An outdated vaguely
derogatory term for a
Chicano (
Mexican-
American)
juvenile delinquent/
street gang member with a penchant for
flashy clothes. The term is mostly mostly
reminiscent of the
1930s-
1950s, and is associated with
zoot suits, etc. Word originates from the
Spanish payuco (
yokel), perhaps a distant relative of
palooka.
Also English-Spanish argot used by Mexican-Americans.