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

For Tex-Mex night, think lime wedges, crema, sliced radishes and chopped green onions.

From Salon • Mar. 15, 2026

The musician is Tex-Mex legend Flaco Jiménez, who died last week at 86.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 4, 2025

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

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2024

Then it’s on to a “Next Gen Coalition Party” at Jalapeño Pete’s, which features live music and Tex-Mex cuisine.

From Washington Times • Aug. 10, 2023

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