paisano

[ pahy-sah-noh, -zah-; Spanish pahy-sah-naw ]

noun

, plural pai·sa·nos [pahy-, sah, -nohz, -, zah, -, pahy-, sah, -naws].

1. a person who shares one’s place of origin; compatriot.
2. Informal. a pal; buddy; compadre.
3. Southwestern U.S.
   1. a person who lives in a rural area; farm laborer; rustic.
   2. a roadrunner.

paisano

/ paɪˈsɑːnəʊ; paiˈsano /

noun

1. informal.
   a friend; pal
2. a fellow countryman

Word History and Origins

Origin of paisano¹

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45; from Spanish, from French paysan; peasant

Word History and Origins

Origin of paisano¹

C20: via Spanish from French paysan peasant

Example Sentences

—Jacob Paisano, Hart: Completed 30 of 40 passes for 360 yards and two touchdowns in win over Paraclete.

From Los Angeles Times

Hart is excited about the junior passing combination of quarterback Jacob Paisano and receiver Parker Maxwell.

From Los Angeles Times

The team said that there will be 12 new food vendors this year — a group that includes Paisano’s Pizza, Fuku by David Chang and Hill Country BBQ.

From Washington Times

Bill quickly adopted Paisano’s thin-crust pizza and Handel’s chocolate-chip ice cream as his favorites, often slipping Mackenzie money unbeknownst to Colleen for an ice cream run.

From Los Angeles Times

I gazed down at Highland Street, the central commercial street and focal point of the historic district, lined with buildings in an array of architectural styles, including the Art Deco-influenced Palace Theater and the Spanish baroque-style Hotel Paisano.

From Washington Post