mexican: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral (formal and informal). However, as a noun for people, context is important; 'Mexican(s)' is neutral, but 'Mexican' as a standalone noun can be considered informal in certain contexts; 'Mexican people' or 'people from Mexico' is more formal.
Quick answer
What does “mexican” mean?
A person from Mexico, or relating to Mexico.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person from Mexico, or relating to Mexico.
Something originating from or characteristic of Mexico, including its culture, cuisine, products, and language.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical difference. Differences lie in context: American English has more frequent everyday use due to proximity and cultural exchange. 'Mexican' is more often used as a modifier for cuisine (e.g., Mexican food) in the US.
Connotations
Generally neutral. In UK English, it might primarily evoke geographical or cultural association. In US English, it can have stronger socio-political connotations related to immigration, identity, and US-Mexico relations.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “mexican” in a Sentence
Mexican + NOUN (adjective function)be + Mexicanfrom/of + MexicoVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mexican” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- We enjoyed a fantastic Mexican holiday in Cancún.
- The gallery has a new exhibition by a Mexican artist.
American English
- We love to eat at this Mexican restaurant on Fridays.
- The city has a large Mexican-American community.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"We import Mexican avocados."
Academic
"The study examines post-revolutionary Mexican muralism."
Everyday
"Let's get Mexican for dinner." (informal, meaning Mexican food)
Technical
"The Mexican peso (MXN) weakened against the dollar."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mexican”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mexican”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mexican”
- Using 'Mexican' as a singular noun without an article (e.g., 'He is Mexican' is correct; 'He is a Mexican' can be informal/less preferred). Using 'Mexicans' as a pejorative term (incorrect and offensive). Confusing 'Hispanic' (Spanish-speaking origin) with 'Mexican' (national origin).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'Mexican' is not used as a verb in standard English.
'Mexican' refers to someone from or something related to Mexico. 'Mexican-American' refers specifically to an American citizen of Mexican descent or heritage.
Grammatically, yes ('He is a Mexican'), but in contemporary usage, especially in the US, it is often considered more polite and neutral to use 'Mexican' as an adjective ('He is Mexican') or the phrase 'Mexican person/people'.
It's a stadium spectacle where spectators stand and raise their arms in sequence, creating a travelling wave effect. The term originated at the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, hence the name. In the US, it's usually just called 'The Wave'.
A person from Mexico, or relating to Mexico.
Mexican is usually neutral (formal and informal). however, as a noun for people, context is important; 'mexican(s)' is neutral, but 'mexican' as a standalone noun can be considered informal in certain contexts; 'mexican people' or 'people from mexico' is more formal. in register.
Mexican: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛk.sɪ.kən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛk.sɪ.kən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Mexican standoff”
- “Mexican wave (UK) / The Wave (US)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MEX-I-CAN: Think "Mexico" + "I can" visit, eat the food, and enjoy the culture.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEXICAN IS A SOURCE (e.g., Mexican silver, Mexican ideas). MEXICAN IS A FLAVOUR/CUISINE (e.g., This sauce is very Mexican).
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase is generally considered the most formal and respectful when referring to people?