The terms “Hispanic” and “Latino” are frequently used in the United States to categorize people with origins or ancestry in Latin America. While often used interchangeably, these terms have distinct meanings and connotations. Understanding these differences is crucial for respectful and accurate communication. Both terms describe a person’s origin and ancestry, irrespective of race or color.
In essence, “Latino” (or “Latina” for women, and “Latinx” for a gender-neutral term) is generally understood as a shorthand for the Spanish word latinoamericano or the Portuguese latino-americano. It encompasses individuals born in or with ancestors from Latin America residing in the U.S., including Brazilians. However, it typically excludes speakers of Romance languages from Europe, such as Italians or Spaniards. There’s some debate regarding Spanish speakers from the Caribbean and those from English-speaking Belize and Guyana or Dutch-speaking Suriname, as their cultures and histories can differ significantly.
“South America on a globe, highlighting the geographic region associated with Latino and Hispanic identities.”
“Hispanic,” on the other hand, is usually considered a more restricted term. It refers to people from Spanish-speaking countries and territories, including those in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Spain itself. A Brazilian could be Latino but not Hispanic, a Spaniard could be Hispanic but not Latino, and a Colombian could identify with both terms. This categorization, however, isn’t perfect either, given that many indigenous people from Spanish-speaking countries don’t identify with Spanish culture or speak the language.
The U.S. Census in 2010 listed both terms together, specifically mentioning the Spanish-speaking countries and territories of the Caribbean, but vaguely excluding non-Spanish speaking countries. This left some confusion. In everyday life, many Latin American immigrants and their descendants prefer to specify their countries of origin.
Ultimately, the “Hispanic” definition focuses on a linguistic connection to Spain and the Spanish language, while “Latino” emphasizes a geographical connection to Latin America. When in doubt, the best approach is always to respect individual preferences and ask how someone identifies themselves.
