Navigating Identity: Hispanic, Latino, or Latinx – Understanding the Differences and Preferences
Many of our clients want to know the difference and which is more considerate. The choice between Hispanic, Latino or Latinx depends on individual preference and your communication context. Each term has nuances. Ideas to consider:
Hispanic is a person or group of people from a Spanish-speaking country
“Hispanic” refers to native Spanish speakers or those with Spanish-speaking ancestors. This includes the population from Mexico, Central America, South America (excluding countries where they don’t speak Spanish, such as Brazil and Suriname), and Spain.
Why wouldn’t you refer to someone who speaks Spanish as “Spanish” instead of “Hispanic”? If you refer to a person or group of people as “Spanish,” you are saying they are of Spanish origin — from Spain.
That may be appropriate if you are indeed referring to people from Spain, but it is not appropriate for the rest of the Spanish-speaking population.
The term gained greater use in the 1980s after the Census Bureau introduced it.
Latino refers to people from Latin America, even those in non-Spanish-speaking countries
“Latino” is an origin-based term referring to those from Mexico, Central and South America. You would not include Spain because that country is in Europe, making Spanish people Europeans, not “Latino.” But unlike “Hispanic,” “Latino” does include Brazil.
“Latino” is often perceived as emphasizing cultural and ethnic identity, referring to individuals with roots in Latin America. It may be preferred by those who want to emphasize their cultural background rather than a linguistic connection. While it is considered gender-neutral when referring to men and women collectively, some argue it can be perceived as masculine in certain contexts.
Latinx provides a gender-neutral alternative to “Latino” and “Latina”
Latinx aims to be more inclusive of those who do not identify strictly as male or female.
The term has sparked discussions about inclusivity and gender identity in the Latino community. It has not been universally adopted, however, and some people, especially older generations and those who speak Spanish, might find it unfamiliar or linguistically awkward.
So, what should we use?
Preferences for “Latino” or “Hispanic” can vary regionally. In some areas, one term may be more commonly used or preferred over the other. Being aware of regional preferences can help you choose the most appropriate term for your audience.
Nationally, a Pew Research Center survey in 2019 found no clear consensus on the preference between Latino or Hispanic. Pew found, however, that only 3% of U.S. adults of Hispanic or Latino origin used the term “Latinx” to describe themselves. The majority continued to use “Hispanic” or “Latino.”
A 2020 NPR/PBS Marist poll found that of the people who had heard the term, only 2% used it to describe themselves.
We recommend using Latino unless referring to government services where Hispanic is more widely used or when inclusive gender-neutral terms for target audiences are necessary.