Kano
/ˈkɑː.noʊ/noun
A Philippine English slang term for an American, especially a white American.
Did you know?Kano is a clipped form of “Amerikano,” the Philippine adaptation of the Spanish word “americano,” reflecting the Philippines’ layered Spanish and American colonial history.
Etymological Timeline
15th–16th Century
Italian
Amerigo
“The personal name of explorer Amerigo Vespucci, ultimately giving its name to America.”
16th Century
Spanish
americano
“American; relating to America.”
19th–20th Century
Philippine Spanish
Amerikano
“An American, using Philippine pronunciation and spelling conventions.”
20th Century
Philippine English
Kano
“A shortened colloquial form of Amerikano.”
Modern English
Philippine English
kano
“Slang for an American, often specifically a white American.”