paisa

A countryman, often a Mexican immigrant seen as recently arrived or rural. Can be affectionate or dismissive.

In simple English: A word for a Mexican person, sometimes warm and sometimes mocking.

• The paisa spot on the corner has the best consomé.

Tone and who says it decide whether this is kinship or a put-down. Do not use it of strangers.

Track

Spanish & Chicano

Region

Statewide

Part of speech

noun

• barrio
• fresa
• colonia

• Spanish you already hear: Places and identity