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It's a word that's used with Italians or Italian Americans when informally, but friendly, adressing one another. It means "brother" or "fellow countryman". Shortened from paisano, and is sometimes spelled paesan.
"Hey, paisan! How's the veal parmigiana?"
"Delicious, best in the city!"
paisan by Alumita November 11, 2005
Related Words
n. means countryman or brother in Italian. The equivilent of "homie" to Italians and Italian-Americans.
Usually spelled paesano.
Sometimes shortened to paesan or paisan
Yo, howyoudoing, paisano?
paisano by Jam Master J April 14, 2005

Paisano/Paisan

Paisano/Paesano/Paisan -Italian(n) referring to another Italian(n)who is from the same village or area/region in Italy.
Countryman
Alfredo is a Paisano/Paisan also from (name of ancestral homeland-village) or region of Italy; as in Marchegiano (a person from the region of Le Marche).
Italian, usually said in reference to 'buddy, friend, mate'. Also in the diaspora used to describe Italians from same village your ancestors came from.
"You know Domenico, don't you? He's a paisano (from the same village)"

"Hey paisano"
paisano by MatteoP December 9, 2008
A word used by italians toward other italians meaning "Italian brother" sometimes shortened to Paisan.
"Capisci Paisano, Si o no"
"Ay paisan, how ya doin"
paisano by tony two toes February 16, 2005
Generally describes a person from the same origin as oneself.

Paisano originates from the Italian lauguage, in which it means "Brother." It is also the equivalent to "Homie" in the U.S. and often shortened to "Paisa" in slang terms.
Cristian and Jessica are both from Panama.

Therefore Jessica can call Cristian a Paisano. (or Paisa)
Paisano by ut_baby2012 November 10, 2009