What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
vaquero
Example
The vaqueros in Mexico are known for their horsemanship and cattle handling skills. [vaquero: noun]
Example
He learned his vaquero skills from his grandfather who worked on a ranch in Texas. [vaquero: adjective]
cowboy
Example
The cowboys drove the cattle across the plains to the railhead. [cowboys: noun]
Example
She grew up on a ranch and learned to be a cowboy at a young age. [cowboy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cowboy is more commonly used than vaquero in everyday language, particularly in the United States. However, vaquero is still used in the Southwest United States and in Mexico.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between vaquero and cowboy?
Both vaquero and cowboy are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts.
