noun Street Slang

vato

BAH-toh · noun · la

Caló for dude or guy — the OG East LA word for a man.

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Definitions

1

A dude, a guy, a man. Neutral by default — the qualifier does the work. A 'vato firme' is a solid dude; a 'vato loco' is a crazy one you don't cross.

“He's a good vato, always pulls up when you need him.”
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2

Specifically a Chicano gang-affiliated or street-hardened guy, when paired with 'loco' or used in that context.

“Couple of vatos from the neighborhood were posted up out front.”
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3

A guy or dude; a staple of Chicano and Mexican street slang, also spelled 'bato'.

“Ese vato es bien buena onda.”
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vato In A Sentence

He's a good vato, always pulls up when you need him.
Couple of vatos from the neighborhood were posted up out front.

Origin & Usage

Caló, possibly from Spanish 'chivato' (informant) shortened, or related to 'bato'. Used since the Pachuco era of the 1940s. The phrase 'vato loco' (crazy dude) became a cornerstone of Chicano identity through lowrider culture, Chicano rap and films.

Variants bato
Tags #la#calo#chicano#pachuco#hip-hop#urban-lingo

People Also Ask

What does 'vato' mean?

It means a guy or dude, and is a staple of Chicano and Mexican street slang.

Is it spelled 'vato' or 'bato'?

Both spellings are used and sound identical; 'vato' and 'bato' mean the same thing.

How do you use 'vato'?

Use it casually for a guy, e.g. 'Ese vato' (that dude).

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