Hondo

/ˈhɑndoʊ/ noun/proper noun

Definition

A deep canyon or ravine, especially in the southwestern United States; also a title character name in western films.

Etymology

From Spanish 'hondo' meaning 'deep,' which came from Latin 'fundus.' The word was adopted into English in the American Southwest where Spanish was spoken, and it became especially famous through the John Wayne film 'Hondo' (1953).

Kelly Says

The word 'hondo' comes from Spanish and is mostly used in the American West where Spanish place names are common—but John Wayne's 1953 movie made it so famous that people everywhere think of a tough Western hero instead of just a canyon!

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