Hispanic vs Latino

Here’s a simple way to think about the difference between “Hispanic” and “Latino.”

“Hispanic” = Language
“Latino” = Culture

The U.S. government first started using the term “Hispanic” during Richard Nixon’s presidency in the late 1960’s to describe Spanish-speaking American citizens.

It first appeared on the U.S. Census in 1980.

“Latino” is used more broadly for anyone from Central and South America or some countries in the Caribbean to group people who feel cultural or georgraphic ties to this region.
“Latino” was officially adopted in 1997 by the U.S. government, and was supposed to replace “Hispanic” with “Hispanic or Latino.”

But not everyone from the region identifies with the terms “Latino” or “Hispanic.”

Check out this video for more thoughts on these terms: