Street
ese
What does ese mean?
Dude, homie, that guy. The all-purpose Chicano term of address between men — can be warm with a friend or pointed with a stranger, all depending on tone.
"Orale ese, you coming through to the cookout or what?"
Origin
Shortened from 'ese vato' (that dude) in Pachuco Caló. The pronunciation of the letter S in Spanish, used pronominally. Cemented in pop culture by Cheech & Chong, Chicano rap and films like Blood In Blood Out and American Me.
Frequently asked questions
Is calling someone 'ese' disrespectful?
Depends entirely on who's saying it and how. Inside the culture it's normal address between friends. From an outsider trying it on, it can read as mocking or worse.
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