mexicano

Mexicano is the Spanish demonym for people from Mexico. In Spanish, the term functions as both an adjective and a noun, with gendered and plural forms: mexicano (masculine singular), mexicana (feminine singular), mexicanos (masculine plural), and mexicanas (feminine plural). It is used to indicate nationality, ethnicity, or cultural affiliation and can refer to residents, citizens, or people of Mexican descent.

Etymology and usage context: The word derives from México, the Spanish name of the country. México itself likely traces to Mēxihco, the Nahuatl name of the region associated with the Mexica (Aztec) state. The suffix -ano denotes affiliation with a place, yielding a demonym that has been in use since the colonial era and remains standard in modern Spanish.

Linguistic notes: While mexicano is the standard form in Spanish, English-language texts typically use Mexican. In bilingual or academic writings, mexicano/mexicana may appear to indicate the Spanish-language term or to discuss Mexican identity within a broader context of nationality, ethnicity, and culture.

Cultural and social context: As a demonym, mexicano encompasses a diverse range of identities reflecting Mexico’s regions, languages, and histories—from urban and rural communities to indigenous and mestizo populations. It should be understood as a neutral identifier of nationality or heritage rather than a single cultural profile.

See also: Demonym, Mexican people, Mexican culture, Mexican Spanish.