Lorraine Williamson
In Gibraltar, a distinctive language echoes through streets, markets, and homes. Known as Llanito, it’s a hybrid of Andalucian Spanish and British English, shaped by centuries of political and cultural coexistence.
Although often referred to as a form of Spanglish, Llanito is more complex. It mixes vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation from a range of sources—including Genoese, Maltese, Portuguese, Hebrew, and Arabic. The result is a linguistic identity unique to this small British Overseas Territory.
One recent television moment brought Llanito back into public discussion. A Gibraltarian talk show, City Pulse, featured a parent casually saying, “I don’t want my children to be el coñazo.” The blend of languages was natural to locals but struck a chord with wider audiences online. Within six hours, the clip had over 100,000 views on TikTok.
Code-switching or something more?
Linguists argue that Llanito is not simply code-switching. Instead, it’s a fully embedded cultural phenomenon. While switching between English and Spanish is common, Llanito speakers often incorporate words and phrases that have no direct translation in either language.
Most Gibraltarians, or Llanitos as they refer to themselves, are fluent in English and Spanish. Educated speakers tend to favour standard English for work and school, while Llanito remains more prominent at home or among friends.
A fading identity
Despite its cultural importance, Llanito is in decline. Researchers warn that fewer young people speak it fluently. English dominates education and media, and Spanish is often reserved for interactions with neighbouring Spain.
In Gibraltar’s bilingual environment, parents often prioritise teaching standard English. Over time, this reduces opportunities for children to engage with Llanito naturally. The risk is clear: without active use and intergenerational transmission, the language could vanish.
Why preserving Llanito matters
Llanito represents more than words. It tells the story of Gibraltar’s colonial history, its multicultural community, and its resilience at the crossroads of Europe.
There are growing calls for official recognition and cultural investment to protect Llanito. Schools could include the language in their curriculum. Media could produce more content in the hybrid form. And community organisations could help ensure the language remains spoken, not just remembered.
If lost, Llanito wouldn’t just disappear from Gibraltar. It would mark the end of one of Europe’s few truly blended linguistic identities.
Also read: Navigating English and Spanish at home and school