Rovers Posted September 6, 2011 Share Posted September 6, 2011 So I work in a very culturally diverse workplace. One (respected) hispanic guy, middle aged is often referred to as "papi". It is used by both hispanic and ethnically white co workers for this one particular guy, Jose, an hispanic, and again, is a respected worker with seniority. On-line interpretrations are all over the place, from daddy to boyfriend to other more "slang" or informal meanings. Becuase Jose is often called papi at work, I know it isn't a derogatory name, nor is it familiarly used, such as daddy, it seems to be used as a way of showing repspect, actually. So, Jose recently called ME papi after we did some rather labor intensive heavy work, (which at my age I surmise likely suprised him that I could still throw around 50 pound bags of rocks for an hour) and now I'm a bit more curious of what it means street level after being addressed as "papi". Even the urban dictionary definition seemed to fall short of this nickname's actual usage and meaning. As a side note.... I sure am blessed despite last year's health scares that I can still do the heavy work. At work, they generally treat me as the old guy, and avoid asking me to do the heavy lifting stuff, but this was the first time Jose and I had to do the heavy lifting, and I think this old man surprised him, and that was when he called me "papi". As far as I am concerned, doing the heavy work keeps me in better health. I don't shy away from it, although some at work try to "help" me avoid it. It's almost a battle to fight the "old man" syndrome. I can still haul away with the kids, or at least hold my own. So, back on topic with that background info, what is the street meaning of being called "papi"? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matt770 Posted September 6, 2011 Share Posted September 6, 2011 Even Puerto Rican girls be callin' me papi Others try to copy, but they look sloppy Other than that, really not sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrip Posted September 6, 2011 Share Posted September 6, 2011 It can mean everything from dude to father to sexy, as you mentioned. Meaning changes with the nationality of the speaker and the person they're speaking to. With men of a certain age it's pretty much always a sign of respect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Country Posted September 6, 2011 Share Posted September 6, 2011 All I know is I like being called it in the throws of passion. TMI? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SayItAintSoJoe Posted September 6, 2011 Share Posted September 6, 2011 (edited) It can mean everything from dude to father to sexy, as you mentioned. Meaning changes with the nationality of the speaker and the person they're speaking to. With men of a certain age it's pretty much always a sign of respect. This. Though it's used in a variety of ways I have never found it to be used as a derogatory term. Unlike the english term "pops" which sometimes can be used to make fun of a person's age. So the dude at work either likes and respects you or has no idea what your real name is. Edited September 6, 2011 by SayItAintSoJoe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scooby Posted September 6, 2011 Share Posted September 6, 2011 as long as he doesnt call you anything that begins with "pinche", you are good to go....like pinche pendejo, pinche culero, pinche cabron;)...papi is a good word Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azazello1313 Posted September 6, 2011 Share Posted September 6, 2011 All I know is I like calling it out in the throws of passion. TMI? yes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SayItAintSoJoe Posted September 6, 2011 Share Posted September 6, 2011 All I know is I like being called it in the throws of passion. TMI? yes. yes..TMI? or yes..he likes being called it in the throws of passion? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westvirginia Posted September 6, 2011 Share Posted September 6, 2011 It's spanish for "old fart". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SEC=UGA Posted September 6, 2011 Share Posted September 6, 2011 I think he probably called you Popeye, you know, like the white sailor man. You just misunderstood him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh B Tool Posted September 6, 2011 Share Posted September 6, 2011 More often than not, term of respect. Heffe, sort of the same term in your reference. Get called both by many on our crew, but then again they know that I comprehend most Latino very well and never would think of calling me punyetta. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackass Posted September 7, 2011 Share Posted September 7, 2011 David Ortiz doesn't seem to have a problem with it. Something tells me if he did, noone would be calling him that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocknrobn26 Posted September 7, 2011 Share Posted September 7, 2011 I haven't read the other posts, but take it to the Bank...Papi is very...very positive! Just got that info from my "kissin'" Mexican friend, Hector. My great friend of almost 50 years. Good luck to you Rovers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twiley Posted September 7, 2011 Share Posted September 7, 2011 If you can get deep enough - they all call you papi. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rovers Posted September 7, 2011 Author Share Posted September 7, 2011 Thanks for the responses. I remember a movie, an hispanic actor who has made a bunch of films, rudy complexion, was a baseball scout in one movie, anyways, in another movie he had gotten out of jail after a long hitch, and he was called "heffe" in that film. He was more or less a gang leader in prison and before he went to prison in the film. Good actor, can't recall his name. At least now I have a better understanding of "heffe" as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matt770 Posted September 7, 2011 Share Posted September 7, 2011 Thanks for the responses. I remember a movie, an hispanic actor who has made a bunch of films, rudy complexion, was a baseball scout in one movie, anyways, in another movie he had gotten out of jail after a long hitch, and he was called "heffe" in that film. He was more or less a gang leader in prison and before he went to prison in the film. Good actor, can't recall his name. At least now I have a better understanding of "heffe" as well. Jefe = boss Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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