However, it carries a more specific meaning than just a neutral term for a man. It can have a variety of connotations depending on context, including:
* "Cool guy": Used to describe someone who is laid-back, charismatic, and perhaps a bit rebellious.
* "Tough guy": Can be used to describe someone who is strong, assertive, and maybe even dangerous.
* "Friend": Used in a casual and friendly way to refer to a male friend.
* "Someone you're not close to": Can be used in a dismissive or disrespectful way to refer to someone you don't know well or who you don't like.
The specific meaning of "el vato" will depend on the context and the speaker's tone. It's important to understand that it can be a loaded term with potentially negative connotations, so it's best to use it cautiously.