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mestizo

mixed-race

adjective mes-TEE-soh Rare
People & Society Nationality

Origin: from Latin mixtīcius (mixed)

Also means

of mixed heritage

Usage Note

Mestizo historically described a person of European and indigenous American ancestry and remains the standard term in Latin American social and historical contexts. It is also used as a noun (un mestizo, una mestiza). In contemporary usage the word is matter-of-fact in Latin America but may carry sensitivity in other contexts; learners should be aware of its historical weight.

Examples

"La cultura mestiza combina tradiciones indígenas y europeas."

Natural Translation

Mestizo culture combines indigenous and European traditions.

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