While Hispanic usually refers to people with a Spanish-language background, Latino is typically used to identify people who hail from Latin America. In order to use these terms appropriately, it helps to understand their differences and when to use each one.

What is more appropriate Latino or Hispanic?

When talking about people of Latin American descent in the U.S. you can generally use Latino (or Latina for a woman). Hispanic is also correct if you are talking to someone who speaks Spanish.

Is there a difference between being Hispanic or Latino?

Hispanic and Latino are often used interchangeably though they actually mean two different things. Hispanic refers to people who speak Spanish or are descended from Spanish-speaking populations, while Latino refers to people who are from or descended from people from Latin America.

What considered Mexican?

Most Mexican Americans are of varying degrees of Spanish and Indigenous descent, being made up of varying Peninsular Spanish (Spaniard born in Spain that resided in the colonies of the Spanish Empire), Criollo Spanish (Spaniard settler born in the colonies of the Spanish Empire), White Mexican (after the independence