Vato is a slang that originated in Mexico or Central America. Learn the definition, how and when to use this internet slang word with ESL picture and interesting texting conversations in English.
Vato Meaning
What Does Vato Mean?
Vato can mean “homeboy” or “dude”. “Vato” by itself does not exist in the Spanish language, instead it is “vatos”, plural. Typically the term is reserved for friends, similar to the usage of “homies” or “homeboys”. Commonly “locos vatos” is used to express “crazy dudes” or “crazy friends”, either in a positive or negative light.
Origin of Vato
The actual first recorded usage of Vato or Vatos is unknown but it is believed to have been used in Central American cities starting in the 1980s and 1990s before seeing use in America during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Because of its ethnic heritage Vato or Vatos doesn’t see much usage outside of the Hispanic community or those with Hispanic roots. Like all ethnic slang its usage online is generally centered on Hispanic users or users who live in areas with a large concentration of Hispanics.
Other Meanings
Vato or Vatos doesn’t mean anything else except dude or dudes.
Conversation Examples
Text Between Friends:
- Friend 1: VATO! WAASSSSUUUPPP! Haven’t seen you in forever! What’s been going down?
- Friend 2: Eeeeyyyy! Vato! Doing well. Landed a new job. You?
- Friend 1: Awesome! Doing well myself. Silvia and me just became parents.
- Friend 2: Awww. Boy or girl?
- Friend 1: Boy. Will be a little vato just like his papa.
Online Chat:
- User 1: Hey, Vatos, what’s going on?
- User 2: Hey!
- User 3: What’s up?
- User 4: Sup, man.
- User 1: How are my favorite locos vatos doing?
- User 2: Good as always.
- User 3: Doing fine. You?
- User 4: Tired and at work, but alive.
Other Ways to Say the Slang Word
Normally Vato or Vatos is left alone as is, but often “locos” is added on due to reasons discussed before.
Vato Meaning Infographic
Last Updated on March 19, 2020