The terms Chicano or Chicana (also spelled Xicano or Xicana) is a chosen identity of Mexicans who grew up in the United States. The name "Chicano" is not interchangeable with "Mexican-American." Both names are chosen identities within the Mexican community of the United States. However, these terms have a wide range of meanings in various parts of the southwest. The term became widely used during the Chicano Movement, mainly amongst those Mexicans of the United States who wanted to express a new self-identity, an identity based on community values, rather than the assimilationist mentality of Mexican-American. - Source: Wikipedia
