---
title: Latin American/Latino/Latina
slug: latino
defined: true
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
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 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.

#### Note

People who self-identify as Latin American or Latino/Latina may also self-identify as Chicano/Chicana, [Hispanic](/definitions/hispanic), or [Latinx](/definitions/latinx).