paesano

[ pahy-zon-oh ]

noun

, plural pae·sa·ni [pahy-, zon, -ee], pae·san·os [pahy-, zon, -ohz].

1. a person who shares one’s place of origin; a compatriot, especially among Italians or people of Italian descent.
2. a person associated with the Italian mafia; mafioso.

Word History and Origins

Origin of paesano¹

First recorded in 1930–35; from Italian; literally, “countryman, fellow countryman,” from Late Latin adjective and noun pāgēnsis “pertaining to the country or a country district; an inhabitant of the country”; pagan ( def ), peasant ( def )

Example Sentences

Time Out credited the "inexpensive Neapolitan pizzas and beer schooners" at Paesano as one of the highlights on the road.

From BBC

County School Superintendent Toni A. Paesano Shute did not return the newspaper’s call seeking comment.

From Washington Times

Media reported that Brooke County School Superintendent Toni Paesano Shute apologized on Monday to the community of Pittsburgh Perry High School for the “insensitive, intimidating, and offensive sign.”

From Washington Times

Media reported that Brooke County School Superintendent Toni Paesano Shute apologized on Monday to the community of Pittsburgh Perry High School for the “insensitive, intimidating, and offensive sign.”

From Seattle Times

Located in the Italian Market in South Philly, Paesano’s hawks a sandwich called the Arista, a juicy tangle of slow-roasted pork in a Carangi roll.

From Washington Post