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/Sounds like "EH" (as in "egg") + "seh" (as in "set")/

Meaning

A way to address another man, especially in Chicano and Mexican American communities. It comes from Caló, the Chicano street dialect, and can be used to greet a friend or signal confrontation depending entirely on tone and context. "Ese" became iconic through Chicano culture and is widely recognized in music, film, and street life across the US Southwest and Mexico.

Examples

Hey ese, what is going on with you?

That guy is my ese from middle school, I have known him practically my whole life.

Regional synonyms

An expression of agreement or confirmation used across Central America, especially Guatemala. It is the local equivalent of Mexico's "órale": you say "dale pues" to confirm plans, close a casual deal, or simply agree to something with warmth.