A Friendly Guide to Respectful Terms for Latin American Communities

Choosing the right terms to talk about Latin American communities isn’t just a language exercise—it’s about respect and cultural understanding. Words like “Latino,” “Latina,” “Latinx,” “Latine,” and “Hispanic” each carry unique histories and nuances, and while they’re often used interchangeably, each one resonates differently within these communities. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” term, so understanding each option helps ensure you’re using language that’s both accurate and respectful. Here’s a guide to choosing the most fitting term when referring to Latino communities.

Why “Hispanic” May Not Be the Right Fit

The term “Hispanic” emerged in the 1970s when the U.S. Census Bureau needed a way to categorize people from Spanish-speaking backgrounds. As a catch-all term for individuals from Spanish-speaking countries, including places like Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Cuba, it also includes Spain but leaves out countries like Brazil, where Portuguese is spoken.

Some people appreciate “Hispanic” for its language focus, but others feel it doesn’t fully reflect the complexity of Latin American identities. Latin America is home to a rich blend of Indigenous, African, and European influences, so many people prefer terms like “Latino” or “Latine,” which better represent this diversity. When speaking with or about Latin American communities, consider if “Hispanic” accurately reflects the group’s cultural background or if another term might be more inclusive.

“Latino” and Its Inclusivity Challenges

“Latino” is a widely used term referring to people with roots in Latin America, including Mexico, Central and South America, and parts of the Caribbean. Since “Latino” is about geographic origin rather than language, it includes people from countries like Brazil. However, “Latino” and “Latina” have gendered endings—“o” for men and “a” for women—making them less inclusive for individuals who don’t identify within the gender binary.

Because of this, some people prefer gender-neutral alternatives like “Latinx” and “Latine.” Choosing “Latino” or “Latina” may be fitting in casual or traditional settings, but if you’re looking for a term that is fully inclusive of all gender identities, you may want to consider “Latinx” or “Latine.”

Latinx: A Gender-Neutral Option with Mixed Reactions

“Latinx” is a term that has gained popularity in media, academia, and social justice spaces as a gender-neutral option. By replacing the “o” or “a” with an “x,” it aims to be all-encompassing, making it a popular choice in inclusive settings. However, the term has its critics: “Latinx” feels linguistically unnatural to some Spanish speakers, as words ending in “x” are uncommon in the language.

For formal or English-speaking environments, “Latinx” may still be a good option. But if you’re in a setting where ease of pronunciation is key, you might find that “Latine” is preferred, especially among native Spanish speakers.

Latine: A Natural Fit in Spanish-Speaking Contexts

“Latine” has emerged as an alternative to “Latinx” that feels more natural for Spanish speakers. Replacing the “o” or “a” with an “e” creates a gender-neutral term that’s easy to pronounce in Spanish and maintains respect for the language’s structure. If you’re speaking in Spanish or with people from Spanish-speaking communities, “Latine” may be the most inclusive and linguistically respectful choice.

Celebrating Specific Identities within the Latino Community

While terms like “Latino” and “Latine” are useful, many people prefer identifiers that more directly celebrate their unique cultural backgrounds. Here are a few commonly used terms within Latin American communities:

Boricua: This term, embraced by Puerto Ricans, connects them to their Indigenous Taíno heritage. “Boricua” acknowledges pride in Puerto Rico’s blend of Taíno, African, and Spanish roots.

Chicano/a: Popularized in the 1960s and ’70s, “Chicano/a” is often used by Mexican Americans with a strong cultural and political identity rooted in Mexican heritage and social justice. While widely recognized in the southwestern U.S., it may not resonate with all Mexican Americans.

Tejano/a: Referring specifically to people of Mexican descent born or raised in Texas, “Tejano” highlights the blending of Texan and Mexican cultures and is frequently used to describe a unique music style.

Nuyorican: This term is used by Puerto Ricans in New York City to express a distinct cultural identity influenced by both Puerto Rican heritage and New York City life.

Afro-Latino/a/e: This term highlights the African heritage within Latin American identities, celebrating the contributions of Afro-Latino communities while acknowledging the role of race and diversity within Latin cultures.

Garifuna: The Garifuna people, who trace their roots to both Indigenous Arawak and African ancestry, primarily live in Central America (especially in Belize, Honduras, and Guatemala) and maintain a unique cultural heritage.

Criollo/a: “Criollo” generally describes people born in Latin America of European descent and has historical roots from colonial society.

Indígena: Meaning “Indigenous,” this term honors people who identify with one of the continent’s many Indigenous communities. Individuals might use specific names, like Quechua or Maya, to represent their unique identities.

When in Doubt, Just Ask

If you’re uncertain about which term is most respectful, just ask. People’s preferences vary widely—some prefer “Latino,” others “Latine,” and others might prefer a specific identifier like “Dominican.” Especially in formal or group settings, it’s respectful to ask about preferred terms to avoid assumptions.

Keep Context in Mind

Consider the context of your conversation. If you’re discussing language, “Hispanic” may be a fitting term. If you’re talking about people across Latin America, “Latino” or “Latine” might be better choices.

Stay Open to Change

Language is constantly evolving, and what’s common today may shift over time. Staying open-minded and willing to learn will keep your language respectful and accurate.

In short, using the right term when discussing Latin American communities is about understanding the nuances and choosing the term that best fits the context. Whether you choose “Latino,” “Latine,” or a specific cultural identifier, showing respect and curiosity will always be appreciated.