papi store

n. in urban areas with a large Latino population, a small market or bodega, especially such a store where young men loiter. Subjects: English, Spanish, United States, Retail, Slang

Etymological Note: Perhaps from the Spanish “mami y papi store” ‘mom and pop store,’ but note that papi is often used colloquially by Spanish-speakers in North America to refer to any man, father or not, especially one who is attractive.

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Citations: 1999 Originoo Gun Clapaz M-Pire Shrikez Back (Aug. 17) “Boot Camp MFC Eastern Conference”: I was throwin papi store down wit the tape duct gat. 2004 [Yigga] @ Atlanta, Ga. Pikhasso.com (Sept. 23) “Why I’m the way I am…my random thoughts”: In the souf you cant just sit on the poach or go to the corner or slang roks on da blok or go to papi store. 2005 Michael Hinkelman Philadelphia Daily News (Pa.) (Apr. 4) “Trapped in a cycle of poverty”: Since moving into the neighborhood in 2002, Candi Brown said she’s noticed a lot more “poppy stores”—street slang for bodegas—have turned up on street corners. Some of these stores attract unsavory types. “You see guys hanging out on the corner all the time, drug dealers, guys trying to recruit kids,” she said.

Posted 5 Apr 05 | Permalink | Tell a Friend

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