Common "words" to know

It's typical for average Mexican citizens to refer to Caucasian people, especially white Mexicans, as "güero(a)" (blonde) and its diminutive form "güerito(a)" (blondie), so don't take it personally if you hear it. Regardless of the real nationality of the tourists, the terms "gringo" and its synonym "gabacho" are used, thus they shouldn't be interpreted as pejorative nouns. Actually, they are frequently used as affectionate expressions.

No matter if you are Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese, Filipino, Korean, etc., you will be referred to as "Chino(a)" (Chinese) and its diminutive version "chinito(a)" if you are East Asian. The capital, Mexicali, and Monterrey, where there is a sizable Korean community, are exceptions.

Negrito(a) or "negro(a)" may appear harsh if you're black, especially if you're from the US, but it's not a swear term. Although there are not many black people in Mexico (apart from on the east and west coastlines in the south), especially the younger generations, do not harbor racism. Vicente Guerrero, a mulatto (a person of mixed European and African heritage), was in fact a revolutionary who went on to become the second president.