I lived in the UK for years from the mid 1980s thru late 90s. the term Cowboy was indeed used as derogatory. Crooks, idiots and inepts were considered cowboys. A ‘cowboy’ company were crooks and any job that was not done properly was considered ‘cowboy’ work. Cowboys were given the same negative connotations as gypsy.
My daughter lives in the UK now and is married to a Brit. They say that the country is pretty divided on us. Those who have had contact with Americans like us. Those that hate us, have never had contact with Americans.
The press and political leaders are incredibly liberal. I think they are jealous of us because they have lost their identity and their Soverignty.
“most of Europe, when they use the term “cowboy,” they mean for it to have a negative connotation.”
There were plenty of Europeans who loved cowboys. They helped make Buffalo Bill Cody rich. I think it’s just another way for the intellectual elites of Europe to look down on the common folk.
They probably watched all of our John Wayne / Clint Estwood Westerns and others in the theater or on TV and they have American-Western envy.