 'swindler' reference changed. 'That was a swindle in itself!' said Calon who hopes to meet with academy authorities - made up of esteemed authors, intellectuals and language experts-  soon to discuss the issue. The protest was delivered on International Roma Day and beore handing in the letter,  group representatives gathered to throw flower petals into Madrid's Manzanares river in the customary homage to the gypsies killed in the Holocaust and other extermination campaigns. panish groups representing gypsies have launched a campaign to remove a reference to them as swindlers from the world's benchmark Spanish dictionary . Spain has about 750,000 people of Roma heritage, out of a total population of some 47 million. Although a minority, the ethnic group has always formed an important part of Spanish society and culture, most notably due its strong links to Spain's emblematic flamenco music. One of the country's most internationally renowned flamenco dancers is gypsy Joaquin Cortes. Although there have been giant steps made toward greater integration in society, Roma are still often marginalized and discriminated against in housing, education and jobs. The still have little representation in Parliament, business or academia. The community is commonly associated with dealing in scrap metal and selling flowers or cheap clothes at town markets.
Gypsy Secretariat Foundation  complained over the definition of 'gypsy' Spanish dictionary has one of the definitions for the word as a 'swindler' Group has delivered protest letters to Spain's Royal Language Academy .