vato

Question

Can someone tell me the meaning of the word vato...I think it must be slang as it is not in the dictionary. The context was "vatos locos".
Thanks,
Jack

Answer 1

According to the Urban Dictionary

The word Vato is Spanish for "dude", or "man" - made popular by the song appropriately named "Vato" by Snoop Dogg featuring B-Real and Pharrell.
"Vato you wont believe what I saw,
I saw these pack a gangs and they act real hard..."

Answer 2

Wikipedia says mexican slang meaning
man, pal, brother

Answer 3

I'm not sure if it can be used for women. Maybe someone else can tell you. And while it isn't profane at all, it is a bit rough around the edges. I don't know that I'd call my sister vato.

Answer 4

Thanks very much, James. I was hoping it was not profane since I was writing to my sister and her family. Jack

Answer 5

Vato is Mexican slang, very common. Here, it means something like "Hey there, crazy dudes."

My friends and I often sign off our email with "Al rato, vato."

Answer 6

Holla Vatos Locos,
(it was the greeting of a letter from my pal in L.A.)
Thanks, Jack

Answer 7

Hi Jack, we need the whole phrase.