What do you call a short Mexican?

This joke plays on wordplay and cultural stereotypes. The term “essay” is a colloquial term derived from “ese,” which is Spanish slang for “dude” or “homie.” It’s commonly used in certain subcultures, particularly among Chicano gang members. The joke sets up an expectation by asking about a “short Mexican,” leading the listener to anticipate a punchline related to height. However, the punchline shifts the focus from physical stature to word length, comparing a “paragraph” (shorter in length) to an “essay” (longer in length).