If you’ve ever wondered what the terms Hispanic and Latino really mean, you’re not alone. A lot of people use these words like they mean the same thing—but they don’t! Understanding the difference can help us appreciate the many cultures within these communities. Let’s break it down.
Hispanic: Based on Language
The word Hispanic refers to people who come from, or have roots in, Spanish-speaking countries. This includes places like:
- Mexico
- Spain
- Most of Central and South America (like Colombia, Peru, and Argentina)
- Parts of the Caribbean (like Cuba and Puerto Rico)
The key here is language. If Spanish is the main language or a big part of the culture, the people from those areas are usually considered Hispanic.
Fun fact: Did you know that Brazilians are not considered Hispanic? That’s because the main language in Brazil is Portuguese, not Spanish.
Latino: Based on Geography
The word Latino (or Latina for women) is about location. It refers to people from Latin America—a region that stretches from Mexico all the way down to South America, including the Caribbean.
This means Latinos can come from Spanish-speaking countries, but it also includes people from places that don’t speak Spanish, like:
- Brazil
- Haiti
- French Guiana
In other words, not all Latinos are Hispanic. For example, someone from Brazil is Latino but not Hispanic. And someone from Spain is Hispanic but not Latino!
Why It Matters
These words help us describe people’s identities, but it’s important to know that not everyone likes to use them. Some people prefer terms like Latinx or just their specific nationality (like Mexican or Dominican). The widespread use of the term Hispanic began in the U.S. in the 1970s when the Mexican American Legal Defense and other organizations lobbied the federal government to have their community included in the U.S. Census as a distinct ethnic category. Up until that moment, all Hispanics and Latinos had simply been counted as white on the Census.
The terms Hispanic and Latino aren’t exactly the same, but they help us understand different cultural backgrounds. Hispanic is about language, while Latino is about geography. Knowing the difference shows respect for people’s identities and cultures.