---
title: Hispanic
slug: hispanic
defined: true
excerpt: umbrella term for people of Spanish, or Spanish-speaking ancestry; considered a pan-ethnic term
reading:
    - text: "Remezcla: Hispanic vs. Latino vs. Latinx: A Brief History of How These Words Originated"
      href: https://remezcla.com/features/culture/latino-vs-hispanic-vs-latinx-how-these-words-originated/
---

Serves as an umbrella term for people of Spanish, or Spanish-speaking ancestry. Hispanic is considered a pan-ethnic term, and does not provide context for someone's race or country of origin.

#### Note

People who self-identify as Hispanic may also self-identify as Chicano/Chicana, [Latino/Latina](/definitions/latino), or [Latinx](/definitions/latinx), but don't assume that they do. When in doubt, ask for individual preferences.