At Abogados Now, we’re intentional about the language we use to describe the Spanish-speaking community. While there are many terms available—including Latino/a, Latinx, and Latinidad—we’ve chosen to consistently use “Hispanic” for now. This decision stems from both practicality and the importance of clarity in communication.
Isaac Mizrahi, an industry leader in multicultural marketing and an award-winning brand consultant, makes a great and valuable statement in his book Hispanic Market Power that the term “Hispanic” is not only gender-neutral, but is also the official designation in today’s government communications, such as the U.S. Census (2023). As Mizrahi notes, standardizing terminology helps avoid unnecessary confusion and ensures effective communication (2023).
The Spanish-speaking community is incredibly diverse, and the various terms used to describe it can reflect different aspects of geography, culture, or language. Frequently mixing and matching these terms can create inconsistency and potentially alienate the very audience we seek to connect with. By using “Hispanic” as our preferred term, we aim to maintain clarity and inclusivity while honoring the unique identity of this vibrant community.
However, using “Hispanic” exclusively can be tricky. This decision is not meant to overlook or diminish the diversity of identities within the Spanish-speaking community. We do recognize the importance of these terms, but it is also important to reflect a practical and inclusive approach to addressing a dynamic and multifaceted population.