Mexican
UK[ˈmɛksɪkən]US[ˈmɛksɪkən]
adj
Relating to Mexico, its people, or their culture.
n
A person from Mexico.
Etymology
The word 'Mexican' originates from the Spanish 'mexicano', which itself derives from 'México', the name of the country and its capital city. 'México' is believed to come from Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs, specifically from 'Mēxihco', the name for the heartland of the Aztec Empire. The exact meaning of 'Mēxihco' is debated but is often interpreted as "place of the Mexica", the name of the dominant Nahua people, possibly meaning "people of the war god Mēxitli". The English suffix '-an' was added to form the demonym, following a pattern common for nationalities (e.g., American, Canadian), signifying "belonging to or relating to Mexico."
Analysis
The word is a proper adjective/noun derived from the place name "Mexico". It is not productively segmented into smaller, meaningful morphemes in modern English.
Examples
We enjoyed a traditional Mexican meal of tacos and enchiladas.
She is a Mexican who now lives and works in Canada.
The museum has a remarkable collection of Mexican art from the 20th century.