Tex-Mex

American  

[teks-meks] / ˈtɛksˈmɛks /

adjective

1. of or relating to aspects of culture that combine Mexican and Texan or southwestern U.S. features, especially aspects of culture developed in southern Texas based on or influenced by Mexican elements.

   Tex-Mex cooking; Tex-Mex music.

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noun

1. a form of Mexican Spanish having elements of English and spoken near the border of Texas and Mexico, especially Mexican Spanish as spoken in Texas.

2. Music. norteño.

Tex-Mex British  

/ ˈtɛksˌmɛks /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or denoting the Texan version of something Mexican, such as music, food, or language

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Etymology

Origin of Tex-Mex

An Americanism dating back to 1945–50; by shortening

Example Sentences

Born in San Antonio, the son and grandson of accordionists became famous as the face of Tex-Mex music and as a favorite session player whenever rock and country gods needed some borderlands flair.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 4, 2025

One in Austin, TX called Bacalar, a Yucatan-inspired restaurant and Ometeo, an upscale Tex-Mex Restaurant in the greater DC-DMV area.

From Salon • Jan. 4, 2025

Ms Lopez-Galvan hosted Taste of Tejano, a Tex-Mex music show, on community radio station KKFI.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2024

For dinner Saturday night, there will be a Tex-Mex bar where players can make their own tacos or rice bowls with various smoked meats.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 6, 2024

Watching my parents dance to Tex-Mex music was my idea of hell.

From "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Saenz