c4.1. Latino and Hispanic American both refer to a person of Latin American descent living in the United States, particularly of Cuban, Mexican, or Puerto Rican origin. Latino is preferred for use as a collective noun or adjective form. Use regional designations and nationalities, such as Latin American, Peruvian, Bolivian, Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Columbian, when they are more accurate and specific than a general designation might be. Consult the person you are writing about concerning their preference for a specific designation.