Main Difference – Mexican vs. Spanish
Some people often use the two terms Mexicans and Hispanics interchangeably to refer to people with Latin American descent. However, if used incorrectly, this usage can cause insult or offense. Therefore, it is very important to know the difference between Mexican and Hispanic, before using these two terms. The main difference between Mexican and Hispanic is that Mexican is a nationality whereas Hispanic is an ethnonym. Mexicans are the natives or inhabitants of Mexico. Hispanics are the Spanish speaking people, especially those of Latin American descent, living in the United States.
What Does Mexican mean
Mexican refers to a person, thing or concept from Mexico, a country in Latin America. As a noun, Mexican refers to an inhabitant or a citizen of Mexico. Though many people think that Mexican is a race, it should be considered as a nationality.
The main language spoken by Mexicans is Spanish. Spanish was introduced to Mexico after the Spanish invasion in 1521. However, some differences can be seen in the Spanish spoken in Spain and Spanish spoken in Mexico.
When talking about the ethnic groups in Mexico, the population of Mexico is mainly made up of Indigenous people ( Yucatán, Quintana Roo Campeche, Chiapas etc.), Mexicans of European descent and Mestizo.(people of combined European and indigenous ancestry)
What Does Hispanic Mean
Hispanic is a term that indicates a relation to Spain or to Spanish-speaking countries, especially those of Central and South America. As a noun, it is used to refer to Spanish speaking people, especially those of Latin American origins, living in the US. Therefore, Hispanic is an ethnonym, a name given to a specific ethnic group, not a race or a nationality.
The term Hispanic is derived from the Roman name Hispania, which referred to the Iberian Peninsula. Therefore, some people argue that Hispanic can be used to any person with a link to Spanish countries. Nevertheless, keep in mind that this term is mostly used to refer to those who live in the USA. The government of United States define Hispanic as “”persons who trace their origin or descent to Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Central and South America, and other Spanish cultures”. .” According to this definition, a Spanish person living in the USA could also be called a Hispanic.
However, in general usage, Hispanic refers to a Spanish- speaking person, especially from a Latin American country, living in the USA.
What is the Difference Between Mexican and Spanish
Genre
Mexican is a nationality.
Hispanic is an ethnonym.
Definition
Mexican is a native or inhabitant of Mexico, a Latin American country.
Hispanic is a Spanish-speaking person, especially one of Latin American descent, living in the USA.
Language
Spanish is the main language of Mexico, but this does not mean that all Mexicans speak Spanish.
All Hispanics speak Spanish.
Origins
The majority of Mexicans can trace their origins to indigenous people or Spaniards.
Hispanics can trace their origins to Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Central and South America, and other Spanish cultures.
Country
Mexicans (majority) live in Mexico.
Hispanics live in the United States.
Image Courtesy:
“Tradicionalranchero”. (CC BY 3.0) via Wikipedia
“Map-Hispanic countries”. (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikipedia
