What does hetero mean?
In everyday English, "hetero" is an informal shortened form of "heterosexual." As an adjective, it describes a person whose sexual orientation is heterosexual; as a noun, it denotes a heterosexual person. The expression is widespread in casual speech, particularly in North America, and may be encountered in writing about identity, relationships, and popular culture. Its tone can range from casual to somewhat reductive, especially when it is used to contrast heterosexual people with gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender people. For a neutral description of orientation, "straight" is often preferable, while "heterosexual" is the formal, complete term. Although the shortened form sounds simple, it comes from a word with Greek and Latin elements, and it remains useful for recognizing the abbreviated language common in personal identity statements and cultural discussions.
Denoting or relating to a person whose sexual orientation is heterosexual.
"The event welcomed hetero and LGBTQ attendees alike."
Informal short form of "heterosexual"; "straight" is a common alternative.
A heterosexual person.
"She knew several heteros in the group but had never discussed her own orientation with them."
Informal and often used in conversations about sexual orientation or identity.
The plural is used informally for multiple heterosexual people.
"The meeting included heteros, gay men, lesbians, and bisexual people."
The casual label "hetero" is a fragment of the longer word "heterosexual," whose Greek root points toward the idea of "other."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hetero come from?
The word "heterosexual" combines hetero-, from Greek heteros meaning "other" or "different," with the Latin adjective sexualis, meaning "pertaining to sex." The shorter form "hetero" developed in the 20th century as an informal abbreviation of the longer word and later came to stand on its own as both an adjective and a noun. The element hetero- also survives in English words such as heterogeneous, heterodox, and heteronomy, reflecting its broader sense of difference or otherness.
How hetero is actually used
Chiefly informal and especially common in North American English. As an adjective, it describes a person whose sexual orientation is heterosexual; as a noun, it refers to such a person. In discussions of sexuality, "straight" and "heterosexual" are generally more neutral alternatives.
Easily confused with hetero
Homo can mean a human being and also appears in the formal term homosexual, but it is not a synonym for hetero.