The Impact of Hispanics on U.S. Society and Language Legacy
October is Hispanic Heritage Month, four weeks dedicated to celebrating Hispanic Culture and contributing to the United States. It originated during the Chicano movement in the 1960s when Mexican-Americans advocated for better education, job benefits, and fair wages. It began as a resolution by California Congressman George E. Brown authorizing President Lyndon Johnson to designate Hispanic Heritage Week each September. The Hispanic population in the United States, comprising diverse groups from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Central and South America, and other Spanish-speaking regions, has significantly shaped the nation’s cultural, economic, and social fabric.

How Hispanics have influenced the United States
As the largest minority group in the U.S., Hispanics have brought with them rich traditions, languages, cuisines, and art forms, enriching the American tapestry. Their influence is evident in everything from the music and entertainment industries to political movements and business sectors, including also:
Hispanic dishes and ingredients, like tacos, burritos, avocados, and salsa, have become staples in American dining. Restaurants, ranging from fast-food chains like Taco Bell to upscale dining establishments, highlight the ubiquity and popularity of Mexican and other Hispanic cuisines across the United States. The Spanish colonial architectural style, evident in places like California and the Southwest, reflects the early Hispanic influence. The Mexican muralism that American painters used for inspiration in the 1930s during the New Deal era. The traditional Hispanic clothing, such as carriels, huaraches, cowboys hats, and boots, culottes and gaucho pants, that has influenced fashion trends and costume designs and the Latin-American participation in the fashion industry with famous designers like Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera who have designed dresses for American first ladies.
The proportion of Hispanic or Latino players in Major League Baseball (MLB) is significant and growing. Historically, countries like the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and Cuba have contributed significantly to MLB talent. In recent years, approximately 30% or more of MLB players have been of Latino descent. For instance, on Opening Day rosters in 2021, nearly 30% of the players were born in Latin American countries, with the Dominican Republic leading the count.
Hispanic music has introduced new musical genres and styles to the US, such as salsa, merengue, reggaeton, and bachata. These genres have merged with other American genres to create new musical styles, resulting in chart-topping hits and collaborations with American pop artists like Jeniffer Lopez, Beyonce, Michael Jackson, Christina Aguilera, NSYNC, and Selena Gomez. Some of the most popular Hispanic artists, including Shakira, Bud Bunny, JBalvin, Ricky Martin, and Daddy Yankee, have received numerous awards and recognitions. Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the top 100 guitarists of all time included Mexican Carlos Santana in the impressive #20 spot. Hispanic music has also introduced new instruments to the US, such as the conga drums, the timbales, and the guiro. Latin dances such as salsa, tango, and the cha-cha have become popular across the United States.
Hispanics are a vital part of the US economy. The total economic output of Hispanic Americans is estimated to be well over $2 trillion, and Hispanics make up a significant share of some of the most powerful industries in the U.S. economy. Agriculture and construction employ more than 3 out of 10 Hispanics. In hospitality and food services, nearly 1 in 4 workers nationwide is Hispanic, according to the 2020 Census of the American Community Survey.

It’s important to remember that Hispanics are an integral part of the Americas, which includes the entire hemisphere from Canada to Argentina, not just the United States. The integration and thriving of the Hispanic community exemplifies the United States as a “melting pot,” where different cultures come together and create a unique, multifaceted identity, celebrating diversity and shared values. Hispanics have made significant contributions to the development of this country, impacting not only the economy, music, and sports but also leaving their mark on the English language. Did you know there are many English words with Spanish origins? Here is a list of 27 words you might not know.
- Canyon: Originates from the Spanish “cañón,” which means “tube” or “pipe.” In English, it refers to a deep ravine or gorge, typically with a river running through it.
- Ranch: This comes from the Spanish “rancho,” meaning a small rural community or farm. In English, ranch typically refers to a large farm or estate, especially in the western United States.
- Mosquito: Derived from the Spanish word of the exact spelling, meaning “little fly. It refers to the small flying insects known for biting and sucking blood.
- Plaza: Taken from the Spanish word “plaza,” which means a public square or open space in a city center. In English, it can also refer to a shopping center or a gathering place.
- Cigar: Comes from the Spanish “cigarro.” Both terms refer to a rolled bundle of tobacco leaves.
- Tornado: Likely comes from the Spanish word “tronada,” meaning “thunderstorm,” with influence from “tornar,” which means “to turn.” It refers to a violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and associated with a thunderstorm.
- Vigilante: Derived from the Spanish word “vigilante,” meaning “watchman” or “guardian.” In English, it typically refers to someone who takes the law into their own hands without legal authority.
- Patio: Directly taken from the Spanish “patio,” referring to a courtyard or an outdoor space adjoining a house, typically paved.
- Embargo: Comes from the Spanish verb “embargar,” meaning “to seize” or “to impound.” In English, it typically refers to an official ban on trade or other commercial activity with a particular country.
- Rodeo: As previously mentioned, it originates from the Spanish verb “rodear,” meaning “to surround” or “to encircle.”
- Vanilla: Derived from the Spanish word “vainilla,” which means “little pod” or “little sheath.” It refers to a flavor derived from orchids of the genus Vanilla, primarily from the Mexican flat-leaved vanilla.
- Aficionado: From the Spanish word meaning “passionate” or “devotee.” In English, aficionado refers to someone knowledgeable and enthusiastic about a subject.
- Breeze: Originates from the Spanish “brisa,” meaning a light wind.
- Bronco: From the Spanish word “bronco,” which means “rough” or “wild.” In the English language, it refers to a wild or half-tamed horse, especially in the western United States.
- Cargo: Originates from the Spanish word “cargar,” meaning “to load.” It also refers to goods transported on a ship, plane, or vehicle.
- Chili: From the Spanish “chile,” which refers to a chili pepper.
- Churro: A popular treat, this word comes from Spanish. Churros are a type of fried-dough pastry, often dipped in chocolate.
- Corral: From the Spanish word “corral,” which means “pen” or “enclosure.” In English, it refers to a fenced area, especially for confining livestock.
- Guitar: This word comes from the Spanish “guitarra,” which has ancient origins in Greek and Latin languages.
- Jalapeño: This word comes from Xalapa, the capital of Veracruz in Mexico, and it is a type of medium-sized chili pepper.
- Renegade: Derived from the Spanish “renegado,” which means “turncoat” or “traitor.”
- Stampede: Comes from the Spanish “estampida,” which refers to a sudden, panicked rush of many horses, cattle, or other animals.
- Barricade: Originates from the Spanish “barricada,” which means a barrier or obstruction, especially one hastily constructed.
- Cafeteria: From the Spanish “cafetería,” which means “coffee shop.” The term evolved in English to refer to a type of self-service dining establishment.
- Coyote: Derived from the Nahuatl word “coyotl” and then adopted into Spanish as “coyote.” It refers to the small, wolf-like animal native to North America.
- Lagoon: From the Spanish “laguna,” which means “pond” or “lake.” It’s a shallow body of water separated from a larger body of water by barrier islands, reefs, or other features.
- Mango: The fruit’s name comes from the Spanish word “mango,” which has its roots in the Tamil word “māṅgā.”