In certain parts of Northern California and the Southwest, "Cholo" is a derrogatory and/or racist remark used by non-Hispanics and Chicanos alike. For racists, it defines the Hispanic people and culture as a whole. For Americanized Hispanics, it can mean something akin to a Hick Mexican- Someone that has recently crossed the border and is ignorant to both U.S. and Mexican-American culture. It also is commonly used to imply a Hispanic gangster type. For all intensive purposes though, it can be implied as a racial identifier/a racist comment and should be avoided in conversation. In other words- calling the wrong person a Cholo could warrant a severe beating.
by Shabba97 July 17, 2008