Hispanic
/hɪˈspæn.ɪk/noun
Relating to Spain, Spanish-speaking peoples, or the Spanish language.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from the Roman name for the Iberian Peninsula, Hispania, whose deeper pre-Roman origins are uncertain, so its “hidden meaning” is real history, not a neat myth.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Roman era
Latin
Hispānus / Hispānicus
“Spanish; belonging to Hispania”
Ancient Roman era
Latin
Hispānia
“The Roman name for the Iberian Peninsula (especially Spain and Portugal)”
Pre-Roman antiquity
Unknown
*Ispania / *Hispania
“A likely borrowed place-name of uncertain, debated origin”
16th-17th Century
English
Hispanic
“Pertaining to Spain or Spanish speakers”
Modern English
English
Hispanic
“Relating to Spain, Spanish, or Spanish-speaking populations”