Hombre

Hombre is a Spanish noun meaning “man” or “adult male.” It is masculine, with the plural form hombres. The word appears in countless expressions describing gender, social roles, or identity, such as hombre de negocios (businessman) or hombre trabajador (working man). In everyday speech, it can also function as a vocative or discourse marker; the interjection ¡Hombre! can convey surprise, hesitation, or emphasis.

Etymology: The term derives from Latin homo, meaning human being, and entered Spanish through the evolution of the Romance languages. The modern form reflects typical phonological changes from Latin to Iberian Romance.

Cultural usage: Beyond its literal sense, hombre is a common title and motif in literature and film. The 1967 Western film Hombre, directed by Martin Ritt and starring Paul Newman, is adapted from Elmore Leonard’s 1961 novel of the same name. Leonard’s work, and the film, explore themes of morality, prejudice, and identity set against frontier life. The word also appears frequently in Spanish-language media and poetry as a straightforward descriptor or as a cultural symbol of male identity.