excerpt: umbrella term for people of Latin American ancestry; Latino (and Latina) are inherently gendered terms, see Latinx for gender neutral form; considered a pan-ethnic term
Serves as an umbrella term for people of Latin American ancestry. Latino (and Latina) are inherently gendered terms due to Spanish's gendered language. Latino is considered a pan-ethnic term that does not provide context for someone's language, country of origin, or race.
Also can be written in gender neutral forms of [Latinx](/definitions/latinx), or Latin@s. When in doubt, default to Latino, and ask individual parties their preference, if possible.
People who self-identify as Latin American or Latino/Latina may also self-identify as Chicano/Chicana, [Hispanic](/definitions/hispanic), or [Latinx](/definitions/latinx).
