*Rolls eyes* are your kids often saying “check out that Eshay bruv!” and you are left staring in disbelief shaking your head wondering what on earth they are on about? Me too!
So what on earth is an Eshay?
According to the Urban Dictionary, Eshay’s are usually a ‘White skinny male who likes to think they are a “Gangster”‘.
Eshay’s like to think they are tough and often pick fights and cause trouble, you know, real gangster style.
One Dad told A Current Affair that his understanding of it was that they liked to instigate fights.
There have been numerous videos and images posted online of their acts of violence, theft and drug use.
Other photos and videos show teens posing alongside smashed bus windows, with bottles of alcohol, and even riding on the backs of trains.
A Bond University criminologist and former police officer Terry Goldsworthy said an Eshay was “just a little wannabe gangster”.
“They’re just bullies and just cowards and ultimately criminals because they’re committing criminal acts,” he said.
But in reality, most of them are wannabes that come from an extremely privileged background, and the toughest thing they’ve done is probably graffiti a train station wall and get high on marijuana at a party.
Eshay fashion
Eshay’s usually walk around in polo shirts or puffer jackets, baggy shorts or tracksuit pants, Nike TNs or similar air force shoes and usually wear brands such as Nautica, Ralph Lauren, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Adidas etc. Often seen with a bum bag for carrying their vape, chewy, and coins.
Many of them have a skin head haircut or a skullet (long mullet at the back with skin head)
Eshay’s will often be found in the following locations:
- The local skate park
- Train Stations
- Public Parks
- Shopping Centres
- Hanging out in the main street
- Rebel Sport or Sportspower
A good Eshay knows how to “roll someone for a Ciggy” do a mean bunny hop (scooter move dude!) and pick a fight at the “traino”. Oh and watch how you walk! Swing those arms man.
Eshay Language
Eshay’s use a combination of modified pig Latin and swearing.
Common phrases in their slang include illchay, meaning chill or relax; eetswa, meaning sweet or good; and adlay, meaning lad. Other words include ashcay (cash), gronk (an annoying person), and staunching (stealing from someone).
Check them out in action below…
**Language warning – view the below videos away from little ears! **
Read more: YEET! The teen slang you might not understand…
