Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Maciej Widawski
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© Maciej Widawski 2015
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Library of Congress Cataloguing in Publication data
Widawski, Maciej.
African American slang : a linguistic description / Maciej Widawski.
p. cm
“African American Vernacular English (AAVE).”
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-1-107-07417-0 (hardback)
1. Black English. 2. African Americans–Languages. 3. English language–
United States–Slang. 4. English language–Social aspects–United States.
5. African Americans–Social conditions. 6. African Americans–Education–
Language arts. I. Title.
PE3102.N42W43 2015
4170 .2–dc23 2014030463
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Contents
Introduction page ix
Acknowledgments xiii
Abbreviations xv
1 Foundations 1
1.1 Terminology 2
1.1.1 African American 2
1.1.2 Related terms 5
1.1.3 Slang 7
1.1.4 Related terms 8
1.2 Methodology 12
1.2.1 Scope 12
1.2.2 Collection 15
1.2.3 Description 16
2 Forms 19
2.1 Combining 19
2.1.1 Compounding 19
2.1.2 Affixation 32
2.1.3 Phraseology 36
2.2 Shortening 43
2.2.1 Clipping 44
2.2.2 Initialism 48
2.2.3 Acronym 49
2.3 Conversion 50
2.3.1 Verbification 50
2.3.2 Nominalization 51
2.3.3 Other processes 52
2.4 Blending 53
2.5 Borrowing 54
2.5.1 Loanwords 54
2.5.2 Loan translations 56
2.5.3 Eponyms 57
2.5.4 Brand names 58
2.6 Creating 59
2.6.1 Coinage 59
v
vi Contents
2.6.2 Onomatopoeia 60
2.6.3 Respelling 61
Summary 64
3 Meanings 66
3.1 Figuration 66
3.1.1 Metaphor 67
3.1.2 Metonymy 68
3.1.3 Other processes 69
3.1.4 Figuration themes 73
3.2 Shifting 77
3.2.1 Generalization 77
3.2.2 Specialization 78
3.2.3 Melioration 79
3.2.4 Pejoration 80
Summary 81
4 Themes 83
4.1 Common themes 83
4.1.1 Body 84
4.1.2 Physiology 85
4.1.3 Sexuality 85
4.1.4 Alcohol 86
4.1.5 Drugs 87
4.1.6 Categorization 88
4.2 Specific themes 90
4.2.1 African Americans 90
4.2.2 Africana 91
4.2.3 Racism 92
4.2.4 Whites 93
4.2.5 Violence 94
4.2.6 Entertainment 95
4.2.7 Luxury 96
4.2.8 Geography 96
Summary 97
5 Functions 99
5.1 Social functions 99
5.1.1 Identification 99
5.1.2 Rebellion 102
5.1.3 Interaction 104
5.1.4 Secrecy 104
5.2 Psychological functions 105
5.2.1 Emotions 106
5.2.2 Humor 108
5.2.3 Toughness 110
5.3 Rhetorical functions 111
5.3.1 Informality 112
5.3.2 Stylization 112
5.3.3 Conciseness 114
5.3.4 Forcefulness 116
Contents vii
Conclusion 124
Glossary 128
Bibliography 272
Sources 277
Index 292
Introduction
1
Estimates based on data found in Lighter (1994) and available from the US Census
Bureau (2014).
ix
x Introduction
The main impetus behind writing this book stems from this linguistic
and sociocultural significance, yet there are other reasons as well. African
American slang – just as with slang in general and AAVE in the recent past – is
still commonly perceived as a deficient deviation from standard English (see,
for instance, Lapp 2004: 56 or Wolfram 1998: 103–111). Quite undeservedly
so! In reality, linguistic features of African American slang are as systemic as
those of AAVE, those of slang and those of standard English. In other words, it
is a perfectly rule-governed linguistic system which incorporates aspects of
experience that are culturally specific. To paraphrase linguist Connie Eble
(1996: 2), African American slang is part of the common lore of language
rather than an anomaly. In fact, it is often richer in its linguistic expression than
general slang, which is evident in how readily African American slang is
borrowed by other ethnic groups in the United States. And so, quoting African
American scholar and poet Clarence Major, my goal is “to bring to the
language we call [African American] slang a better name [and] a better
reputation” (1994: xxvii).
Another reason is the surprising scarcity of book-length monographs focus-
ing specifically on the linguistic description of African American slang. While
many excellent books have been written on AAVE since the 1970s – works by
William Labov (1972), Joey Dillard (1972), John Baugh (1983), Salikoko
Mufwene (1998), John Rickford (1999), Walt Wolfram (1999), Shana
Poplack (2000), Lisa Green (2002) or Geneva Smitherman (2006), for
example – they focus on its sociolinguistic variation, historical development
or educational implications, and only in a limited way concern African Ameri-
can slang. The same is true about hip-hop – the subject of books by Samy Alim
(2006) and Marcyliena Morgan (2009) – an important source of slang which
nevertheless cannot account for the entirety of African American slang. Nor
does African American slang feature specifically in general books on slang: the
several pages in Connie Eble (1996), Michael Adams (2009) and Julie
Coleman (2012) – although valuable contributions to the field – are hardly
enough. Introductory essays in the dictionaries by Clarence Major (1994) and
Geneva Smitherman (2000a), seminal books on the subject, are extremely
helpful but necessarily limited since these books focus on a lexicographic
presentation of slang lexicon rather than its systematic, descriptive analysis.
Consequently, one must look elsewhere. Information is scattered in books on
AAVE and hip-hop usage, or in materials on general slang. This scarcity is
especially perceptible by students of linguistics, American studies or African
American studies who need a practical source of information on the subject
from a purely linguistic viewpoint.
This work is an attempt to remedy this situation. Written in the fashion of
traditional descriptive linguistics, it focuses on the analysis of slang expres-
sions based on a large database of authentic lexical material. It explores
Introduction xi
This book has been a work in progress for many years. During this time,
several ideas from it were incorporated into my other work, specifically being
the basis for two academic papers: “Compounding in African-American
Slang” published in 2011 in Kwartalnik Neofilologiczny of the Polish
Academy of Sciences, and “Figuration and Shifting in African-American
Slang” published in 2013 in Studia Anglica Posnaniensia. Some ideas were
also incorporated into my teaching practice and were discussed during my
lectures, seminars and presentations, specifically at the University of Gdansk
and the University of Social Sciences in Warsaw. I hereby wish to thank my
audiences for their interest and valuable feedback.
The examples presented in this book come from a database which draws
from various sources covering literature, television, film, music, press, social
media and others. Every effort has been made to identify the original sources
of these examples. Sometimes, however, in cases such as lyrics from unpub-
lished rap songs, obscure unprinted material or ephemeral web pages, this
proved to be challenging. Should any oversights be brought to my attention,
I will be happy to include appropriate updates in any subsequent editions of
this book.
The lexical material used in this book was verified and expanded using
library resources at the following academic institutions: Arizona State Univer-
sity (Tempe), City University of New York, Columbia University (New York),
Duke University (Durham, NC), Harvard University (Cambridge, MA),
McGill University (Montreal), New York University, Princeton University,
San Francisco State University, Simon Fraser University (Vancouver),
Stanford University, Tulane University (New Orleans), University of
Alabama (Birmingham), University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa), University of
Arizona (Tucson), University of British Columbia (Vancouver), University
of Calgary, University of California (Berkeley), University of California (Los
Angeles), University of California (San Diego), University of California (Santa
Barbara), University of Chicago, University of Gdansk, University of Miami
(Coral Gables), University of Mississippi (Oxford), University of North Car-
olina (Chapel Hill), University of North Florida (Jacksonville), University of
Ottawa, University of Social Sciences (Warsaw), University of Tennessee
(Knoxville), University of Toronto, University of Washington (Seattle),
University of Wisconsin (Madison), Yale University (New Haven, CT) as well
as New York Public Library and Library of Congress (Washington, DC). Due
acknowledgment is given.
Abbreviations
While this book generally avoids abbreviations in the main text, the following
grammatical and bibliographical abbreviations appear in the Glossary:
adj. adjective
adv. adverb
excl. exclamation
n. noun
num. numeral
phr. phrase
pron. pronoun
v. verb
xv
1 Foundations
Because this book is essentially descriptive, little space has been devoted to the
presentation of the linguistic and philosophical theories underlying slang,
AAVE slang in particular. Some fundamental theoretical considerations can
be brought down to a few main ideas which are briefly presented below and
featured throughout the book. This introductory chapter provides information
on two practical matters directly linked with linguistic description: it explains
the terminology used throughout the book and outlines the methodology
employed in the study.
The most fundamental theoretical assumption of this book is that it is non-
theoretical. Instead, it is descriptive in nature and the approach advocated here
is essentially that of traditional descriptive linguistics. Such an approach
involves the analysis of a database of thousands of lexical items in search of
patterns of form, meaning, theme and function. Rather than looking at what is
theoretically feasible in a language, descriptive linguists study the actual
language used in natural situations in an attempt to show how empirical
investigations of linguistic data can shed new light on previously unanswer-
able research questions. Although the reader will find numerous theoretical
implications throughout the book, the main attitude is descriptive and empir-
ical rather than prescriptive and theoretical; the focus is on observation of
language in use leading to theory, rather than vice versa. Moreover, there is
no special concentration on any particular linguistic theory. Nevertheless, the
book does have certain fundamental theoretical preconceptions, and these are
briefly explained below.
Language is considered here not as some autonomous, abstract system, but
as being closely connected to its coiners and users. Such a view stems directly
from sociolinguistics, a discipline of linguistics concerned with the study of the
relationships between language and society. Developed in the late 1960s,
sociolinguistics was a reaction to the autonomous linguistics represented by
Noam Chomsky and his followers who studied language as an idealized and
self-sufficient system without any connection to social context in order to find
a basic universal grammatical structure. In sociolinguistics, language is viewed
as a social phenomenon, analyzable only in a social context; what is more,
1
2 Foundations
1.1 Terminology
It is important to explain the major terminology used throughout this book.
The most fundamental term and the object of this study is “African American
slang,” featured in the title of this book. As has been mentioned before, it is
understood as a subset of the larger vocabulary of African American Vernacu-
lar English (AAVE), while concurrently making up a part of the even larger
lexicon of American slang. The terms “African American” and “slang” have
both generated various definitions and synonyms, often discordant or confus-
ing, so it is crucial to define these terms and their analogues precisely.
orientation, Smitherman (2000b: 20) proposes the term “US Ebonics,” which
is a helpful alternative to AAVE to maintain the international orientation of
Williams’s original definition of Ebonics while at the same time concentrating
its focus on the United States in particular. Interestingly, Ebonics is sometimes
mistakenly equated with slang: as noted by Wolfram (1999: 67), “in [the]
Ebonics debate of 1997, African American Vernacular English (AAVE) was
often inaccurately called slang and broken English.” Adams (2009: 76) added:
“many opponents of the [Oakland] proposal caricatured AAVE as slang and in
doing so meant to stigmatize it.”
varieties, they were more pronounced in the past; today, as noted by Major
(1994: xxxi), they are less potent due to massive development in communi-
cation, increased transportation, and travel opportunities. Moreover, as
Wolfram (1999: 2–3) pointed out, “language specialists often object to the
popular usage of ‘dialect’ because of the different possible interpretations the
term can have and because of the negative sense it may carry; dialect is
sometimes used to refer to a particular social or geographical variety of English
that is not the standard one.” More importantly, however, the speech of
African Americans is more social and ethnic in nature than it is regional, so
more appropriate terms might include “social dialect” (or “sociolect”) and
“ethnic dialect” (or “ethnolect”), referring to varieties of a language used by
certain social and ethnic groups and serving as a distinguishing mark of
sociocultural identity.
Black Accent, used even more sporadically, is another term for the speech of
African Americans. This is because the term “accent” is even narrower than
“dialect” and refers solely to phonological characteristics of a regional variety
of language. In other words, “Black Accent” pertains to African American
pronunciation and cannot account for the entirety of African American speech,
including lexicon and syntax. Moreover, note again that the speech of African
Americans is more social and ethnic in nature rather than regional, so the term
is a misnomer.
Ghetto Speech (alternatively called Ghetto Talk) is another term proposed
for African American speech. The term was suggested by Smitherman
(2000a: 1) as nearly synonymous with the present-day urbanized speech of
African Americans. However, the term has an understandably narrow
application: its first element suggests that it refers to the speech of ghetto
communities, excluding African Americans who do not live in ghettos; more-
over, the term “ghetto” may not necessarily refer to African American ghettos,
but may also be used in the context of Hispanic ghettos, for instance.
Jive Talk (alternatively called Jive Speech) is also sometimes encountered.
The term contains the slang word jive – which is one of the rare expressions
traceable back to Africa, meaning “deception” – and has very limited applica-
tions. McArthur (1992: 548) describes it somewhat vaguely as “the slang or
jargon associated with the earlier 20th century with such African American
forms of music as jive (‘a type of swing or jazz’),” slang and jargon being
treated as the same type of language. He also adds the second meaning of the
term: “in the later 20th century, an informal term for flattering, deceptive,
exaggerated, meaningless talk, especially among black Americans; double
talk.” Consequently, the term can hardly function as a synonym for African
American speech as a whole.
Last but not least, there is Hip-Hop Talk (alternatively termed Hip-Hop
Speech). It is sometimes equated with the speech of African Americans. This is
1.1 Terminology 7
1.1.3 Slang
Lexicographer John Ayto (1998: v) aptly calls slang “lexis in extremis.” While
slang in itself is extreme, it also tends to generate extreme attitudes. Most
people, consciously or not, use it because of its expressiveness, brevity or
humor. Many fiercely detest slang because of its crudeness and vulgarity,
although they themselves may inadvertently use it. Few are fascinated by its
linguistic and cultural richness, though they may not necessarily use it. As it
happens, very few professional linguists study slang as their main academic
field. Instead, slang is mostly described by amateurs who often lack the
necessary knowledge to adequately analyze it. As a result, slang continues to
be misunderstood and is perceived as a mere sensational or vulgar deviation
from standard language. No wonder it has such a poor reputation. As observed
by Lighter (1994: xi), “the public employs the term [‘slang’] as a simple
synonym for a subjectively ‘bad’ English.” Interestingly, such an understand-
ing of the term slang is important for the understanding of the negative
associations some people may have with the term “African American slang.”
Slang is considered difficult to define and characterize. This is largely
because of its fleeting character, alleged vagueness, and change of meaning
over time. As a result, definitions of slang abound and, to quote Chapman
(1986: x): “like proverbial blind men describing an elephant, all correctly,
none sufficiently, we tend to stress one aspect or another of slang.” Accord-
ingly, some scholars, such as Thorne (1990: iii), focus on the stylistic
dimension of slang, especially noting its high degree of informality and its
colloquial character. Others, such as Chapman (1986: xii-xiv), focus on its
psychological element, especially the application of slang to express emotions.
8 Foundations
Others, such as Eble (1996: 11), emphasize the social element of slang,
especially its function as a marker of group identification. Others, such as
Dumas and Lighter (1978: 5–17), stress the rhetorical aspects of slang, espe-
cially highlighting its deliberate use for desired stylistic effects. Finally,
scholars such as Coleman (2012: 26–116) stress the developmental aspects
of slang and are focused on the “natural history” of slang from its creation and
development to its metamorphosis and spreading into wider use.
In an attempt to formulate a more holistic definition, one can integrate all of
the above aspects and define slang as follows:
Slang is a highly informal and unconventional type of vocabulary. It is perceived as
deeply expressive, attractively catchy, and deliberately undignified. It consists of
standard expressions modified in some way or appended with new meanings, and
sometimes of entirely novel expressions. Slang is coined chiefly by members of
social, occupational or ethnic groups which are typically separate from mainstream
society, yet it is often adopted by larger social segments. It is employed in place of
standard expressions to convey some extra information of a psychological, social or
rhetorical nature. It thus provides alternative, highly informal synonyms for referents
already named in the language, but sometimes gives names for referents for which there
are no standard expressions, or which have yet to be named. (Adapted from Widawski
and Kowalczyk 2012: 18)
they are ungrammatical, while their users are considered too uneducated or
incapable of using the corresponding standard forms. Examples include: ain’t
(“be not” or “have not”), them (“the”), irregardless (“regardless”) or bestest
(“best”). While these expressions are non-standard, they are not slang.
“Colloquial” and “informal” are terms often equated with slang. These two
terms denote expressions more common in conversation than in formal
writing, usually conveying the feel of casual naturalness. The same can also
be said of slang, which is colloquial in itself and belongs to the spoken part of
language. Still, not all colloquial expressions are slang; for instance, shut up
(“be quiet”) and be crazy about (“be very enthusiastic about”) are colloquial
but not slang. Lighter (1994: xv) defines colloquialism as “an expression more
typical of the unstilted voice of daily conversation, and of a writing intended to
convey such a voice, than it is of formal, carefully edited prose,” and contrasts
it with slang which “carries a greater sense of opposition to form than does the
merely colloquial.” Slang, then, is manifestly divergent and its deliberately
undignified tone is the main difference between itself and colloquialism.
Jargon, or the highly technical terminology typical of specific occupations,
is another subset of vocabulary often mistaken for slang. While much slang
also originates inside groups united by their vocations, the two terms are
fundamentally different. Jargon is a precise and professional nomenclature
developed among specialists chiefly to facilitate cooperation. Slang, on the
other hand, is a non-technical and lighthearted vocabulary developed among
colleagues chiefly for expressiveness or exclusivity. Examples of jargon
include words like emesis (“vomiting”), thoracotomy (“a surgical incision
made in the chest wall”) or endoscope (“a miniature camera on a long thin
tube inserted into the body during medical exams”), all taken from the medical
profession. Such expressions are not slang.
Vulgarism has also created much misunderstanding with regard to slang.
Naturally, all vulgarisms by definition are slang and such expressions as dick
(“penis”), piss (“urine”), shit (“excrement”) and tits (“breasts”) are indeed
vulgar. However, not all slang is vulgarism and such expressions as ammo
(“ammunition”), comfy (“comfortable”), dork (“idiot”), hottie (“sexually
attractive person”) or weed (“marijuana”) are not vulgar in the least. Moreover,
the term “vulgar” should also be distinguished from “offensive”: the former is
largely used in the context of sex and scatology; the latter involves subjects
considered to be social taboos. While all vulgar expressions are inherently
offensive, there are slang expressions which are offensive because of violating
social taboos but are not necessarily vulgar, for instance gook (“person from
Eastern Asia”), greaseball (“Italian”) or lezzie (“lesbian”). Finally, one can
distinguish among the various levels of vulgarity or offensiveness. Slang
dictionaries – for instance Widawski (1998), Kipfer and Chapman (2007) or
Widawski and Kowalczyk (2011) – sometimes differentiate between
10 Foundations
form of a phrase; consequently, the following examples are all slang but not
idiom: cool (“excellent or admirable”), babelicious (“sexually attractive”),
peanuts (“small amount of money”) or wuss (“weak person”).
Neologism, usually understood as recently coined expressions, is also
confused with slang. Slang resembles neologism in that it often involves
novelty, wordplay and spontaneous creation. Moreover, if we extend the
definition of neologism to existing expressions which recently extended their
meanings (by figuration or semantic shifting) or whose form was recently
manipulated in some way (by combining, shortening or blending), then all
slang is neological. Examples include cheese (“money”), staycation (“vacation
spent in one’s own home”) or waitron (“waiter or waitress”). However, there
are neologisms which may not necessarily be slang, as evidenced by the
following expressions created in recent times: eating disorder, download,
no-fly zone, webmaster, blush wine, unfriend, cloud computing. Also, many
slang words have been around for centuries, clearly having lost their novel
value yet remaining slang all the same.
Last but not least, slang is occasionally confused with dialect, a regional
variety of language, especially one that is lower in prestige than the standard.
Examples include: appreciate it (“thank you”), kinfolk (“relatives”), chitlins
(“small intestines of pigs prepared as food”) or y’all (“you [plural]”), all from
the Southern dialect of American English. Although slang is not geographic-
ally restricted, it is often regional, and some expressions may be associated
with particular locations. The differences are noticeable in English, as it differs
among English-speaking countries. Consider the following examples: bloke
(“man”), sod off (“go away”) and wanker (“contemptible or despicable
person”), from British slang; arvo (“afternoon”), pom (“Britisher”) and fair
dinkum (“genuine”), from Australian slang; or loonie (“dollar coin”), Mountie
(“member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police”) and Newfie (“Newfoun-
lander”), from Canadian slang. Yet slang is not a dialect. As observed by
Lighter (1994: xiii), “people who speak the same dialect necessarily share a
similar regional or cultural background, but a shared slang is more likely to
suggest mutually held antiestablishment attitudes, especially a sharpened dis-
dain for convention or pretense.” In that respect, slang is more social. On the
other hand, the term “dialect” may sometimes refer to social or occupational
varieties of language, and one can talk about social dialects (or “sociolects”) or
occupational dialects. Still, the term is most widely used in its original sense.
At this point it would be helpful to comment on how the general public
views slang in its relation to the speech of African Americans. While this book
is about the linguistic description of African American slang rather than its
popular perception, some clarification may be in order. As has been signaled
before, slang is commonly perceived as a kind of language inferior to standard
English, or simply as “bad” English. For this reason, African American
12 Foundations
English has sometimes been perceived as slang, especially during the Ebonics
debate in the mid 1990s, in an attempt to belittle the speech of African
Americans (see discussion on Ebonics earlier in this chapter). Needless to
say, such an uninformed perception is completely mistaken. Firstly, there is
nothing inherently “bad” about slang, which is a perfectly systemic linguistic
phenomenon in no way inferior to standard language. Secondly, while African
American slang is a significant part of African American English, not all
African American English is slang. Moreover, slang is essentially lexical in
nature, while African American English extends over the lexical level, exhibit-
ing phonological and syntactical characteristics as well. One should bear these
distinctions in mind.
1.2 Methodology
It is important to explain the methodology used in this study. Because of
the focus on the descriptive (or empirical) element, special importance was
given to the collection of reliable and authentic linguistic data which would
serve as the basis for analytical observations. Equally important was the format
in which the material was analyzed and described. Consequently, this part of
the chapter contains answers to the following methodological questions: what
lexical material was searched? where and how was it collected? and in what
manner is it described?
1.2.1 Scope
There were several criteria used to determine the scope of lexical material to be
searched, included and analyzed in this study. The most general and funda-
mental criterion was that all the lexical material had to be identified as African
American slang as defined on the preceding pages. However, there are a few
finer distinctions concerning the scope which require further clarification.
The African American origin of expressions was an important criterion for
inclusion, significantly impacting the scope of this study. This is because
African American slang can be understood in two different ways. In a wider
sense, it includes slang expressions coined and used by African Americans
such as diss (“disrespect”), motherfucker (“a contemptible person”) or soul
brother (“a fellow African American”), but also those expressions coined by
other ethnic groups though used by African Americans, the old Anglo-Saxon
shit (“excrement”), fart (“pass gas from the bowel via the anus”) or booze
(“alcoholic drink”), for example. In other words, it comprises all slang expres-
sions used by African Americans, irrespective or their origin.
In a narrower view, African American slang is understood as being com-
posed only of expressions coined and used by African Americans while
1.2 Methodology 13
1.2.2 Collection
As mentioned above, this study is based on authentic African American slang
material collected in the form of a lexical database of citations. The purpose of
creating such a database was to gain as much exposure to African American
slang as possible and to record its usage in natural contexts from various
contemporary sources to ensure a representative and up-to-date basis for
research.
The database was designed to cover an extensive array of diverse, contem-
porary African American sources. To paraphrase Samuel Johnson, author of
The Dictionary of the English Language (1755), slang expressions were
sought where they are used. To this end, the search focused on sources with
substantial African American slang content, for instance films by directors
Spike Lee and Lee Daniels, lyrics by rappers Snoop Dogg and Jay-Z, mono-
logues by entertainers Dave Chapelle and Chris Rock, dialogues from
television series The Wire and Martin, articles from Ebony and Essence
magazines, and fiction by Alice Walker and Omar Tyree; conversations with
African American students were also valuable sources of data. While the
ultimate selection was necessarily subjective, effort was made to draw from
representative sources reflecting the nationwide, mainstream African Ameri-
can vernacular usage. Moreover, non-African sources were also included in the
database, for instance newspapers such as USA Today and The New York
Times, magazines such as People and Billboard, television programs such as
Saturday Night Live and The Jerry Springer Show, and television series such
as The Simpsons and Two and a Half Men. The purpose was to ascertain the
impact African American slang has exerted on general slang used in the United
States, and to assess the significance of so-called “cross-over” terms, which are
African American expressions assimilated into general slang. In sum, the
collected material totaled over 2,000 different sources from the press, internet,
literature, music, film, television and conversation. The complete list is given
at the end of this book.
The methods used in data collection and applied in the creation of the
database were varied, but largely traditional (see Sakel and Everett 2012:
99–138, Kipfer 1984: 32–35 or Thorne 1990: vi). Data were recorded in the
form of written notes or dictaphone recordings, which were systematically
entered into the database. The internet was used extensively, and a sizeable
portion of citations was copied directly from online sources. The reading,
listening and watching procedures were extensive and represent several hun-
dred hours of analyzing text, sound and images. Significantly, large searchable
computer corpora like the American National Corpus or British National
Corpus were used sporadically. This is because corpus linguistics still has a
rather marginal applicability to the study of slang due to slang’s largely
16 Foundations
1.2.3 Description
Description is the essence of this book. The focus is on observation of
language in use leading to theory, rather than the other way around. Conse-
quently, much space is devoted to the presentation, explanation, interpretation
and exemplification of lexical data. The format of description follows the
formalized presentation of slang described in my earlier works (Widawski
2003, 2008, 2010a, 2011, 2012, 2013), which may serve as models for the
description of slang in any language or for any user-specific slang. In this
model, the description is extensive and covers a wide range of linguistic topics,
allowing an examination of African American slang from various perspectives.
Specifically, it is meant to provide answers to the following questions: what is
1.2 Methodology 17
African American slang made of? What meaning does it have? What is it
about? And why is it used?
To that end, several levels of description are featured. One such level is
morphology. The book describes the main wordbuilding processes of African
American slang such as combining, shortening, conversion and blending, as
well as borrowing and creating. Another level is semantics. The book presents
the processes of figuration in African American slang such as metaphor or
metonymy, and analyzes the main semantic shifting processes such as
generalization, specialization, melioration and pejoration. Yet another level is
the thematic distribution of expressions. The book describes the most product-
ive themes of African American slang, including those common to general
slang and those specific to African American culture or seen from the African
American perspective. Finally, another level concerns pragmatics. The book
analyzes social, psychological, rhetorical and cultural functions of African
American slang.
An integral part of description is the Glossary. It takes up roughly half of the
book and could easily stand as a dictionary in its own right. Arranged
alphabetically, it lists 1,500 of the most representative expressions of African
American slang, all from the lexical database. The Glossary serves as a quick
reference, offering explanatory definitions of slang expressions and supple-
menting examples featured in the main text. Each entry contains a headword,
abbreviated grammatical identification, usage label (where appropriate), stand-
ard English equivalent or definition, additional reference information, and
citational examples, each preceded by the date and name of its source. The
equivalents and definitions were derived using standard lexicographic
procedures, which included analyzing and comparing the meaning of each
expression in numerous contextual examples of usage found in the database,
verifying them with native speakers, and cross-checking them with several
reference books, including those by Major (1994), Smitherman (2000a),
Kearse (2006), Kipfer and Chapman (2007) and Green (2010) mentioned
above; references to these works – labeled cm, gs, rk, bk and jg – can often
be found at the end of Glossary definitions. Still, the equivalents and defin-
itions are not meant to cover all of the semantic senses, and may vary
according to region, generation or social context. Also note that some
examples have been shortened or edited for clarity and reasons of space.
The layout and conventions used in this book are straightforward and self-
explanatory, but a few additional notes may help the reader navigate through
the citations. Usage examples, extensively used throughout the book, are
clearly set off from the main text and grouped in separate paragraphs, all given
in italics and organized alphabetically. Each example contains a sentence with
a slang expression in boldface, immediately followed by its standard English
equivalent or definition in brackets; source and date information follows each
18 Foundations
example. The insistence on the use of authentic examples can be justified for
several reasons. First, they constitute the basis for linguistic observations,
supporting and illustrating them while also contributing to a better understand-
ing of African American slang as a whole. Second, they confirm the validity of
the collected material, which is essential when dealing with such a changeable
phenomenon as slang. Third, they show African American slang in its actual
usage. This may be especially valuable for non-native speakers of English or
students of English as a Foreign Language. Finally, they show the cultural and
social context in which slang is used; the breadth of sources can be extremely
telling and meaningful in and of itself.
2 Forms
Our linguistic description of African American slang starts with the form of
words and phrases. Slang is quintessentially about vocabulary. In any language
vocabulary is normally created from already existing words which are either
modified or assigned new meanings; sometimes, entirely novel words are
coined or borrowed from other languages. As statistically shown by Algeo
(1991: 3–14), the main sources for new words in English, in descending order
of frequency, are: combining, shifting, shortening, blending, borrowing and
creating.
African American slang is no different in this respect. The analysis of the
lexical database material proves that the linguistic mechanisms of its produc-
tion include all of the above processes, some being used in an even more
creative way. The following is a presentation of these processes and how they
function in African American slang.
2.1 Combining
Combining accounts for most lexical innovation in the English language,
and together with figuration is among the top productive mechanisms for
creating slang expressions. Combining is an umbrella term which includes
such word-formation processes as compounding, affixation and sometimes
phraseology.
2.1.1 Compounding
Compounding is the most common method of forming new words in English.
Compounds are words consisting of two or more parts that are themselves
words, for instance superimpose, music box and drunk-driving. They are
pronounced as a single unit, with a single stress, and they function grammat-
ically as a single unit. For instance: White House is a compound in “President
Obama returned to the White House” but white and house are separate words in
“We live in the white house, not the red one.” There are no definitive, clear-cut
rules for writing compounds: they can be written as one word (flowerpot), with
19
20 Forms
word order of the English language. Here are some citational findings from the
database:
You don’t bring no brown sugar [¼ African American woman, especially if
sexually attractive] to this house! (Jungle Fever, film, 1991)
This is for the West and the East and the Dirty South [¼ any southern state
or southern states in the USA] (Snoop Dogg, 2006)
You can’t tell a barber to give a kid a flat top [¼ male hairstyle that is
high, square, and flat on top] over the kid’s wishes (Milwaukee Journal
Sentinel, 2004)
What you gray boys [¼ white men, especially young] cookin’ up? (Trespass,
film, 1992)
Next time grown folk [¼ adults] talkin’, nigga, close your mouth! (Tupac
Shakur, 1996)
The pretty red bone [¼ light-skinned African American] squinted her eyes at
Calvin (Bernard Satterwhite, 2009)
This righteous moss [¼ non-kinky hair, especially hair of a Caucasian sort]
is a gift from God (That ’70’s Show, Fox-TV series, 2000)
Anyone who refers to himself as a white nigga [¼ white person who assumes
the behavior and values of the African American culture, especially hip-hop]
is extra stupid (XXL Magazine, 2009)
Some compounds are made of a noun and a letter of the alphabet, and are
sometimes referred to as letter compounds; the letter often stands for a word
which is deliberately left out, as in C-section, F-word, S-curve, T-shirt or V-belt.
Because of their rather enigmatic form, such compounds are often used as cryptic
devices to enhance in-group solidarity, or among people who wish to conceal
their activities. Moreover, their abbreviated form sometimes makes them function
as euphemisms, masking elements perceived as taboo. They are also used in
African American slang for the same reasons. See the following corroboration:
He was born in A-Town [¼ Atlanta, Georgia] and raised in Chi-Town
(Yahoo Answers, 2000)
2.1 Combining 23
But the suffix word ass can be used in another, less productive way to form
nominal compounds denoting a person who has a high degree of a specified
characteristic or nature. It is usually combined with adjectives to form nominal
compounds. Consider these examples:
2.1 Combining 25
Golfers who skip this tournament because of the weather are candy-asses
[¼ very weak or timid persons] (San Francisco Chronicle, 2009)
Odom is a dumbass [¼ very idiotic person] who can’t learn anything useful
(Los Angeles Times, 2006)
The rest of us have to cut back but that fat-ass [¼ very obese person] can eat
lobster every night (News, MSNBC-TV program, 2010)
Do you think the lard-ass [¼ obese person] would have the decency to
apologize? (Gothamist, 2010)
You’re being a smart-ass [¼ annoyingly knowledgeable and arrogant
person] (House M.D., Fox-TV series, 2011)
He has made his reputation playing a series of wise-asses [¼ annoyingly
knowledgeable and arrogant persons] (New York Times, 2007)
The prefix word black is used to form nominal compounds. It essentially refers
to African Americans and their experience, and its use reflects this accordingly.
See the following corroboration:
Sit your black ass [¼ self, when referring to an African American] down! (Do
The Right Thing, film, 1989)
Milner grew up in Detroit’s Black Bottom [¼ area of a city with a predomin-
antly African American population] (New York Times, 2004)
Don’t forget Atlanta’s reputation as a black mecca [¼ city to which African
Americans are drawn to live] (Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 2010)
The interest these artists are generating is not based on the idea they are
white singers doing a black thing [¼ any sociocultural practice, behavior or
attitude characteristic of African Americans] (Ebony, 2009)
The suffix word daddy is used to form nominal compounds. It usually desig-
nates a man who is older, experienced or rich. The association is often jocular
and affectionate but may also be ironic and dismissive. This is yet another
element often associated with African American usage. Here are some
examples:
Being a father and baby daddy [¼ teenage father who is not married to his
child’s mother] are two different things (New York Amsterdam News, 2004)
I’d rather be a mack daddy [¼ pimp] in the ghetto than a mogul in
Hollywood (New York Times, 2001)
He wants to be my sugar daddy [¼ male lover who supports a younger
mistress] (Wild Side, film, 1990)
Clara Ross and her sweet daddy [¼ male lover, especially one who supports
a younger mistress]! Looks like she’s already got this one wrapped around
her little finger (Twitter, 2013)
26 Forms
The noun-forming prefix word soul is yet another lexical element associated
with African Americans. The word itself has numerous meanings and conno-
tations in African American culture. In general, it is used to describe any
characteristic of African Americans including food, music, language, hand-
shake, etc., suggesting a deep and shared cultural identity as well as group
allegiance and affirmation. Consider the citational corroboration:
This was right after the riots, so it was scary for a soul brother [¼ fellow
African American man] like me on the streets (Los Angeles Times, 2006)
If Obama has a craving for soul food [¼ food characteristic of and preferred
by African Americans], the smothered pork chops at Gigi’s will give him the
strength to go on (Buffalo News, 2009)
He was very hip black fellow who spoke all this put-on soul language
[¼ African American Vernacular English or, broadly, African American
speech] (Sports Illustrated, 1982)
“His name is Brian.” “The guy with the grey soul patch [¼ small patch of
facial hair just below the lower lip, popular especially among African
American musicians]?” (Just Go with It, film, 2011)
The gesture dates back to at least the 70’s, when it briefly appeared, only to
be soundly defeated by the soul shake [¼ intricate handshake to demonstrate
solidarity, popular among African Americans] (New York Times, 2001)
Lauren Turner goes for a retro soul sound [¼ moving form of popular music
rooted in African American tradition, especially rhythm and blues] with Etta
James (USA Today, 2011)
The prefix word white is used to form nominal compounds. By analogy with
black, it essentially refers to white people and their experience, and com-
pounds formed through its use reflect this. In African American slang, how-
ever, the connotation is usually, although not exclusively, derisive or otherwise
negative. See the following examples:
No way am I getting my white ass [¼ self, when referring to a white person]
back in that bus (Get on the Bus, film, 1996)
We need another white boy [¼ white man, especially young] to volunteer
(Con Air, film, 1997)
2.1 Combining 29
I was sleeping with white girls [¼ white women, especially young] (Malcolm
X, film, 1992)
I’ve seen a lot of white niggers [¼ white persons who assume the behavior
and values of the African American culture, especially hip-hop] in my time
(Washington Post, 2001)
I have just as much disdain for white trash [¼ poor white person or poor
white people, especially from the southern USA] as any other race
(Ebony, 2008)
same. Again, the rhyming is based on the poetic principle of assonance. Here is
a selection of representative examples:
How about a little boogie-woogie [¼ good time]? Come down and join the
party! (Mickey Mouse in Living Color, film, 2001)
He was my boon coon [¼ close friend], and I was his ace (GS Poetry, 2010)
Chrysler wants us to know the 200 is no Sebring drop-top [¼ convertible
automobile], and their press release emphasizes the changes (Automotive
Addicts, 2011)
She had a hoe with her named Bama, a big bad mamma-jamma [¼ sexually
attractive woman] (Snoop Dogg, 1996)
All the books are characterized by the worst kind of mumbo-jumbo [¼
meaningless or deceptive talk, especially jargon] (Los Angeles Times, 2005)
That would sound fine in a philosophy course, but what is, as you say here,
the nitty-gritty [¼ the most crucial and basic aspects or elements]? (Alice
Walker, 1998)
Get off your ole’ rusty-dusty [¼ buttocks] and bring me back some cognac,
biyatch! (Dolemite Ebonics, 2010)
All I do all day is max and relax [¼ relax and have a good time], and
smoke pot (Boys and Girls Guide to Getting Down, film, 2006)
Whites and blacks live together harmoniously. I like living in a salt and
pepper [¼ interracial] neighborhood (Tuscaloosa News, 1996)
Y’all always pull that shit, but it’s time to show and prove [¼ provide hard
and concrete proof] (Jay-Z, 2000)
Yes, this year as our guests arrive, they can style and profile [¼ boast or act
in a showy way] for the paparazzi on the green carpet during the reception
(Charlotte Observer, 2010)
He is accompanied by music, outtakes, antics and poetics: singing, talking
and testifying [¼ celebrating through verbal acknowledgement] about
peace, family, and art (Hearing Voices, 2010)
2.1.2 Affixation
According to Algeo (1991: 14), the second most productive process of
combining in English is affixation (sometimes also termed derivation). It
allows theoretically unlimited opportunities for creating new words by adding
a variety of affixes to existing words. Technically, these can be prefixes,
attached in front of a word; suffixes, attached at the end; and very rarely,
infixes, inserted into a word. Many English affixes are the result of borrowing
from Greek or Latin, and words built with them are often part of the learned or
technical vocabulary of the language.
Affixation is also a productive process in African American slang which
uses most of the same prefixes and suffixes as standard English. Again, African
American slang is in no way deficient in employing the repertoire of linguistic
means which are used to create new words in standard English. In fact, as we
will see later, it is even more creative and the affixes are used with greater
freedom and sometimes with slightly different meanings.
Below is a list of such suffixes. Note that all of the suffixes presented
below are perfectly standard English, but when attached to a slang word, they
form a slang expression. Certain combinations have caught on, while others
were merely improvised, spur-of-the-moment creations most likely doomed
to be forgotten (and are therefore not included in the Glossary). See the
following:
The one in red’s a totally tappable [¼ legal or suitable for having sex] chick
(Facebook, 2011)
His definition of ghettocentric [¼ ghetto-oriented] imagination suggests the
explosion of the hood film genre provided a space for contemporary Black
youth expression (All Hip Hop, 2011)
His little sister was harassed by a gangbanger [¼ member of a criminal
gang] on a city bus (Ebony, 2008)
He still lives frugally there, maintaining it in the ghetto-esque [¼ similar to a
ghetto] area (Pop Matters, 2005)
I’m a bootyholic [¼ obsessed with sex or women], every time I look at that
girl, you make a nigga wanna sing (Black Planet, 2011)
Hold on to the sistahood [¼ African American women collectively]! Before
you bash me, I have a question (African Writing, 2008)
He is described only as a white male wearing a hoodie [¼ hooded sweatshirt
or top] (London Free Press, 2009)
What we need now are not white movies with Benetton tokenism, nor movies
that ghettoize [¼ make something look typical of the inner-city ghetto] racial
experience (Atlantic Monthly, 2010)
2.1 Combining 33
Let us now illustrate the use of prefixes in African American slang, all of
which are standard English, but can be creatively used to form slang words. In
terms of frequency of use, these are less common than suffixes, but still more
frequently used than infixes. Here is a list of representative examples:
You know my ex-shortie [¼ former girlfriend]. I think your new girl looks
bettah (Dancehall Reggae, 2004)
When I was a kid, I thought that was mega-cool [¼ extremely excellent or
admirable] (Facebook, 2011)
Now with the mini-gig [¼ small musical performance or concert] behind
them, the band’s members appear ready to hit the road in full force (Las
Vegas Sun, 2009)
It’s impossible to overstand [¼ understand completely or have a profound
knowledge] Iran’s attitude without looking at a map and comparing that with
U.S. troop movements over the last 20 years (Huffington Post, 2009)
Eminem put up seven figures to sign him, and the investment paid off as his
retro-gangsta [¼ sounding like old gangsta rap] debut, “Get Rich or Die
Tryin’,” sold five million last year (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 2004)
What I do need to apologize for is criticizing the apology: for dissing the
company’s self-diss [¼ criticizing or belittling oneself] (Ad Week, 2010)
I’m sorry we invaded you. That was really uncool [¼ unpleasant, rude or
unfair] (Ali G Indahouse, film, 2002)
After me there will be no more like me, you underdig [¼ understand
completely] what I’m sayin? (Black Planet, 2008)
Infixes are extremely rare, both in standard English and in African American
slang. This is most likely because they cut a given word into two halves, which
often makes such a compound sound unintelligible or awkward. Additionally,
as Pearce (2007: 91) observed, they occur mainly in expressions where an
obscenity (or euphemism for the obscenity) is infixed into an adjective or an
adverb. The only two infixes found in our database are -motherfucking- and
-izz- (the latter is discussed in the next section), but the expressions created
with their help are numerous, possibly because of their rhyming and intensify-
ing qualities. Adams (2009: 120–144), who examines slang infixation in detail,
links it also with poetic qualities. However, many of them have a rather
ephemeral character (and are therefore not included in the Glossary). See the
following sample:
34 Forms
to the inserted word, it is valued for its rhyming and jocular features.
Moreover, it is often applied to hide the meaning of a word or, as observed
by Peckham (2005: 191), “used to sanitize foul words”; put differently, it can
be used to euphemize vulgar or offensive expressions by altering their form,
for instance shit becomes shiznit. See the following examples:
I must have slipped and broke it, my bizzad [¼ bad] (Urban
Dictionary, 2005)
We drizzink [¼ drink] smoothies out of red cups with gorgeous people
(Facebook, 2011)
I can either accept that or make a fizzool [¼ fool] out of myself (Fayetteville
Observer, 2012)
Don’t forget to wear something warm. It’s gonna be kizzold [¼ cold]
(Uptown MPLS, 2006)
Can somebody please explain this shizzit [¼ nonsense] to me? (Topix, 2009)
The suffix -izzle (or -izle), now considered dated, is used to form either nouns
or adjectives. It was enormously productive and, theoretically, could be
applied to nearly any word; much like the above -izz- infix, it had been
especially used to create countless vogue expressions characteristic of rap
and hip-hop culture. Interestingly, while its attachment would not change the
meaning in any noticeable way, its popularity had probably been conditioned
by the rhyming, jocular and cryptic qualities. Again, many expressions created
with this suffix have a rather ephemeral nature; only a few of the most popular
ones are listed in the Glossary. Here is a selection of expressions created in
this way:
What’s the dizzle [¼ state of affairs or a thing at issue], my nizzle? (Los
Angeles Times, 2002)
She obviously needs some fizzle [¼ sex or the sex act] (Wrapped, 2010)
In the process, they gave white men a viable and edgy alternative to the
N-word, my nizzle [¼ fellow African American]? (News, CBS-TV
program, 2007)
Omigod! My dinosaur of a boss just told me to chillax – for rizzle [¼ real]!
(New York Times, 2006)
Give us an honest answer. Are you shizzle [¼ certain]? (Pearl Drummers
Forum, 2005)
what is indicated by the root word.” The association is often slightly derisive,
jocular or familiar. Note that many expressions created by the attachment of
this suffix often result from or accompany back clippings, a type of abbrevi-
ation (which will be discussed later). Consider the following examples:
There’d be at least one Negro writer in this room and that Afro [¼ hairstyle
of bouffant, tightly curled hair, worn by many African Americans] does not
qualify you, my Jewish friend (Bamboozled, film, 2000)
I got mad friends with Benzos [¼ Mercedes-Benz automobiles] (Notorious
B.I.G., 1994)
You and daddy-o [¼ friend] need to grow up and start accepting responsi-
bility for your actions (New Hampshire Union Leader, 2010)
I didn’t wanna go late with no present or anything, feel like a foolio [¼ stupid
person] (Bebo, 2009)
I lived in the ghetto and wore Timbos [¼ Timberland boots or shoes] and
army jackets (Access Hip Hop, 2009)
2.1.3 Phraseology
Combining may be discussed with regard to lexical entities larger than com-
pounds, namely, phrases. While the term “phrase” may be understood in a
number of ways, for the purpose of our study let us define it as a small series of
words standing together in a fixed order and forming a single conceptual
meaning; in that, phrases are similar to fixed expressions. Moreover, they have
a rather fixed structure and are often composed of elements functioning
together as a whole whose meaning cannot be inferred from these individual
elements; in that, they are similar to idioms. Examples include: chip off the old
block, completely different animal, cut a long story short, heads will roll, on
the right track and with all your heart.
Phrases are extensively used in African American slang. One of the reasons
may be its tendency for emotive expression and exaggeration. This is because
phrases are very effective in translating even the most complex meanings into
visual images. Another reason may be their rhythmic qualities, which are
highly valued in African American slang.
Phrases can be divided into several types. In African American slang, one of
the most productive phrase patterns involves a combination of verbs and other
parts of speech, especially nouns, which are sometimes accompanied by
prepositions. The resulting combination functions as an “extended verb.” Here
is a selection of such phrases:
I didn’t understand how a nigga so young could bust a cap [¼ shoot]
(Dr. Dre, 1992)
2.1 Combining 37
A noticeable number of verb phrases contain the verb get. Such popularity may
be attributed to the verb’s short, monosyllabic form and generalized meaning
38 Forms
These fab soothers can help you max and relax [¼ relax and have a good
time] (Out Magazine, 1999)
That way nobody can pitch a bitch [¼ complain] about a late starting time
(New York Post, 2002)
We had a quick second to shoot the shit [¼ talk or chitchat] with Mississippi-
born singer Charlie Mars (Black Book Magazine, 2010)
He falls hard for a sultry songbird named Angel who keeps goading him to
split the scene [¼ leave] with her (New York Newsday, 2006)
Somebody should tell him to quit stylin and profilin [¼ boasting or acting in
a showy way] after his pitch (Softball Fans, 2010)
Any candidate can talk the talk [¼ talk creatively, intensely and convin-
cingly] (Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 2010)
As in standard English, the verb and its particle may be separated by the object.
Consider the following examples:
I asked her how she came to do the show and she began to break it down [¼
explain] (Source, 1993)
I’m coming to break her off [¼ provide sexual pleasure], basically giving her
what’s missing (News, MTV-TV program, 2002)
I couldn’t believe they had the nerve to call me out [¼ challenge verbally]
like that (Honolulu Advertiser, 2004)
42 Forms
Phrasal verbs may, in turn, become nouns. The products of such transform-
ations are classified either as phrasal nouns or compounds, and the change is
usually signaled in writing: the newly formed nouns are usually spelled as one
word or linked with a hyphen, for instance carry-out, showoff, takeoff, turn-
over. It is also signaled in pronunciation: the stress falls on their first elements.
McArthur (1992: 774) observes that in standard English most phrasal nouns
relate to situations, but those relating to things and people tend to be slangy.
There are many such creations in African American slang, most with idiomatic
or figurative meanings. See the following citational examples:
Mr. Wilkins is shown wearing a blowout [¼ hairstyle of bouffant, tightly
curled hair, worn by many African Americans] in his toddler years (Balti-
more City Paper, 2003)
They probably had a dress-off [¼ competition among flashily dressed
persons] (Hollywood Gossip, 2012)
He chants “don’t stop, keep going” repeatedly over a mellow-back
[¼ calming] beat (Black Issues, 2010)
The process is generally fast and security is very laid-back [¼ calm], very
Canadian (Ebony, 2007)
2.2 Shortening 43
2.2 Shortening
Tendency toward brevity is an important characteristic of slang, colloquial and
spoken language in general. People often use slang to express ideas quicker or to
convey a complicated meaning in a concise way. This tendency is evident in a
sizeable portion of words which are monosyllabic or abbreviated in various ways.
Monosyllabic words are also highly popular in African American slang, a
fact duly noted by Eble (1996: 84). This is also in line with the general
tendency in American slang to be short in form, corroborated by Flexner (in
Chapman 1986: xxii). Their abundance is striking but can easily be explained
by the aforementioned function. Citational corroboration yields the following:
He gonna tell me to turn down my box [¼ large portable stereo player] (Do
the Right Thing, film, 1989)
The handling is totally bitchin’ and the chicks really dig [¼ like or regard
favorably] it (Car and Driver, 2000)
Birdie had no right to dis [¼ disrespect by belittling or disparaging] you like
that (Above the Rim, film, 1994)
Jon spent hours on her new do [¼ haircut] with celebrity hairstylist (New
York Daily News, 2010)
Then, on top of that shit, you gonna dog [¼ criticize] my baby sister? (Bad
Boys II, film, 2003)
Don’t forget, grab the blow, then jet [¼ leave] before that ho’ hit the door
(Ice-T, 1999)
Everyone knows you’ve got mad [¼ a lot of] talent, but in July you’re going
to have to prove yourself (Elle, 2005)
We rap [¼ peform a rap song] better than most niggers (Bamboozled,
film, 2000)
We from the same set [¼ neighborhood], but that don’t mean shit no mo’
(MC Ren, 1998)
I’m not your “yo” [¼ African American friend], show me your work! (Wire,
HBO-TV series, 2006)
44 Forms
2.2.1 Clipping
Clipping is an abbreviation in which part of a longer word is removed to
produce a shorter word, without an immediate change in lexical meaning.
Standard English examples include cab (from cabriolet), exam (from examin-
ation) or fan (from fanatic). Elements may be eliminated from the beginning
(e.g. airplane changes into plane), the end (e.g. delicatessen changes into deli),
or, rarely, both (e.g. influenza changes into flu). Such shortened forms are
almost always less formal than their longer sources. As observed by Eble
(1996: 35), for this reason “they have been commonly condemned as slovenly
and imprecise” by language purists and educators.
Clipping is a very productive process in the creation of slang expressions,
mostly due to slang’s tendency to be short and its marked informality.
However, it is important to notice that clipping itself does not make a given
word slang, while other factors of a social or stylistic nature must also be
present. Moreover, as noted by Adams (2009: 102), clipping can indicate
familiarity and intimacy, and is also popular for these reasons. In African
American slang, just as in standard English, a word may be shortened by back
clipping, front clipping, or both.
Back clipping (also termed hind clipping) is highly productive in slang. It
involves the removal of the final syllable(s) of a word. Significantly, a word is
back-clipped as soon as enough syllables are given to make the word intelli-
gible: the stump word is often a first syllable(s) representation of a longer
word. See the following examples of back clippings found in African Ameri-
can slang:
I used to drive an Ac [¼ Acura automobile] and kept a Mac in the engine
(Mobb Deep, 1995)
There’s no way he’d come to Cali [¼ California] and not check out the waves
(Big Momma’s House 2, film)
I owe you, cuz [¼ fellow African American man]! (Wire, HBO-TV
series, 2002)
I’m not trying to igg [¼ ignore] you or anything but I gotta deal with a lot of
stuff right now (David Austin, 2007)
He’s old but he’s one tough mother [¼ excellent or admirable man or thing]
(Starsky and Hutch, film, 2004)
2.2 Shortening 45
I’m not playing for rec [¼ good time]. I’m playing to win and I’ll do
whatever it takes (Hoops Hype, 2010)
I rep [¼ represent, support and defend the reputation, especially of where
one lives] Brooklyn, home of the gangsta (Wu-Tang Clan, 2004)
Lil sis [¼ African American woman] walk away with the dough, y’all niggaz
still broke (Puff Daddy, 1997)
Interestingly, certain back clippings take various endings such as the -o, -ie, -y or
-s suffix, and sometimes involve respellings. Consider the following examples:
What’s your addy [¼ address], so I can mail you a box of tissues to clean up
the mess you just made? (Washington Post, 2010)
I cannot believe he wore his Afro [¼ hairstyle of bouffant, tightly curled hair,
worn by many African Americans] that big (Bad Boys, film, 1995)
He dropped two Benjies [¼ hundred dollar bills] (Boston University Daily
Free Press, 2009)
I was rollin with Lorenzo in a Benzo [¼ Mercedes-Benz automobile] (Dr.
Dre, 1999)
I don’t have enough respect for that hoe [¼ contemptible or despicable
woman] to even learn her name (Topix, 2010)
It’s Boston, homey [¼ fellow African American], what did you expect?
(Ebony, 2009)
There were so many homies [¼ fellow African Americans] from the Westside
(Los Angeles Times, 2006)
I like black Timbs [¼ Timberland boots or shoes] and black hoodies (Notori-
ous, film, 2009)
Slang words are also formed by front clipping (also termed fore clipping),
which involves the removal of front syllable(s) from a word. The removed
syllable is typically unaccented, while the base word is bi- or polysyllabic;
note that there is often an apostrophe to indicate where letters are missing. In
the context of African American slang, some linguists link front clipping to
the loss of an unstressed prefix familiar in Gullah, as in “vorce” instead of
“divorce” (Dillard 1972: 254). Consider these examples from the database:
It’s unfair because people are basing [¼ criticizing, especially in a loud
voice] him (USA Today, 2010)
He actually had a fro [¼ hairstyle of bouffant, tightly curled hair, worn by
many African Americans] once upon a time (Washington Post, 2007)
Snoop entered with his expensive gators [¼ expensive shoes made from
alligator skins] on (News, MTV-TV program, 2005)
When he goes to speak about the hood [¼ neighborhood], it’s his hood. His
experience in the same bricks, on the same street (Ebony, 2009)
They dropped the body where we’d see it. To send the message to the jects [¼
housing projects for the poor] (Wire, HBO-TV series, 2002)
I used to drive a Lac [¼ Cadillac automobile] sippin gin and juice (South
Park Mexican, 2001)
You sayin’ you a rilla [¼ street tough guy or thug] when you knowin’ you not
(Black Planet, 2010)
They don’t like that ’tude [¼ arrogant, condescending or confrontational
attitude] much (Grad Cafe, 2010)
2.2.2 Initialism
Initialism (also termed alphabetism) is another type of abbreviation. It consists
of the initial letters of a series of words pronounced in sequence. Note that
initialisms are ordinarily spelled using capital letters, often followed by periods.
They are frequently encountered as part of specialized terminology and nomen-
clature such as technical jargon, and, as noted by Steinmetz and Kipfer (2006:
40), contribute to conciseness, precision and succinctness. Standard English
examples include AAA, HTML, M.A., NBC, S.O.S. or Y.M.C.A.
African American slang uses initialisms extensively. This is particularly
discernible in phrases, which are frequently abbreviated into the initial letters
for each word. Again, the motivation may be twofold: brevity of expression or
cryptic character. To which one may also add their rhythmic qualities. Here is a
collection of some of the most frequently recurring slang initialisms:
If you can’t make the trek down to ATL [¼ Atlanta, Georgia] like I did, don’t
sweat it (Ebony, 2009)
I’m a crazy motherfucker when I’m playing with my AK [¼ AK-47 assault
rifle] (Snoop Dogg, 1998)
The nearest BK [¼ Burger King restaurant] is in the Pennington Market
shopping center (Diane Goodspeed, 2005)
I am drinking a D.P. [¼ Dom Perignon champagne] at the moment actually.
I love this stuff (Newsgrounds, 2009)
2.2 Shortening 49
Civil rights advocates called the case an example of “driving while black,”
commonly called D.W.B. [¼ instance of stopping African American motorists
for no apparent reason] (Detroit News, 2002)
This guy’s no motherfucking M.C. [¼ performer of a rap song]! (8 Mile,
film, 2002)
What you doin’ in the PJ’s [¼ housing projects for the poor]? You lost?
(Wire, HBO-TV series, 2002)
I was born in SFC [¼ San Francisco, California] and raised in Vallejo (My
Space, 2007)
The extreme case of initialism – and clipping at the same time – is reduction to just
one letter, typically an initial which is capitalized. Consider the following examples:
Chill out, B [¼ man]. I’ma drop you off at the hotel and get back with you
later on tonight (Wahida Clark, 2009)
That’s why the fuck we’re in the D [¼ Detroit, Michigan] (8 Mile, film, 2002)
And if you still don’t know what’s goin’ on, yo G [¼ close friend], I got it
goin’ on! (Us3, 1993)
The reality of my “special” situation with my main man doing an “L” [¼ life
sentence without the possibility of parole] hits me the hardest at that time
(Prison Talk, 2005)
There’s another offer on eBay for OEM parts but they are more expensive for
my wallet. I want to still be drivin’ my V [¼ automobile] for a long time
(Honda Owners Club, 2010)
2.2.3 Acronym
Acronyms are yet another type of abbreviation. They are made using the first
letters of a series of words and pronounced as one word, as in AIDS, laser,
NATO, UNESCO, radar, scuba or sonar. In contrast to initialisms, they rarely
have periods separating the letters; they are also more typically spelled without
capital letters. As a result, they lose their connections to the individual words
from which they are derived and become words in and of themselves.
Acronyms are also featured in African American slang, although they are
much less frequent than initialisms, favored for their rhythmic qualities. See
the following examples:
As a BAP [¼ wealthy young African American, especially if pampered or
arrogant], I am a child of privilege (Philip Herbst, 1997)
Grace Monroe is what they used to call a buppie [¼ young, affluent, city-
dwelling African American professional]; she’s a black sociologist with a
PhD (USA Today, 2006)
50 Forms
Thanks to all you haters for all the CREAM [¼ money] you made us!
(Wu-Tang Clan, 2001)
Lucas loved the Strip view from the rotunda where the group danced to the
beats of the deejay [¼ disc jockey] (Las Vegas Weekly, 2010)
Rumor has it he will show up starring in a movie about Def Jam star Terry
Keaton, an old-school emcee [¼ performer of a rap song] who suffered a
severe brain injury breaking up a fight (Ebony, 2009)
2.3 Conversion
Lexical conversion (also variously referred to as grammatical shifting,
functional shift or zero derivation) is another common method of enriching
the English lexicon. In this process, a word changes its usual grammatical
function into another without undergoing any alteration in form. The English
lexicon is especially amenable to conversion because English is an analytic
language: it has comparatively few forms that associate a word with a particu-
lar part of speech. For instance, advance gives no clues about its grammar and,
viewed out of context, could be a verb, noun or adjective. Changes from and
into various parts of speech are possible, but the most common types of
conversion are verbification and nominalization.
Conversion is aimed at word economy, so it is commonly used in slang,
which favors succinctness and brevity. Conversion is also very productive in
African American slang and attests to the creativity and flexibility of its users.
According to Major (1994: xxx): “[African American slang] is fluid in this way
because it remains open to the influences of verbal forces from every conceiv-
able direction.”
2.3.1 Verbification
Verbification involves the changing of nouns into verbs, and is the most
productive type of conversion in English. As humorously observed by
McArthur: “There is no noun in English that can’t be verbed” (1992: 263). It
is also the single most popular type of conversion in African American slang.
Interestingly, the words undergoing this change may either be slang or stand-
ard English. Consider the following examples:
Ain’t nobody tryin’ to clown [¼ joke, tease or make fun of] me!
(Ice-T, 1998)
Deejaying [¼ working as a disc jockey] is more intuitive, requires more
imagination (New York Times, 2008)
Nagin has been both dogged [¼ criticized] and praised since the Katrina
disaster (Ebony, 2007)
2.3 Conversion 51
You sure she ain’t got no money? She could be frontin’ [¼ pretending], you
know? (Jungle Fever, film, 1991)
It’s OK as long as they don’t get to ghetto [¼ make something look typical of
the inner-city ghetto] their style (New Schoolers, 2002)
The band has already started gigging [¼ giving a musical performance or to
play a concert] (Billboard, 1999)
We like to jam [¼ play improvised music, especially jazz] and improvise
(University Wire, 2000)
Adams was trying to juice [¼ trick someone out of something] him for money
(Los Angeles Times, 2001)
Gangstaz do dirty work and get pimped [¼ exploited or taken advantage of]
by mobsters (Arrested Development, 1992)
I know what they want, they want to sex [¼ have sex with] me (Jay-Z, 1997)
2.3.2 Nominalization
Another frequent process of conversion in English is nominalization. As the
name suggests, it involves the changing of verbs into nouns. Although pro-
ductive, it remains less popular then verbification, possibly because nouns can
easily be formed from verbs by adding derivative suffixes such as -ation or
-ment (Steinmetz and Kipfer (2006: 122). Still, there are numerous expressions
converted in this way in African American slang. Citational corroboration
yields the following:
Mr. Wilkins is shown wearing a blowout [¼ hairstyle of bouffant, tightly
curled hair, worn by many African Americans] in his toddler years (Balti-
more City Paper, 2003)
In the suburbs, the dressoff [¼ competition among flashily dressed persons]
starts more slowly and rarely reaches the importance it does in Paris
(Chicago Tribune, 1985)
They called him a fade [¼ African American who is subservient to whites
or adopts their values and attitudes] or something like that (Hentai
Geek, 2010)
They’ve apparently done this before, just for kicks [¼ good time or pleasure]
(Washington Post, 2009)
The movie was a rip-off [¼ copy or imitation, especially if illegal] of the
more expensive 1967 “The Dirty Dozen,” costarring the ultimate definition of
black masculinity Jim Brown (Ebony, 2009)
They’re sell-outs [¼ African Americans who are subservient to whites or
adopt their values and attitudes] who got out the hood and forgot where they
came from (Realest Niggas, 2009)
52 Forms
There are expressions which may be converted into various parts of speech.
A classic example of such conversion is the African American slang word
cool, which may function as an adjective, adverb, noun, verb or exclamation.
Consider the following examples:
Tech-U is a really cool [¼ excellent or admirable] place (He Got Game,
film, 1998)
2.4 Blending 53
2.4 Blending
Blending (also known as fusion or amalgamation) is a combination of
shortening and compounding. Blend words (sometimes called portmanteau
words, fusions, amalgams or hybrids) are formed by joining two words and
simultaneously clipping part of the first or second word, or both. In English,
they are usually used for their succinctness, innovation or catchiness, and are
popular especially in product names and in advertising. Examples include:
breathalyzer, brunch, croissandwich, docudrama, electrocute, gasohol or smog.
Blends are very catchy and therefore a conspicuous part of general Ameri-
can slang. Yet they are not as numerous as one might expect, possibly due to
their contrived and complex structure, which sometimes impedes understand-
ing. They are, however, slightly more common in African American slang,
which may be explained by an appreciation of verbal creativity and poetic
innovation. Representative examples include the following:
That girl is blackalicious [¼ (of an African American) sexually attractive]
with them pretty eyes and thick thighs (Urban Dictionary, 2011)
Her famous bootylicious [¼ sexually attractive] feature needs no further
description (Ask Men, 2010)
Dianne Reeves was born in Motown [¼ Detroit, Michigan] (Washington
Post, 2002)
She could never change that mugly [¼ very unattractive] face of hers (Media
Takeout, 2008)
Wow, that is a really sexcellent [¼ sexually attractive] unit (Wordnik, 2009)
He called me a splib [¼ liberal African American who opposes racial
discrimination but will not challenge the status quo], then grabbed his dick
and gave me the finger (Ricardo Cortez Cruz, 1995)
We say you a wanksta [¼ rapper who poses as a gangster] and you need to
stop frontin (50 Cent, 2002)
54 Forms
Who is that stupid wigga [¼ white person who assumes the behavior and
values of the African American culture, especially hip-hop] dissin on that
new Timbaland track? (Sound Opinions, 2006)
2.5 Borrowing
Borrowing is an important way of enriching the lexicon. It is an umbrella term
which principally involves lexical and semantic borrowing. The former entails
one language borrowing entire words from another, with varying degrees of
modification, while the latter pertains to the literal translation of a concept from
one language to create an entirely new lexical entity in another language. Both
are used in African American slang, although they are not very prominent.
2.5.1 Loanwords
A loanword is a lexical item taken from one language into another with various
degrees of adaptation in spelling, pronunciation or meaning. In English, a
sizeable portion of the lexicon has been created in this way, especially with
2.5 Borrowing 55
words borrowed from Latin, Greek or French which belong to formal and
technical vocabularies. In recent times, loanwords have come from a broad
variety of source languages, reflecting the increased diversity of the US
population, and the speed and ease of modern communication. Furthermore,
because of its growing role as the global lingua franca, English itself consti-
tutes a source of borrowing.
However, loanwords in African American slang have been relatively small
in number. This is can be explained by slang’s characteristic of enhancing
solidarity and group-identification rather than any attempt at being cosmopol-
itan. Also, because slang is ethnocentric, borrowings are somehow not con-
sidered interesting simply because they do not sound like English. Moreover,
much like jargon, borrowings are used primarily in writing for transmission of
specific information among specialists rather than for casual communication.
Accordingly, borrowings are extremely rare and often heavily modified. Cita-
tional corroboration yields the following:
We spent boo coos [¼ a lot of or plenty of (from French “beaucoup”)] of
money for equipment and uniforms (City Data, 2010)
Rastas were smoking ganja [¼ marijuana, from Hindi “ganja”], Jamaica’s
potent marijuana and a religious sacrament for Rastafarians, who cultivate it
in the hills (Winston-Salem Journal, 2008)
The blueswoman learns that someone’s put a hoodoo [¼ bad luck or a
person or thing that brings bad luck (from Fon or Ewe “vodu”)] (or a curse)
on her (Craw Daddy, 2010)
When they got off the boat, the second word they learned was “nigger”
[¼ fellow African American (via Spanish from Latin “niger”)] (Toni
Morrison, 1994)
Yo, we parlay [¼ have a good time (from French “parler”)], parlay everyday
(Snoop Dogg, 1999)
Interestingly, borrowings from African languages remain relatively scarce. Put
differently, only a handful of expressions in African American slang can be
clearly traced to African origins. Some linguists such as Crystal (1995: 96) or
Smitherman (2000a: 25) explain this as a result of the policy of slave-traders
which mixed Africans of different language backgrounds in order to prevent
rebellion. This practice later resulted in diverse forms of speech used by African
Americans; rather than resorting to old African expressions not universally known
to all slaves, they either imitated the language of the white people or created their
own expressions. Nevertheless, some African expressions still survive:
What hip [¼ aware, knowing or understanding (possibly from Wolof
“hepi”)] individual inspired this visit to the Biltmore? (Bad Boys,
film, 1995)
56 Forms
There was this jerk snorin’ like a buzzsaw alongside of me and I’m tryin’ to
jazz [¼ have sex with (from Mandinka “jasi” or Temne “jas”)] his wife!
(James David Horan, 1991)
It’s nothing but a bunch of jive [¼ deceptive or misleading talk (possibly from
Wolof “jev” meaning “false talk”)] and junk (Hustle and Flow, film, 2005)
We drink juke [¼ liquor (possibly from Wolof and Bambara “dzug” meaning
“disorderly action”)] out of glasses, not boxes, and at the risk of appearing
hopelessly out of date, we use antique utensils such as forks and spoons
(St. Petersburg Times, 2004)
If you buy a jumbo [¼ very big (possibly from Kongo “nzamba” meaning
“elephant”)] SUV, you’ll pay a little more than that (Chicago Sun-
Times, 1999)
I used to wear a mojo [¼ charm or amulet worn against evil (from Fula
“moco” meaning “medicine man”)] around my neck (My Space, 2013)
2.5.3 Eponyms
Eponyms form a modest yet discernible word-acquisition process. Sometimes
considered part of borrowings, these are expressions derived from personal
names, often of inventors or creators, or names of fictitious characters. They
are initially spelled with the first letter capitalized, but in time lose the
capitalization. Examples include: stetson (after John B. Stetson, hat manufac-
turer), to bowdlerize (after Thomas Bowdler, English expurgator of Shake-
speare) and sadism (after the Marquis de Sade).
In African American slang, eponyms play a marginal role. This is because
they normally require concrete knowledge which enables the speaker to
associate the expression with the name. The exceptions include well-
recognized people or fictitious characters who became icons for the popular
consciousness. Here are a few examples from our database:
A mixed signal is when you saying no but you got your hand on my Jim
Browski [¼ penis] (Access Atlanta, 2009)
The narc succumbs to his jones [¼ drug habit] and eventually loses every-
thing (San Francisco Weekly, 2006)
Even if I don’t ball in my Jordans [¼ any of several brands of Nike gym
shoes], I would like the comfort they were made for (Nike Talk, 2011)
My hands are shaky and I ain’t feelin’ well from drinkin’ King Kong
[¼ cheap and strong liquor] and cheap muscatel (Straight Dope, 2005)
First names used as eponyms are more popular in African American slang.
They are also employed for a similar effect. Here is a collection of representa-
tive examples:
Miss Ann, also just plain Ann [¼ white woman], is a derisive reference to the
white woman (Wikipedia, 2009)
Our spy says she pulled an envelope of Benjamins [¼ hundred
dollar bills] out of her purse and handed one over (New York Daily
News, 2009)
Let’s go smoke some Buddha [¼ marijuana] and get high as hell (Urban
Dictionary, 2006)
We kinda jumped from “Charlie” to the racist terms. “Charlie” [¼ white
person] wasn’t a racist term (Straight Dope, 2003)
I had my jimmy [¼ penis] waxed every day last week (New Jack City,
film, 1991)
Jody [¼ man having an affair with someone’s wife or girlfriend, especially
someone who is in jail or went off to war], are you messin’ with my date?
(Baby Boy, film, 2001)
58 Forms
I’d focus on that and leave the Oprah-ing [¼ dredging intimate facts from
someone] to Oprah (Cooking Light, 2008)
“I ain’t some Uncle Tom!” “I didn’t mean you were a Tom [¼ African
American man who is subservient to whites or adopts their values and
attitudes]” (Assassination of Richard Nixon, film, 2004)
Here’s my how-to roll a Dutch Master [¼ cigar with the tobacco replaced
with marijuana], in my opinion, the best blunt (Grass City, 2006)
I think almost every year someone calls me Oreo [¼ African American who is
subservient to whites or adopts their values and attitudes] (Indianapolis
Monthly, 2010)
She is a used Oreo cookie [¼ African American who is subservient to whites
or adopts their values and attitudes]. The white community used her and spit
her out (Ebony, 2008)
Borrowing may also involve expressions taken from African American slang
for use in general American slang. This phenomenon, labeled variously as
secondary slang, lexical appropriation, or even Africanization of the lexicon,
will be dealt with in the last chapter, which is devoted to functions of slang.
2.6 Creating
Creating is the process of inventing entirely new words (alternatively labeled
neologisms) via coinage and onomatopoeia. Respelling is sometimes added to
this category, although technically speaking, it involves the modification of
existing words rather than the coining of new ones.
2.6.1 Coinage
Creating words from scratch accounts for very few new words in language.
According to Eble (1996: 26), coinage accounts for almost no new words in
English, and one can offer but a few examples: blurb, googol, hobbit, nylon
and quark. This is possibly because these words themselves give no clue to
their meaning (Lieber 2010: 51). This is also because rather than by coinage
(or root creation), most of words in English are produced in conformity with
patterns already established in the language, such as by modifying or attaching
new meanings to existing words.
Coinage of new words is also rare in African American slang, which may be
surprising since slang thrives on novelty. However, this corresponds with the
aforementioned tendency in the English language to recycle old words. Most
African American slang uses existing words, modified either morphologically
or semantically. Still, there are a few African American slang expressions that
seem to have been coined ex nihilo, and it is impossible to establish their
etymology authoritatively. Here are a few examples of such neologisms:
Every woman wanted to jump on his bozack [¼ penis] (Badass of the
Week, 2009)
Who’s the dicty [¼ self-important or arrogant] kid? (Brother to Brother,
film, 2004)
60 Forms
2.6.2 Onomatopoeia
Another type of creating is onomatopoeia (or echoism). In this process, new
words are formed from natural sounds, or they are adapted visually to suggest
a certain sound, as is the case with bow-wow, ding-dong or tick-tock. In
2.6 Creating 61
onomatopoeic usage, sound and meaning echo and reinforce each other. There
are a few dozen onomatopoeic expressions in English, but their application is
fairly limited: they are particularly used as exclamations in comic books and
advertising.
Onomatopoeic expressions also play a rather marginal role in African
American slang, although they can be useful thanks to their manner of
associating sound and meaning. Here are a few such expressions found in
our database:
This bling [¼ piece of jewelry, especially a ring]? This is ghetto fabulous!
(30 Rock, NBC-TV series, 2008)
He is a role model not some athlete or rapper with all the bling-bling [¼
showiness and ostentatious luxury] (Ebony, 2009)
This shit is real from jump, so if you wanna thump [¼ fight], we can get
started (Ying Yang Twins, 2002)
He’s been woofing [¼ threatening by using strong and boastful language]
since the season began how he’s going to do this and going to doing that
(New York Daily News, 2010)
You see us guzzling forties, menthols, wine, and wee. Sitting on the back
porch, getting zooted [¼ drunk], feeling fine indeed (Talib Kweli, 2007)
2.6.3 Respelling
Respelling (alternatively termed eye-dialect, phoneticism, distortion or corrup-
tion) involves deliberate misspelling of an expression. This is done chiefly for
jocular effect, especially in journalism or advertising, for instance Beanz
Meanz Heinz, Krispy Kreme or Kwik Kleen; it is used in internet communi-
cation for brevity, for instance CU L8R or RUOK; it can also be done to imitate
someone’s speech, especially in order to mock or ridicule it, for instance Pahk
the cah in Hahvahd Yahd or Oh mah Gawd). Since the resulting forms always
violate the norms of standard language, they are considered informal or
colloquial. One would expect them to be frequent in slang. Surprisingly, this
is not the case, possibly because their contrived form impedes understanding;
the graphic representation of slang rarely diverges from the standard English
spelling, and odd pronunciations and respellings simply are not commonly
seen in slang.
However, in African American slang, respelling seems to be much more
frequent, if not common (Brasch 1981: 299). This can be explained by African
Americans’ traditional interest in wordplay and linguistic experimentation,
visible in such cultural manifestations as hip-hop lyrics: “How words sound
has always interested black speakers,” says Major (1994: xxix). But in African
American slang, this process seems to be used to make a political point: the
62 Forms
done with the possible omission of one or more letters. While it enjoys some
popularity in Britain, it is exceptionally rare in North America, and virtually
non-existent in African American slang. Here is the only back-slang expres-
sion found in our database:
I wouldn’t go so far as to say she sounds like ish [¼ something inferior or
worthless] (Concrete Loops, 2009)
Summary
As evidenced in this chapter, the form of African American slang is not
fundamentally different from that of standard English. The same wordbuilding
processes are applicable, disproving uninformed claims of any alleged linguis-
tic deficiency of African American slang in comparison with standard English.
In fact, in African American slang, some of these processes are more promin-
ent and used in a more creative way.
In compounding, reduplication is very frequent; interestingly, it never
involves the clipping of one element to make a “cryptic” (or “implied”)
reduplication, as is common in British slang. Certain affix words are product-
ive in the creation of numerous compounds, for instance: daddy, ghetto, mama,
nigga, soul and, especially, ass. In affixation, the infixes -izz- and -izzle- are
conspicuous, particularly in hip-hop usage, although no longer in vogue. In
phraseology, numerous phrasal verbs are formed in a creative way, either with
totally new meanings or in unique combinations of verbs and particles; longer
phrases and formulaic expressions, often proverbial in character, are also
popular and typically reflect the African American experience. Both in com-
pounding and phraseology, rhyming is frequently employed in African Ameri-
can slang, typically achieved through alliteration and assonance.
While numerous expressions are the result of combining, equally common
is the short form and the shortening of already existing expressions.
Monosyllabic words figure prominently in African American slang. In abbre-
viation, clipped forms and initialisms are most frequent, while acronyms and
back formations are relatively rare. Blending, a marginal wordbuilding
process, appears to be surprisingly more common than one might expect.
Conversion, especially verbification, is as pervasive as it is in standard
English.
In African American slang, borrowings and loan translations are not espe-
cially prominent. Surprisingly, this also pertains to expressions borrowed from
African languages or loan translations from these languages, all of which are
relatively rare. Likewise, eponyms are also infrequent, except compounds
based on first names which enjoy some popularity. Brand names constitute a
marginal part of African American slang.
Summary 65
Just as in standard English and general slang, creating entirely new words is
not popular in African American slang. Coinage and onomatopoeia are
seldom found. Respelling, on the other hand, is very frequent; the respelled
forms reflect the standard AAVE pronunciation but are also used consciously
for a number of sociological reasons stemming from the African American
experience. Cryptic devices are virtually non-existent except for a variety of
initialisms and clippings which have a more or less overt cryptic character.
3 Meanings
3.1 Figuration
Figuration is a well-established process of semantic change. It entails a word
gaining further, non-literal meanings, specifically through metaphor and
metonymy. The English lexicon abounds in meanings created in this way;
examples include: nature spoke, living death and crown of England. Although
such figures of speech have long featured prominently in poetry, they are also
used frequently in everyday language. In fact, as claimed and illustrated by
Lakoff and Johnson (1980: ix), figuration is central to thought, cognition and
ordinary, non-literary language.
66
3.1 Figuration 67
3.1.1 Metaphor
Metaphor is the best-known figure of speech used in figuration. It can be
generally understood as the application of a word or phrase to someone or
something where it is not meant literally, but is rather used to make a
comparison. More specifically, metaphor crosses certain conceptual boundar-
ies, often called domains, and names something by a different name. In this
way, it brings likeness or analogy between things that are fundamentally
different. For instance, a snake can mean “a secretive, treacherous or dishonest
person” because the behavior of such people is similar to what is commonly
thought to be the behavior of snakes; the domains, however, are entirely
different. In popular opinion, metaphor belongs to poetry, where for centuries
it has been admired for crossing the boundaries of human thought and inspir-
ing imagination.
Metaphor is by no means exclusive to poetry and is used extensively in
African American slang as well. This is due to slang’s tendency to avoid
naming things directly on the one hand, and its tendency to trigger striking
associations on the other. Here is a selection of relevant examples:
We’re all ad guys. Flew in this morning from the Apple [¼ New York City]
(Out of Sight, film, 1998)
I made the choice to devote my life to having kids and be a baby factory
[¼ woman who has had a lot of children] (Los Angeles Times, 2010)
I’ll do that later, I gotta bounce [¼ leave]! (30 Rock, NBC-TV series, 2007)
You keep laying that pipe [¼ having sex] with Marlene and she’ll make us all
rich (Ray, film, 2004)
Luckily I found out that she was a lemon [¼ light-skinned sexually attractive
African American woman] (Yahoo Answers, 2009)
“Concussion? How’s your melon [¼ head]?” “It’s all right” (Criminal
Minds, CBS-TV series, 2013)
68 Meanings
You smoked the blunts and got nice [¼ under the influence of drugs]
(Notorious B.I.G., 1994)
People are salty [¼ irritated, angry or hostile] because she has the nerve to
show her real-woman boobs on TV (Bitch Magazine, 2013)
He’s a fuckin’ snake [¼ traitor, especially an informant], you niggaz are
fuckin blind to facts (Jay-Z, 2009)
I figured that if I just split [¼ departed or left], then the problem would go
away (Get on the Bus, film, 1996)
3.1.2 Metonymy
Metonymy is another productive figuration device used in standard English.
In metonymy, an attribute of something is used to represent the thing itself.
In contrast to metaphor, which crosses different domains, metonymy operates
within a single domain, linking things that are somehow associated, and thus,
as observed by Lakoff and Johnson (1980: 35), “allows us to center more
specifically on certain aspects of what is being referred to.” Examples of this
productive figuration device include the Crown (“monarchy or reigning mon-
arch”), plastic (“credit card(s)”), the press (“newspapers or journalists viewed
collectively”) or the White House (“The US President and his staff”).
Accordingly, African American slang makes extensive use of metonymy
as well. As in metaphors, most slang metonyms operate on the same prin-
ciples as standard language: the meaning of one word must be associated in
some way with the meaning of another. African American slang abounds in
words which have acquired new meanings in this way. See the following
selections:
Man, I got some serious bank [¼ money] in my wallet (Aaron Peckham,
2005)
Blaze [¼ light a marijuana cigarette] the spliff! Nigga, did you hear me?
(Snoop Dogg, 1999)
For weeks, Demi’s teammates referred to her as “blondie” [¼ white woman]
or “white girl” (Miami Herald, 2010)
I hold my chrome [¼ firearm] steady, with a tight grip (Gang Starr, 1999)
Ain’t nobody tryin’ to clown [¼ joke, tease or make fun of] me (Ice-T, 1999)
I’m on the strip, eyeballin’ [¼ staring at or observing closely] the chicks
(Wu-Tang Clan, 2001)
I don’t think they’ve got any funds [¼ money] to give us (Macon
Telegraph, 2003)
I’m not to be fucked with, step in the range of my gauge [¼ shotgun] and get
bucked quick (Ice-T, 1993)
3.1 Figuration 69
There are cases filled with Florida post cards that show black babies labeled
“alligator bait” [¼ African American from Florida or Louisiana, especially
a child] (South Florida Sun-Sentinel, 1990)
He’s screaming for revenge against Babylon [¼ aspects of white culture seen
as degenerate and oppressive] (Chicago Sun-Times, 2012)
He asked the victim to buy him a double deuce [¼ twenty-two-ounce bottle of
strong and cheap malt liquor] (Chicago Sun-Times, 2012)
You Mexican boys can’t play the Dozens [¼ tease, especially by provocative
rhyming comments in a gamelike manner] (Bobby, film, 2006)
She ain’t no field nigger [¼ rebellious lower-class African American, espe-
cially working on a farm] (Django Unchained, film, 2012)
They never received the promised forty acres [¼ symbolic reparations for
enslavement] (Kansas City Star, 2008)
Your cousin gets back from getting her hair fried [¼ straightened by using a
heated metal comb] and died (Coach Carter, film, 2005)
The ghetto lullaby [¼ innercity-ghetto noise, especially sirens, helicopters,
gunfire] puttin’ my kids to sleep (Menace II Society, film, 1992)
Uncle Colin was a house nigga [¼ African American who acts subserviently
toward a white employer, especially working in a household], did what
massa Bush told him to do (Washington Post, 2006)
We’re paying tribute to African American history and pop culture in Soul
City [¼ Harlem, New York] (Book Reporter, 2010)
Let me start off by saying that this is strictly a rumor, so don’t take this as
serious as a heart attack [¼ very serious] (Bleacher Report, 2011)
I ain’t gonna lie, this is one beastly [¼ unattractive] nigga! (YouTube, 2011)
All they need is a computer and they can do it before God gets the news
[¼ very quickly] (Helium, 2011)
So I deaded [¼ abandoned, especially one’s girlfriend] her. I can’t chill with
her anymore. She’s a ho! (New York Magazine, 1997)
People say “nigger” about fifty eleven [¼ very many] times in “Django
Unchained” (Racialicious, 2013)
“I gotta jet [¼ leave]!” “You should definitely come over sometime”
(Surface, NBC-TV series, 2005)
Niggaz should scream on [¼ criticize and disrespect] him for that (World
Star Hip Hop, 2009)
He couldn’t get a slave [¼ job]; he apparently drank all the travel money up
(Scott Newhall, 1990)
the words like or as. There are numerous expressions in English based on
simile, for instance, (as) black as coal, (as) busy as a bee, (as) strong as an ox,
eat like a pig or sleep like a log. Simile is also found in African American slang
where it is normally used to strengthen or emphasize a given quality. Consider
the following examples:
One’s running around, looking crazy as a motherfucker [¼ extremely or
totally] (Precious, film, 2009)
They’ve gotta know we’re as serious as a heart attack [¼ very serious]
(Youngstown Vindicator, 2011)
It’s too cold for you to be runnin’ around barefoot as a river duck
[¼ barefoot] (Ross Roeser, 1998)
Immigration was on my ass like stank on shit [¼ clinging to or following as
closely as possible] (Antonio Styles, 2011)
We need to be vigilant and stay on you like white on rice [¼ clinging to or
following as closely as possible] (New York Times, 2009)
oneself, but also scorn or disdain for another, for instance cop, the bench, the
law, [party] whip, pillar [of the community], the state. This process is also
common in African American slang. Consider the following examples:
She’s built like a brick. She’s a brick [¼ sexually attractive woman] (Geneva
Smitherman, 2000)
I used to help all them crumbs [¼ insignificant people] (Randy Kearse, 2006)
You seen her? She’s a dime [¼ sexually attractive person], dawg. Perfect ten,
man! (Stone, film, 2010)
I love Serena. Serena’s body is sick. As my brother says, “She’s a hammer
[¼ sexually attractive woman]” (Media Takeout, 2008)
First he was my money grip [¼ close friend], then he stole my honey dip (Del
the Funky Homosapien, 1991)
In like manner, humans can also be figuratively referred to by names of
animals. This is a very common process and accounts for numerous African
American slang expressions (see below).
She had big eyes [¼ intense craving or desire] for Berry, whom she met
onstage (Time, 2011)
Rubber banded bundles of big faces [¼ any of the new-style dollar bills with
large faces of US presidents, especially the new hundred-dollar bills]
(Nekousa Mullin, 2004)
Well, I know you didn’t bone [¼ had sex with] her (Jungle Fever, film, 1991)
That guy was eyeballing [¼ staring at or observing closely] me the whole
time (Seinfeld, NBC-TV series, 1999)
Invite your single friends to celebrate the glass ceilings that hold all of us
back by sucking on the glass dick [¼ glass pipe used to smoke crack cocaine]
(Madatoms, 2010)
And nine times out of ten, the honey he’d hit skins [¼ have sex] with, she’d be
a white girl (Get on the Bus, film, 1996)
He described the irresponsible speaker as talking like a man with a paper ass
[¼ insignificant man] (Zim Dog, 2009)
Walking is for old heads [¼ older persons]? I can’t believe what I’m hearing
(Kath and Kim, NBC-TV series, 2008)
They were white and I was black. We’d call them “ofays” or “grays” [¼ white
persons] (Geraldine Coleman, 1996)
Now you’re the finest girl I ever saw in my life, I want to stick to you like
white on rice [¼ clinging to or following as closely as possible] (Tina Turner
and Kurt Loder, 1980)
The term was created by pinks [¼ white persons] to deny responsibility for
systemic racism (AntiRacist Workshop, 2013)
I dream of the day when the Red, Black and Green [¼ color combination
suggesting strong identification with African Americans and their experi-
ence] will be on proud display (Black World Today, 1999)
I was born a white nigga [¼ white person who assumes the behavior and
values of the African American culture, especially hip-hop]! (SOHH, 2007)
I ain’t no white trash [¼ poor white person, especially from the southern
USA]! (Cape Fear, film, 1991)
Blacks think of her as a yellow [¼ light-skinned African American, especially
a sexually attractive young woman] (Alice Walker, 1998)
Figuration involving animals is also frequent in African American slang.
Expressions based on this theme typically involve an attribution of an animal
nature or characteristic to a person or an object. Citational corroboration yields
the following:
Come on, alligators [¼ devotees or performers of swing music, especially if
white]! It’s not enough to dance the dances, you need to talk the talk of swing
(Baltimore Sun, 2001)
I think you got more sense than any cat [¼ man] in this prison (Malcolm X,
film, 1992)
I came to cop some licks from some more experienced cats [¼ jazz musi-
cians], you dig? (Ray, film, 2004)
I’ve seen pix of her from back in the day and she was such a fox [¼ sexually
attractive woman] (Us Magazine, 2010)
I’ve got two Cadillacs to drive. A lot of guys work all their lives and never get
to drive a Hog [¼ Cadillac automobile] (Sports Illustrated, 2010)
The roaches [¼ police officers] will shit themselves to death (Naked Lunch,
film, 1991)
He had been suffering from paranoid schizophrenia and regularly smoked
skunk [¼ very strong marijuana] (Washington Post, 2007)
Boy, you’re a real snake [¼ traitor, especially an informant]! (Dreamgirls,
film, 2006)
Figuration based on numbers is another frequent pattern. Associating numbers
with words or concepts has a long tradition, seen in numerology or the Hebrew
76 Meanings
3.2 Shifting
Semantic shifting is an established mechanism of change in the meaning of
words. It involves such semantic processes as generalization, specialization,
melioration and pejoration, all of which can affect both denotative and
connotative meaning. Shifting is usually observed through the passage of
time. In standard language, it is evident in shifts from older meanings into
new ones, often important to consider in an historical context. For instance,
the word gay once meant “merry” but shifted denotation to mean
“homosexual.”
Since much of slang is formed from old words which acquire new meanings,
semantic shifting strongly features in African American slang. By way of
analogy, shifts in meaning of slang expressions can be compared to shifts in
standard language throughout history. There are numerous slang expressions
which changed their meanings in this way; for instance, the expression Ann
was first used to mean “a white woman” but, through shifting, came to be used
for “an arrogant African American woman who acts like a white person.” All
these shifting processes are employed in African American slang.
3.2.1 Generalization
Generalization (alternatively termed broadening or extension) widens the
denotative meaning of a word, rendering it broader or more inclusive over
time. In standard English, many words have acquired their current meaning
through this process. For instance, novice once meant “an initiate in a religious
order” but has widened its meaning and now can be used to refer to “any
beginner in any field or discipline.”
African American slang expressions employ generalization as well. The
meaning is widened with regard to standard words that become slang in this
way, but also with regard to words that are already slang and have acquired
additional meanings. Here is a selection of expressions whose meaning
became generalized:
I better hurry up and finish this comment before the plug gets pulled and
can’t find me some booty [¼ woman as a sex object or partner, not just the
buttocks] (CNET, 2009)
Taylor Swift won’t ever become a diva [¼ any accomplished and distin-
guished woman, not just a celebrated female opera singer] who gets caught
up trying to bask in her own spotlight (Appleton Post-Crescent, 2009)
They tell the taxpayer how it’s using our tax ducats [¼ money in general, not
just old European coins named “ducats”] (Ebony, 2009)
My woman need funds [¼ money in general, not just amount of money saved
or invested], plus her hair and her toes done (Wu-Tang Clan, 2007)
78 Meanings
3.2.2 Specialization
Specialization (or narrowing) is the opposite of generalization. It entails
semantic change in which the denotative meaning of a word becomes
narrowed, less general or less inclusive over time. Again, many current
meanings in English lexicon have come about as a result of this process. For
instance, meat once simply meant “food” but has narrowed its meaning and
now is used only to refer to “the flesh of an animal used as food.”
African American slang also features specialization. Again, the meaning is
narrowed with regard to standard words that become slang in this way, but also
with regard to words that were already slang to begin with. Here is a selection
of expressions whose meanings have become specialized:
Look, I don’t need your attitude [¼ arrogant, condescending or confron-
tational attitude, not any attitude] (Big Bang Theory, CBS-TV series,
2008)
I can do [¼ have sex with, not do any activity in general] anybody (54,
film, 1998)
He moved deftly between classic lyrics and his own added freestyle [¼
spontaneous and improvised music, especially rap, not just any improvisa-
tion] (Ebony, 2009)
Let’s not talk, let’s get busy [¼ have sex with, not get busy in general]!
(South Park, film, 1995)
He doesn’t actually smoke herb [¼ marijuana, not any herb] up there
(Orlando Sentinel, 2008)
I saw your man [¼ close friend, not just any man], man! (Paid in Full,
film, 2002)
That’s a lot of paper [¼ money, not just any paper], dawg (Crossover,
film, 2006)
You’ll meet my people [¼ friends, not just people in general] (Ice-T, 1999)
3.2 Shifting 79
You didn’t just go up to a girl and ask her for her seven digits [¼ telephone
number, not any set of seven digits] (Washington Post, 1999)
3.2.3 Melioration
Melioration (alternatively termed amelioration or elevation) is yet another
semantic process of change in language. It involves an “improvement” in the
meaning of a word whose connotations become more favorable over time. Put
differently, “words improve in reputation” (Steinmetz and Kipfer 2006: 108).
Many current meanings in the English lexicon have come about as a result of
this process as well: for instance, knight once meant “a boy” or “male servant”
but has improved its meaning to refer to “a noble soldier of higher rank” or “a
man who holds the title Sir.”
Melioration is also widespread in African American slang. This is because
much of slang is negative and involves taboo references to sexual acts, body
parts and bodily functions. However, through increased use, these expressions
lose their shock value and become more positive. For instance, the world of
African American music was responsible for popularizing the meliorated
meanings of jam, jazz and juke, all of which originally had sexual references.
Here are more examples of slang expressions with ameliorated meanings:
Oh my God! You’re so bad [¼ excellent or admirable]! You’re the man!
(Strictly Sexual, film, 2008)
Diane excelled as the sophisticated bitch [¼ woman] (Tom Lisanti, 2000)
You burn [¼ cook, especially if very well] supper? Who’s the lucky girl?
(Jungle Fever, film, 1991)
I’m gonna need an accountant to count all my cheddar [¼ money] and stuff
(A Good Day to Be Black and Sexy, film, 2008)
Here’s a fatass [¼ big or impressive] check to smooth out the ride (Catch
and Release, film, 2006)
I vouch for this motherfucker [¼ excellent or admirable man], he’s a
motherfucking genius (8 Mile, film, 2002)
They still bring the noise [¼ music, especially instrumental music rather than
vocals] (Ebony, 2009)
Brandi was a thick [¼ (of a woman) curvaceous] cute little chick (Snoop
Dogg, 2006)
each other ‘nigger’ and, in a sense, make null and void racial slurs of white
bigots.” This pertains to the use of the word by itself but also to numerous
combinations whose semantic ranges vary. Consider the following:
Who’s the Boss Nigga In Charge [¼ an African American person in
charge]? Who the motherfucking boss? (Slim Thug, 2009)
I’m the Head Nigger In Charge [¼ African American person in charge]
(Malcolm X, film, 1992)
Black kids call each other “my nigger” [¼ fellow African American] (New
York Times, 2005)
I hope you have a Niggalicious [¼ excellent or admirable, especially if
connected with African Americans] Christmas (YouTube, 2010)
I don’t think that niggarette [¼ fellow African American woman] is so damn
sexy (Get Big, 2009)
Nigger please [¼ I am irritated and exasperated]! It’s the White House!
(Live Journal, 2009)
Why don’t you talk like the rest of us poor niggers [¼ fellow African
Americans]? (Alice Walker, 2013)
3.2.4 Pejoration
Pejoration (alternatively termed degradation or degeneration) is the opposite of
melioration. It involves a “depreciation” in the meaning of a word whose
connotations have become less favorable or have worsened over time. Histor-
ically, pejoration has shaped the meanings of many standard words. For
instance, silly once meant “blessed” or “innocent” but has worsened semantic-
ally to mean “ridiculous” or “trivial.”
This process is also encountered in African American slang, which often
favors mockery and degradation. Because of the generally negative tone of
slang, pejoration is considered less evident than melioration (Eble 1996: 59).
Our findings support this. Consider the following expressions that have under-
gone pejoration:
“You’re a real bear [¼ unattractive person, especially a woman]!” “Why
insult me?” (Matter of Size, film, 2009)
I would bend Amanda over, lick her fish hole [¼ vagina], then pound that
sweet little love muscle (Ninja Dude, 2009)
For all those days you tried to game [¼ deceive or manipulate] me
(AZ, 2000)
I don’t understand why dudes are so geographical [¼ harboring prejudice
against someone because of their place of origin] when it comes to music
(Realest Niggas, 2010)
Summary 81
You smoked the blunts and got nice [¼ under the influence of a drug]
(Notorious B.I.G., 1994)
The game’s out there. Play or be played [¼ be deceived or outsmarted]
(Wire, HBO-TV series, 2002)
It was time to quit styling [¼ boasting or acting in a showy way] and focus on
the pursuit of their state championship (Chicago Tribune, 2002)
Mantan is a Tom [¼ African American man who is subservient to whites or
adopts their values and attitudes], Mantan is a disgrace (Bamboozled,
film, 2000)
Sometimes, the melioration or pejoration in slang can be extreme and involve a
total reversal of meaning. Antiphrasis, as it is technically called, is the use of
an expression to mean the opposite of its usual sense, for instance saying that’s
wonderful when one really thinks something is terrible. Brasch calls this
“semantic inversion” and considers it an important feature of African Ameri-
can lexis (1981: 295). Dalzell views such inversion as a sign of rebellion, and
explains that it “is a linguistic world-upside-down view, in that what the
dominant society views as positive is negative, and vice versa” (2010: 24).
Indeed, there are numerous examples of this interesting process in African
American slang, showing a fondness for wordplay and semantic experimen-
tation. Consider the following:
Tell me, what is the biggest, baddest [¼ most excellent or admirable]
hamburger you guys got? (True Romance, film, 1993)
You were the illest [¼ most excellent or admirable] man alive, now I’m
reading your eulogy (Gang Starr, 1998)
It was illin’ [¼ excellent or admirable] seein my nigga DJin at the clubhouse
last night (Facebook, 2011)
It’s gonna be a mean [¼ excellent or admirable] bike, maybe the baddest we
ever built (Skateland, film, 2010)
Check out the brainy Brett! You’re a smart motherfucker [¼ excellent or
admirable man]! (Pulp Fiction, film, 1994)
He’s a motherfucking [¼ excellent or admirable] genius (8 Mile, film, 2003)
Everybody loves those guys. They throw the sickest [¼ most excellent or
admirable] parties (Old School, film, 2003)
He did it in such vicious [¼ excellent or admirable] style, too. Smiling,
talking to the audience and his opponents (Ebony, 2008)
Summary
As demonstrated above, African American slang is also created by attaching
new meanings to already existing standard English words. This is done by the
82 Meanings
This may stem from the fact that they all entail a human element and are close
to our nature. Moreover, the great synonymity and profusion of expressions
within these themes suggest that standard vocabulary is often an inadequate
form of expression.
African American slang is no exception. The common themes are exactly
the same as those employed in general American slang and include all of the
aforementioned themes. At the same time, their popularity is attributed to the
very same reasons given above. From this perspective, a sizeable part of
African American slang is no different from the aggregate of slang used in
America. Naturally, there are also culture-specific themes which are pertinent
chiefly to the African American experience; these, however, will be
discussed later.
4.1.1 Body
The human body is as central to slang as slang is to human nature. Using our
bodies to experience the world via sensory perception is something intrinsic-
ally human. On the other hand, social standards of propriety impose a different
perception of this physical aspect. While the common attitudes about body
parts – especially sexual organs or physical distinctiveness – have become
more tolerant in recent decades, this theme still constitutes a cultural and social
taboo. Slang overcomes the taboo by accepting these socially unsanctioned
expressions.
This necessarily limited but highly productive theme is also one of the
largest themes in African American slang. It includes expressions for the body
in general, body sizes and shapes, attractive and unattractive physiques,
specific parts of the body, and many others. The selection below is a mere
sample:
She said that she would kick McFixx in her biscuit [¼ buttocks]
(Spoof, 2009)
I could go on and on about his cock, his bone [¼ penis] (Four Rooms,
film, 1995)
That woman is a real brick [¼ sexually attractive woman, especially if
curvaceous] (Birmingham Post, 2001)
She’s a real cake [¼ sexually attractive woman]! I’m filthy rich Chinese and
I want to spend all my money! (Dark Winter, 2010)
She’s attracted to these dumb, musclebound dickheads, cock diesels
[¼ muscular men] that can’t even turn to wipe their ass (Bad Boys II,
film, 2003)
Nigger? Who’s wearing the conk [¼ hairstyle of straightened hair, done
especially by lye and other chemicals]? (Malcolm X, film, 1992)
4.1 Common themes 85
She also testified that appellant put his fingers inside her “coochie” [¼ vulva]
(Leagle, 2010)
The red one? With the naps [¼ extremely tight curls of natural, unstraight-
ened African American hair]? (Bad Boys, film, 1995)
4.1.2 Physiology
Human physiology is another central theme of slang. This is understandable
since the theme is almost entirely made up of references to what constitutes a
cultural and social taboo in American culture. Again, slang overcomes the
taboo by accepting these socially unsanctioned references.
This fertile theme includes expressions for types of physiological processes,
conditions and products. Surprisingly, in African American slang this theme is
somewhat underrepresented. Here are a few expressions found in our database:
Your album was like dookie [¼ excrement] on the street, it just sat there and
stank (Fear of a Black Hat, film, 1993)
If you have a dog, you can bank on stepping in ish [¼ excrement] (Network
54, 2008)
He muffled his poot [¼ expulsion of intestinal gas through anus] by pulling
his ass cheeks apart (Imperfect Enjoyment, 2012)
Which one of y’all pooted [¼ expelled intestinal gas through the anus]?
(ATL, film, 2006)
“This is the fucking shit!” “Yeah, it’s the shiznit [¼ excrement]” (Generation
Kill, HBO-TV series, 2008)
Hey, man, we’re stopping for a shizzle [¼ excrement]! (HF Boards, 2010)
4.1.3 Sexuality
Sexuality is one of the largest semantic fields in slang. This is because sex is
the most primal and desirable human activity. While the norms of social
acceptance for sexuality have changed over the past few decades, sex still
evokes strong emotions and still constitutes a taboo. The irreverent character of
slang allows it to overcome taboo. Additionally, as observed by Spears (1981:
ix), the abundance of sexual slang expressions is attributed to the teasing
nature of sexual wordplay. Finally, the pronounced synonymity in this area
seems to imply that standard vocabulary is again inadequate: says Flexner (in
Chapman 1986: xxvi): “standard words referring to sex are so scarce or remote
and scientific that slang is often used in referring to the most romantic, the
most obscene, and the most humorous sexual situations.”
This vast theme is one of the largest in African American slang and
comprises expressions for a variety of things, people, states and activities: sex
86 Themes
4.1.4 Alcohol
Intoxication by alcohol is another recurring theme in slang. The extensive
synonymity and broad scope of this theme can be attributed to the reasons
mentioned above. Being intoxicated is socially taboo and may be punishable
under the law, yet it is something normal, natural and inherently human. As
noted by Flexner (in Chapman 1986: xxiv), the use of slang is often “a verbal
attempt to convey our understanding and awareness of the condition.” In other
words, slang shows that we, too, are human and know the effects of excessive
drinking.
This theme is also a noticeable part of the lexicon of African American
slang, although it is not as extensive as in general slang. Eble (1996: 82) even
talks about “the lack of terms for drinking and drunk.” Still, one can find quite
a few examples in our database. The theme includes various expressions for
4.1 Common themes 87
4.1.5 Drugs
Drug use is another extensive theme in slang. While it shares all the character-
istics of alcohol intoxication, it is more extreme, more addictive, and more
closely associated with the criminal underworld. For these reasons, it too is
fertile ground for slang.
This huge theme is also prominent in African American slang. It includes
various expressions for drugs in general, drug users and dealers, the effects of
drug use, types of drugs, and their quality, quantity and packaging. Here is a
selection of representative expressions:
Can I blaze [¼ smoke a marijuana cigarette] some chronic with you?
(Dr. Dre, 1992)
You would probably see people lying out in the streets blowed [¼ under the
influence of a drug] (Austin Weekly News, 2009)
I was always high on Buddha grass [¼ marijuana] (Atlantic Monthly, 2000)
88 Themes
4.1.6 Categorization
Last but not least, there is an evaluative categorization theme. Since categor-
ization is usually linked with emotions, and one of slang’s most salient
features is emotive connotation, it stands to reason that this is an enormously
productive theme in African American slang. Moreover, the abundance and
great synonymity of evaluative expressions can be explained by
overlexicalization, which, according to Halliday (1978: 165–166), is the
extreme and seemingly unnecessary creation of synonyms for existing refer-
ents. Overlexicalization is said to be conditioned by an endless search for
originality or a constant need for secrecy, but it is also frequent in the speech
of social groups which do not associate themselves with the dominant
mainstream society.
This vast theme comprises expressions for all sorts of evaluative categoriza-
tion: that of people, things, states and actions; and that of people according to
their affability, intelligence or actions. However, it is frequently polarized into
either very positive or very negative meanings. As evidenced by findings from
our database, positive and negative expressions seem to be of equal proportion,
just as our likes and dislikes.
Positive categorization is very popular in African American slang. This is
probably because it is strongly linked with human nature and the desire to
express positive emotions such as joy or pleasure. This vast theme contains
numerous expressions, often synonymous, for all kinds of positive categoriza-
tions of people, things, states and actions. Notice that some expressions have
undergone the process of melioration (discussed in the previous chapter), and
4.1 Common themes 89
4.2.2 Africana
The African American experience is another significant culture-specific theme
in African American slang. Taylor (in Mesthrie, 2001: 301) observes that
“African Americans invent and utilize a terminology which serves the
referential functions of providing labels for concepts and experiences that are
particular to their subculture,” to which we may also add the providing of a
verbal outlet for group sentiments. This is, understandably, a vast field,
including expressions for various groups of African Americans, their cultural
norms, and their lives. See the following selections:
This ain’t a Black thang [¼ any sociocultural practice, behavior or attitude
characteristic of African Americans], but we sure like to do it (Ebony, 2008)
New Orleans was a chocolate city [¼ city with a predominantly African
American population] before Katrina, it is going to be a chocolate city after
(News, CNN-TV program, 2006)
Why aren’t there any sisters with dreads [¼ hairstyle of loose thick braids,
created by growing hair without combing it for a long time] in the film?
(Ebony, 2009)
Two of them speak in Ebonics [¼ nonstandard variety of African American
English, sometimes considered as a language in its own right, or synonymous
with African American English] and black slang (Ebony, 2009)
Your cousin gets back from getting her hair fried [¼ straightened by using a
heated metal comb] and dyed (Coach Carter, film, 2005)
92 Themes
That car looks ghetto’d out [¼ typical of the inner-city ghetto, especially if
flashy or tasteless]. Not my style at all (Bimmer Forums, 2002)
I want to be the first to give propers [¼ proper respect] to Ginger, our newest
and most anointed member (Catherine Clinton, 2004)
I am a race woman [¼ female African American activist], too, but of a
different sort (New York Newsday, 2002)
We are the masters of the dozens and signifying [¼ teasing, especially by
provocative rhyming comments in a gamelike manner] (Nathaniel
Turner, 2010)
Bless everyone out there in Soulville [¼ Harlem, New York]! (Soul
Source, 2010)
4.2.3 Racism
Unfortunately, part of the African American experience is still connected with
instances of racism. Despite long-lasting efforts to enhance racial integration
and impressive achievements in the movement for racial equality, racial
discrimination against African Americans has not been completely eliminated
from American life. Although commonly criticized and officially penalized,
racism has not gone. This fact is strongly reflected in slang, which tends to
provide a verbal mirror of prevailing social conditions. Consider the following
expressions:
In the brown paper bag test [¼ criterion for admission to a club or organiza-
tion, based on skin color] blacks darker than the bag’s color were denied
inclusion (USA Today, 2007)
So it got me wondering, is “Colored People’s Time” [¼ belief that African
Americans are not punctual] a myth, or something that black people have
made a fact of life? (Chicago Now, 2009)
Y’all niggas should be ashamed! Measuring Black women by a “color scale”
[¼ gradation of skin color value from very light to very dark] is degrading
and uncalled for. Ugh! (Hello Beautiful, 2009)
He showed a preference for light-skinned girls with wavy hair and was color
struck [¼ harboring prejudice against dark-skinned people, especially
African Americans] (Washington Post, 2004)
If you answered yes to these questions you suffer from CPT [¼ belief that
African Americans are not punctual] (Colored People’s Time) (Shenantics,
2009)
I’ve never been stopped for Driving While Black [¼ instance of stopping
African American motorists for no apparent reason] (Philadelphia Daily
News, 2010)
4.2 Specific themes 93
4.2.4 Whites
A noticeable part of African American slang involves names for white people.
This comes as no surprise: whites as a group have always been present in the
lives of African Americans, seen as oppressors responsible for their enslave-
ment and socioeconomic hardships. It is not surprising that the majority of
expressions involving whites are clearly negative, with varying degrees of
contempt or derision. As observed by Kowalczyk (2010: 91), the abundance
of these terms suggests strong emotional attitudes of African Americans,
reflecting their historically conditioned mistrust toward white people and
disappointment with the insufficient anti-discriminative measures. This is
expressed in the imagery and deeply rooted in times of inequality, often
equating whites with animals or the devil, thereby denying whites their
humanity. Consider the following examples:
For weeks, Demi’s teammates referred to her as “blondie” [¼ white woman]
or “white girl” (Miami Herald, 2010)
It was their common hatred of the blue-eyed devil [¼ white person, especially
a racist] that united them (Kevin Brown, 1995)
They were willing to do whatever Mister Charlie [¼ white person, especially
regarded as an oppressor of African Americans] told them to do (New York
Beacon, 2004)
They just can’t wait to beat the grays [¼ white persons] (Nah Right, 2010)
Speaking strictly as a honkie [¼ white person], I find few pastimes more
amusing than watching white people try to be black (Newport Daily
Press, 2004)
Vote for me, motherfucking maggots [¼ white persons]! (Spank Mag, 2009)
The ofays [¼ white persons] were not used to seeing colored boys (Washington
Post, 2005)
Those peckerwoods [¼ white men from the southern USA] don’t know what
they’re doing (Cincinnati Enquirer, 2003)
Did the silks [¼ white persons] on the Knapp Commission ever ask about the
rate of drug busts? (Carsten Stroud, 1987)
94 Themes
Get the hell out of my face, whitey [¼ white person]! (Coach Carter,
film, 2005)
4.2.5 Violence
Violence and crime are other productive themes in African American slang, just
as in general slang. Here we consider it from the African American perspective,
and the associated socioeconomic disadvantages historically suffered by African
Americans: finding legitimate upward mobility blocked, some turned to crime
and started using language producing an image of toughness, severity and
aggression. But the prominence of this theme in slang has also been caused by
the attention given to it by the media: the entertainment value of crime has
brought a growing influx of criminal slang into literature, film, radio and
television. This extends to African American slang and is evident in the connec-
tion between hip-hop culture and the world of crime, perhaps best exemplified
by the gangsta rap genre. This vast theme includes expressions for various kinds
and stages of crimes, the paraphernalia used to commit them, and the types of
criminals and their victims. Moreover, there are numerous expressions relating
to physical violence, destruction and killing. See the following:
In the wake of the shooting he and other baby gangstas [¼ young members of
a criminal gang] urged older members of the set to get to the bottom of the
shooting of a fellow Blood (New York Newsday, 2006)
He also says he has a deuce-deuce [¼ 22-caliber handgun], slang for a
22-caliber handgun (Virginian Pilot, 2009)
Come on and shoot the club with a fo-fo [¼ forty-four caliber handgun]
(Eminem, 2000)
Do they look like gangbangers [¼ members of a criminal gang] working the
local 7–11 to you? (Heat, film, 1995)
People always gank [¼ steal] my damn lighters! (Aaron Peckham, 2005)
I feel all the prisoners who like to go for bad [¼ act tough, especially in order
to scare or intimidate others] and shoot people ought to be sent over to Iraq
(Lottery Post, 2009)
I got backup to jack up [¼ beat, strike or hit] punks who try to act up (Ice-T,
1993)
Now, gun owners would say this incident proves the wisdom of packing
[¼ carrying (a firearm)] a gun (South Florida Sun, 2005)
The street niggas [¼ lower-class African Americans, especially involved in
some illicit activity] know me (Slim Thug, 2009)
I know a recent case where the perp was 20 and the vic [¼ victim] was then
17 (News, WCTV-TV program, 2010)
4.2 Specific themes 95
4.2.6 Entertainment
Entertainment, especially music, is a significant part of African American
culture. In African American slang, this is manifested in numerous expressions
belonging to this theme, but is also evident in its continued influence on the
lexicon of general American slang. As neatly summarized by Holloway (1993:
342–349), this influence started over a century ago with jazz and blues, then
shifted to rhythm and blues, and for the past few decades has been seen in
hip-hop and rap. The last phenomenon is of special importance to slang
because of its heavy reliance on lyrics. As observed by Dalzell (1996: 201),
“the hip-hop movement and rap music provided the biggest infusion of black
street vernacular” into the general American slang. It also fostered awareness
of socioeconomic injustice. Importantly, hip-hop is not just music: its influence
is seen in other cultural contributions such as dancing and visual art in the form
of graffiti. This vast theme includes various expressions for music, musicians,
fans, musical instruments, and ways of playing and singing. Consider the
following examples:
4.2.7 Luxury
A noticeable part of African American slang involves expressions connected
with what one may label as luxury items. This theme is surprising when
considered against the background of general American slang. According to
Kowalczyk (2010: 94), “the proliferation of such expressions may suggest
deep longing for these items as the desired objects, and is most likely condi-
tioned by the socioeconomically low position of the majority of African
Americans who simply cannot afford such items.” This theme includes names
for various luxury items such as fine automobiles, high-quality drinks, expen-
sive clothing and so forth. Consider the following expressions:
I drink Chriss [¼ Cristal champage] and you drink piss. I will have the other
half (Bimmer Forums, 2010)
I’m drinking a nice, cold, bubbly glass of D.P. [¼ Dom Perignon cham-
pagne] as we speak (Face Punch, 2009)
Essential items include the eye-catching hat and the super-size gold chain,
which is known as a dookie rope [¼ large gold rope-type chain, worn around
the neck] (New York Times, 2006)
Are you sure that Jo is going to drive a Double R [¼ Rolls-Royce automo-
bile]? (Ten Tenths, 2010)
I still keep the illest gators [¼ expensive shoes made from alligator skins],
tailor made (Jay-Z, 1996)
Every weekend I drink Hen Dog [¼ Hennessy V.S. cognac] with my dogs
(Black Planet, 2009)
A lot of guys work all their lives and never get to drive a Hog [¼ Cadillac
automobile] (Sports Illustrated, 2010)
I drive a Lac [¼ Cadillac automobile]! That’s what matters! (Cadillac
Forums, 2009)
Time to have sex, jump in my Lex [¼ Lexus automobile]! (Ali G Indahouse,
film, 2002)
My niggas be drinkin yack [¼ cognac] tonight. And wouldn’t mind a little bit
of ass tonight (TQ, 2010)
4.2.8 Geography
Finally, there is the theme of geography. As evidenced by Widawski and
Kowalczyk (2011), geographical expressions (especially toponyms) constitute
an important part of slang. They are semantically rich and culturally meaning-
ful, telegraphically describing the characteristics of places to which they refer,
explaining the motivations of their coiners, and revealing the attitudes of their
Summary 97
users. These expressions are also very popular in African American slang
where they function in a unique way, reflecting a purely African American
perspective. This theme includes expressions for various geographical regions,
cities and districts. Here is a relevant selection of corroborative material:
Back from ATL [¼ Atlanta, Georgia] huh? Never mind Atlanta. Tell me
about your doctor’s appointment (Kathleen Cross, 2006)
That is what my auntie back in ’Bama [¼ Alabama] used to call hobo
chicken (Prison Break, Fox-TV series, 2005)
We like them boys up top from the BK [¼ Brooklyn, New York], know how to
flip that money three ways (Destiny’s Child, 2004)
You was with Malcolm in Mecca [¼ Harlem, New York] (Get on the Bus,
film, 1996)
They are hungry hyenas from Medina [¼ Brooklyn, New York] (Wu-Tang
Clan, 2007)
It may be just as likely that the Motor City [¼ Detroit, Michigan] will follow
the same path as New Orleans (American Spectator, 2010)
Much love from the N.O. [¼ New Orleans, Louisiana]! (Snoop Dogg, 1998)
If you’re from the North Coast [¼ Midwestern USA] and you’re proud put
this on (Bebo, 2009)
They come not out of Oaktown [¼ Oakland, California], but out of a small
town called Locash (CB4, film, 1993)
De La Cruz was born in the Wood [¼ Inglewood, California], and was
raised in Lawndale, in the South Bay (Jacks Music News, 2009)
Summary
As shown in this chapter, the lexicon of African American slang can be
divided into two main thematic types: common, meaning shared with general
American slang, and specific, meaning characteristic of the African American
experience and seen from an African American perspective.
The common themes make up a majority of expressions in African Ameri-
can slang. They include: body, physiology, sexuality, alcohol, drugs and
categorization. There are, however, a few surprises: the physiology theme is
surprisingly small when compared to general American slang, as is the alcohol
theme. The sexuality and drugs themes, on the other hand, are enormously
productive, as is negative or positive categorization.
The specific themes reflect the African American experience and perspec-
tive. They include: African Americans and Africana, racism and discrimin-
ation, whites, violence and crime, entertainment and music, luxury, and
98 Themes
The linguistic description of African American slang should also include its
functions. A good notion of what slang is can be derived from answering why
it is used. Analyzing slang in context, one can say that the aim of using this
type of vocabulary is seldom the mere exchange of information. Besides the
mere referential function, it serves other purposes. As evidenced in earlier
works (Lighter 1994 and Widawski 2008), slang is used in place of standard
expressions to convey some extra information of a social, psychological or
rhetorical nature. Such use of slang seems to be universal and can be applicable
to nearly any language.
African American slang is used for similar reasons. This chapter analyzes
numerous motives for using slang and is grouped according to the three main
functions mentioned above. There is, however, another function of African
American slang which may be labeled “cultural.” It involves verbal practices
rooted in African American culture, but is also independent of its coiners and
involves heavy usage of African American slang by non-African Americans.
This important function will also be discussed in this chapter.
5.1.1 Identification
Group identification is the main social function of slang. Slang serves to
distinguish specific groups within society and to identify members of these
groups. The group-identification function is similar to evaluative categorization,
99
100 Functions
and these often accompany each other. Crystal (2005: 466) calls it “the
expression of identity,” or the signaling of belonging to a particular group.
African American slang in this function is even more pronounced, possibly
because of the heightened awareness of African Americans as a distinct ethnic
group. Slang used in this function provides labels for subgroups distinct from
the dominant culture, and sometimes for which there is no standard English
expression. Here is a selection of relevant citational material:
Get off my beat you black alligator bait [¼ African American from Florida or
Louisiana, especially a child]! (Beaumont Enterprise, 2007)
Cupid is a flaming gay, Blitzen is a stereotypical bulldyke [¼ lesbian,
especially an aggressive one] (Encore, 2009)
Yuppies and buppies [¼ young, affluent, city-dwelling African American
professionals] at this stage move in, transforming old neglected residences
into modern castles (Real Estate Web, 2010)
This dude is not even from the A.T.L. He is a country bama [¼ uncultured or
unsophisticated person from the southern USA]. I hate these dudes (Dime
Wars, 2010)
If I stop at this sign, these crackers [¼ white persons, especially if poor,
racist, or from the southern USA] will kill me (Chris Rock: Never Scared,
film, 2004)
He’s lower than the head house nigga [¼ African American who acts
subserviently toward a white employer, especially working in a household],
and that’s pretty low (Django Unchained, film, 2012)
How could he afford that ring? I guess she’s the sugar mama [¼ female
lover who supports a younger lover] (Us Magazine, 2010)
I ain’t some Uncle Tom [¼ African American man who is subservient to
whites or adopts their values and attitudes], if that’s what you’re trying to say
(Assassination of Richard Nixon, film, 2004)
You fucking white trash [¼ poor white person or poor white people, espe-
cially from the southern USA]! I’ll fuck you up! (Do the Right Thing,
film, 1989)
He’s a wigger [¼ white person who assumes the behavior and values of the
African American culture, especially hip-hop]. That’s the hip-hop term for
white kids who want to be black (Los Angeles Times, 2008)
But the group-identification function of slang can be used in yet another way.
As observed by Spears (1981: xvi), “people show identification with one
another by using another’s vocabulary.” African American slang serves within
groups to confirm and enhance internal solidarity: acquired in the context of
shared conditions and experiences which provide a unique frame of reference,
it strengthens a sense of belonging via the use of an identifiable group
5.1 Social functions 101
vocabulary. In this way slang both implies and contributes to a strong emo-
tional allegiance to that group and its values. This allegiance accounts for the
dissemination of certain speech patterns, one of which is slang. To quote
Flexner (in Chapman 1986: xxiii): “A sub-group vocabulary shows that we
have a group to which we belong and in which we are somebody — outsiders
had better respect us. Slang is used to show others (and to remind ourselves of)
our background; to show our group interests, memberships, and patriotisms.”
There are numerous slang expressions used in this function:
You look at him and you see your homie from around the way [¼ the same
neighborhood] (News, MTV-TV program, 2010)
You can’t understand this, it’s a black thing [¼ any sociocultural practice,
behavior or attitude characteristic of African Americans] (Newsbusters,
2010)
Keep it in your own hood bro [¼ fellow African American man]! (Washington
Post, 2009)
You chill here too long and you have your ghetto pass [¼ fictitious pass given
to someone who is not from an inner-city ghetto but who socializes with
people who are] revoked (Dallas Morning News, 2000)
Here are some of the local happenings in the hood [¼ neighborhood]
(Seattle Post Intelligencer, 2011)
The niggarette [¼ fellow African American woman] gave me gonorrhea
(Wu-Tang Clan, 1997)
Where you from, my sister [¼ African American woman]? (Bamboozled,
film, 2000)
Check it out now, funk soul brother [¼ fellow African American man]! (Fat
Boy Slim, 1998)
One day people will realize being nigga rich [¼ poor but maintaining flashy
symbols of wealth] is getting us nowhere (YouTube, 2013)
I hated to see the niggaz [¼ fellow African Americans] that made it (Belly,
film, 1998)
They threw him over the balcony; the nigger [¼ fellow African American] fell
four storeys (Pulp Fiction, film, 1994)
“We gonna ride this out to the end!” “That’s my nigga [¼ that is my real
friend]!” (Soul Plane, film, 2004)
5.1.2 Rebellion
Rebellion against authority is another important social function of slang which
by its very nature is rebellious and nonconformist. To paraphrase Adams
(2009: 6): while slang is used to fit in, it is also used to stand out. Analyzing
slang in context suggests that it is often used to oppose the established
authority or to distance oneself from it. Quite naturally, the prime users of
slang in this function are criminals or people who live on the edges of society
such as prostitutes, pimps, drug addicts and dealers, and who oppose the legal
system and the existing order. Criminal slang reflects their scorn for regular
life and law-abiding citizens as well as their disdain for authority. African
American slang is no different here from the general slang used in America,
and there are many instances of it used in this function. Consider the following
examples:
No peace for the beast [¼ white person, especially a person in power such as
a police officer]! (Public Enemy, 2006)
She did drugs, she knew all the d-boys [¼ street-level drugs dealers] on the
corners (Palm Beach Post, 2002)
Jimmy’s boys were barbecuing. He gaffled [¼ stole] some meat (X’s & O’s,
film, 2007)
This time I saw that she thumbed buckshot into the cut-down 12-gauge,
known on the street as a ghetto stick [¼ shotgun] (Stephen J. Cannell, 2006)
You would see black gals and white gals coming in the club to meet their
macks [¼ pimps] (Cecil Brown, 2006)
A black man would never dream of talkin’ to the po-lice [¼ police] high,
that’s a waste of weed! (Chappelle Show, WGN-TV program, 2010)
You betta get you some rillas [¼ street tough guys or thugs] (Highlifter,
2009)
Man, I done seen a lotta roaches [¼ police officers]! (Snoop Dogg, 2008)
He’s a fuckin’ snake [¼ traitor, especially an informant], you niggaz are
fuckin blind to facts! (Jay-Z, 2009)
5.1 Social functions 103
Light-skinned or dark, they’re 90% marks, straight vics [¼ victims] and they
got money to give (Ice-T, 1996)
5.1.3 Interaction
Slang is also used for pure social interaction. As has been signaled before,
conveying information is not the main purpose of slang. More often, it is used
to facilitate social interaction: it occurs in conversation for the purpose of
establishing a mood and maintaining or ending social contact rather than
for the mere exchange of information. Polish anthropologist Bronislaw
Malinowski called such use of language a “phatic communion” (Crystal
1991: 257). There is a vast repertoire of expressions used in English for this
purpose, for instance: eh, hello, huh, I guess, I mean, right, see you later, well,
you know and you see. As demonstrated by Biber (1999: 1072–1098), these
expressions are enormously frequent in any conversation. Much the same is
true for African American slang. When used in this function, it occurs at the
margins of conversation; it also incorporates formulaic and ritualistic terms of
address, ice-breakers, feedback signals, or subject changers. Here is a selection
of relevant citational examples:
Hmm. Daddy like [¼ I like it]! She reminds me a bit of Uma Thurman
(Encyclopedia Dramatica, 2009)
“Don’t you grab me like I’m some tramp!” “My bad [¼ I am sorry]!”
(A Good Day to Be Black and Sexy, film, 2008)
“Why not?” “Nigga, please [¼ I am irritated and exasperated]!” (Wire,
HBO-TV series, 2002)
“See you later!” “All right. Peace out [¼ goodbye]!” (Clockers, film, 1995)
“Let’s give it up for Angela Davis!” “Right on [¼ I approve or agree]!”
(Black August, film, 2007)
Say what [¼ can you give me more information]? You said his name was
Slick? (Heat, film, 1995)
What up [¼ hello] blood! What up cuz! What up wankstas! (G-Unit, 2005)
I mean, peep this [¼ pay attention and listen carefully]: they say in here 92%
of honeys at UCLA are sexually active (Can’t Hardly Wait, film, 1998)
Word up [¼ listen or pay attention], look out for the cops! (Wu-Tang
Clan, 2000)
Yo [¼ hey], bitch, what makes you think I won’t cut you? (Waiting, film, 2005)
5.1.4 Secrecy
Secrecy is often considered an important function of slang. Some linguists
such as Chapman (1986: xii-xiv) claim that slang is quintessentially a means of
concealing secrets and its use is motivated by a desire to remain secret. Slang is
used by such groups as criminals or teenagers who often find a shared
5.2 Psychological functions 105
5.2.1 Emotions
Expressing emotions is one of the primary psychological functions of slang.
Analyzing slang in context shows that it is especially proficient in providing
verbal expressions for numerous emotional states and reactions; in this respect,
it usually assumes the form of exclamations. Additionally, slang provides a
means for the emotive categorization of people, things, states and actions; in
this respect, it usually assumes the form of epithets. All of this applies to
African American slang as well. Below is an illustration of some of the
common emotions expressed through slang:
Enjoyment or satisfaction:
You’ll throw that party, and it’ll be the bestest [¼ best] party in the land!
(American Dad, Fox-TV series, 2005)
Big ups [¼ congratulations] and congratulations! You finally got your
record on the radio (8 Mile, film, 2002)
Visit Beachnut’s Xanga Site! Daddy like [¼ this is what I like]! (Xanga,
2009)
To the truest shit I ever spoke, one love [¼ greetings] to my true thug niggas!
(Tupac Shakur, 1996)
That’s my nigga [¼ that is my real friend]! I don’t feel no ways different as
I felt from when he signed to us back in ’99 (Hip Hop DX, 2009)
Anger or annoyance:
Get out of my face [¼ stop annoying me], dude! (Las Vegas Review Journal,
2010)
“Do the math, motherfucker!” “Math? Nigga, please [¼ I am irritated and
exasperated]!” (Soul Men, film, 2008)
I’m sick and tired of this shiznit [¼ something irritating]
(Facebook, 2009)
“I’ll make you a list!” “That’s mighty white of you [¼ you are being
patronizing or putting on airs]!” (Big Bang Theory, CBS-TV series, 2011)
5.2 Psychological functions 107
Indifference:
I ain’t studyin’ [¼ do not care] how late you was up last night (Passing
Strange, film, 2009)
Tell the Feds I don’t give a mothafuck [¼ do not care], you niggas
(Prodigy, 2008)
I cheated like mad earlier but I don’t give a shizzle [¼ do not care] (Body
Building, 2007)
Motherfuck it [¼ I do not care], I’ll get straight to the point! (Blackout,
film, 1997)
Surprise:
You gonna fall out [¼ be surprised] when I tell you who I’m talking about
(Richard Price, 1992)
“Take a good look!” “Motherfuck [¼ I am surprised]! That’s him!”
(Sleepers, film, 1996)
Oh, motherfucking motherfuck [¼ I am surprised]! That question had
nothing to do with it (Twitter, 2011)
Whoopi says it wasn’t rape-rape. Say what [¼ we are surprised and need
more information]? (Ebony, 2009)
5.2.2 Humor
Slang can also be used to express humor. The jocular element, evident in the
obvious pleasure of wordplay, often serves the purpose of escaping the
banality of standard expressions and suggests a departure from the established
routines of everyday life. As observed by Adams (2009: 12), slang’s wit
compensates verbally for disappointments and insecurities. When it is used
in this function, our life seems a happier place. The same can be said about
African American slang which can instantly reduce the solemnity, haughtiness
or excessive seriousness of a conversation. Here is a handful of relevant
examples:
Brooke feels like a baby factory [¼ woman who has had a lot of children],
but she’s excited about her fourth pregnancy (Chicago Tribune, 2007)
I know what he wanted from you, and it wasn’t them bigass [¼ very big]
earrings (ATL, film, 2006)
He has admitted that he is hoping to share a smooch with a certain booty-
licious [¼ sexually attractive] babe on 14th February (News, MTV-TV
program, 2011)
Them little crumb-snatchers [¼ babies or little children] got under my skin
(Daddy Day Care, film, 2003)
5.2 Psychological functions 109
An armored car full of dead presidents [¼ US dollar bills] is on its way to the
incinerator (Washington Post, 2000)
I was ever going to be dick-whipped [¼ (of a woman) dominated by one’s
boyfriend or husband] in all my life (Las Vegas Mercury, 2004)
I got some new pimptastic [¼ excellent or admirable] wheels (Off
Road, 2005)
Shut up, wanksta [¼ rapper who poses as a gangster]! You ain’t gon’ pop a
damn thing (Ebonics Translator, 2010)
But humor in slang can function in yet another way: it is used as a device to mask
discomfort when talking about certain subjects that have traditionally been
considered improper for polite conversation. Taboo subjects like sex, body parts
or bodily functions are prime examples. Put differently, slang used in this function
“is protective language that disguises unpleasant reality” (Algeo and Pyles 2005:
221). Consider the following examples from African American slang:
In case of Jenny’s swollen belly, the cause was bumping without a body bag
[¼ condom] (Esquire, 2009)
Annabel Chong describes herself as a female stud after boning [¼ having sex
with] 251 dudes in a single day (Hustler, 2000)
You take so much time that this girl’s gonna be half asleep by the time you
even get to her cookie [¼ vulva] (Dog Pound, film, 2010)
I was chilling out with my girl watching Stargate and she wanted to get busy
[¼ have sex] (Urban Dictionary, 2009)
Man, I really need some jelly roll [¼ sex or the sex act] (Black 47, 2009)
That Bobbitt dame took a sling blade to her husband’s love muscle [¼ penis],
did she not? (News, CNN-TV program, 2007)
Rinctum [¼ rectum] is apparently slang for the rectum (Wikipedia, 2009)
You would never look at a hot piece of ass like her and think you could get a
sick dick [¼ sexually transmitted disease] but you can (Perez Hilton, 2007)
I work closely with a young woman who is a drama queen [¼ someone who
tends to react in an exaggerated or overly emotional way] (Chicago
Tribune, 2008)
I’m not a European Negro [¼ African American who assumes the behavior
and values of the white society] (Black Voices, 2009)
I seen a lot of shit in my life, same sirens, same ghetto birds [¼ police
helicopters, often used in inner-city ghetto cummunities] swirlin at night
(Public Enemy, 2006)
You talk like a man with a paper ass [¼ insignificant man]! (Glock
Talk, 2009)
So you know you’re not dealing with some fuckin’ marshmallow [¼ white
person, especially fat] (50 Cent, 2003)
Describing Gates as the Head Negro in Charge is like calling him an Oreo
cookie [¼ African American who is subservient to whites or adopts their
values and attitudes] (Los Angeles Times, 1998)
5.2.3 Toughness
Expressing toughness is another notable psychological function of slang.
Modern society is getting more competitive and impersonal, and being strong,
independent and disillusioned is regarded as a virtue. Slang may serve as a
natural expression of such toughness, the natural manifestations of which
include vulgarisms and swearwords, which by their nature strengthen the
swearer’s image; epithets function in a smilar manner. One should also note
that verbal toughness is especially common among men; slang used in this
function, as observed by Spears (1981: xvii), is used “for interpersonal
bonding, masculinity affirmation, and identity.” But the frequent use of
vulgarisms in African American slang is also motivated by external socio-
economic factors. As observed by Eble (1996: 82), “marginalized groups have
less to lose in violating the taboos of society” and tend to use vulgar language
more often than the mainstream or dominant society. Consider the following:
Nigger horny as a motherfucker [¼ extremely or totally], man, dick all hard
(Aphex Twin, 2009)
I’d love to shoot the shit with you bitches [¼ women] all night, but I gotta go
(Coach Carter, film, 2005)
You’re following me around like a dick-whipped [¼ (of a woman) dominated
by one’s boyfriend or husband] chick (Facebook, 2013)
Woke him up, like motherfucker [¼ extremely or totally], you done told him!
(Young Buck, 2005)
I’d kill the motherfucker [¼ contemptible or despicable man], you know
what I’m saying? (Pulp Fiction, film, 1994)
5.3 Rhetorical functions 111
5.3.1 Informality
Informality is one of the main rhetorical functions of slang. People use
different kinds of language (often termed registers or styles) depending on
the different situations in which they find themselves. The lexicon of any
language can be divided according to the informality scale, slang being at the
very bottom. The use of slang always diminishes the formality of communi-
cation in which it occurs, and, as observed by Lighter (1994: xii), “charges
discourse with an unrefined and often aggressive informality”; such use is
often a matter of deliberate and conscious choice. As a result, slang lends a
vivid color to content matter which may be serious or contrite. This point is
well illustrated by a selection of citations including African American slang,
quoting well-known US politicians or found in esteemed newspapers:
I have never gone hunting and fishing isn’t my bag [¼ preferred area of
activity or specialization] (Richard Nixon, 1991)
Mayor Nagin told CNN affiliate WDSU-TV in New Orleans “New Orleans
was a Chocolate City [¼ city with a predominantly African American
population] before Katrina. It is going to be a chocolate city after” (Wash-
ington Post, 2006)
President Clinton is quoted in Vanity Fair as saying he did not find the
writing easy: “When we were in the White House, from the get-go [¼ from
the very beginning] so much happened in such a compressed amount of time”
(Vanity Fair, 2004)
“They jumped on me like white on rice [¼ as closely as possible],” said City
Councilman Michael Bond (Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 1995)
Obama declined to accept the change from a black cashier with the statement
“Nah, we straight [¼ all right]” (New York Times, 2012)
However, one should hold a reservation here. As noted by Eble (1996: 118),
“informality as a defining characteristic of slang is probably of limited value in
current American culture, where the appearance of informality is considered
by many to be chic.” Social behavior reflects this through general tendencies to
wear casual clothes, to use plastic cups, to use first names, etc. These are the
new norms, and language mirrors this relaxed attitude.
5.3.2 Stylization
Stylization (or imitation) is another important function of slang. People often
imitate someone else’s way of speaking for various reasons such as to identify
with a style or an attitude, and thus to project their images in the real world.
“In our language we are constantly recreating our image in our own minds
and in the minds of others,” says Flexner (in Chapman 1986: xxiii). Slang,
used in this function, serves to create one’s image: it becomes an outward
5.3 Rhetorical functions 113
characteristic of the users and reflects their personalities. It can be one of the
most revealing things about us because our own slang lexicon contains many
words used by choice.
In the context of stylization, it is noteworthy to present the notions of
primary and secondary slang. The former is used by a group of its own
creators in its natural context. The latter is consciously used to imitate the
primary slang of a specific group outside its natural context, and can be used
as a rhetorical function to show one’s solidarity toward that group, but also to
ridicule it. Secondary slang is then a matter of rhetorical manipulation rather
than true identification. Interestingly, with the speed and ease of modern
communication, there is a marked tendency for slang to become general and
be used in its secondary function. Such is the case with the widespread
imitation of African American slang by whites. One of the reasons for this
imitation is “coolness,” especially among young speakers or those wishing to
be young. Bucholtz (2011: 89) says that “slang is a crucial linguistic element
in the creation and display of coolness, a central value of trendy youth styles
of all kinds. Hence slang fulfills a unifying function for speakers who strive
for coolness, insofar as displaying familiarity with a rapidly changing lexicon
allows them to bolster their credentials as individuals who are on top of
current trends.” Lighter (1994: xxxi) explains this imitation by the appealing
novelty and the vicarious identifications with big-city street life, associated
with African American slang. Still, one cannot but notice a certain paradox-
ical disparity in the treatment of African American slang: as noted by Morgan
(in Mufwene et al. 1998: 251), the dominant society imitates the slang of
African Americans, celebrating its wit and creativity, but it still considers it
“bad” or unintelligible. Moreover, the stylization function of slang often shifts
into lexical appropriation, where African American slang expressions become
so assimilated in the general slang that they lose the connection with their
origin; Smitherman (2000a: 28–33) calls them “cross-over expressions”
and they will be discussed later. Consider the following examples of
stylization:
Yeah, I’m a badass [¼ tough, bold, and severe] motherfucker who studies
astrophysics (Harvard Crimson, 2005)
The bling-bling [¼ showy and ostentatiously luxurious] era may have faded
for car buyers, but apparently not for auto thieves (USA Today, 2010)
By the way, cuz [¼ close friend], I met this sexy blonde tax attorney at
Starbucks today (Fifty First Dates, film, 2004)
We cannot afford to drop science [¼ give valuable information] (New York
Daily Post, 2008)
“I think you might have been black in a previous life.” “Fo’ shizzle my nizzle
[¼ certainly]!” (White Chicks, film, 2004)
114 Functions
5.3.3 Conciseness
Conciseness of expression is another important rhetorical function of slang. To
quote Major (1994: xxviii), “African American slang cuts through logic and
arrives at a quick, efficient, interpretative solution to situations and things
otherwise difficult to articulate.” Because slang tends to be composed of short
words, it is extremely effectual in conveying information. It is especially
valuable where space is highly valued, such as in newspaper headlines or
breaking news on television. Brevity is also desirable because it often makes
slang a forceful way of expressing ideas. The same is true about African
American slang. Consider these expressions:
Amy deserves dap [¼ respect] because her singing is awesome (Ebonics
Translator, 2010)
Girl, if you don’t get naked, I’m about to dip [¼ leave]! (Too Short, 2006)
Not that it matters but she is quite a fox [¼ sexually attractive woman]
herself (American Thinker, 2005)
I’m so excited about this gig [¼ temporary job, especially for one night]!
(30 Rock, NBC-TV series, 2008)
They decided it was time to get hep [¼ aware, knowing or understanding] to
the times and rejoin the computer world (Creative Lifestyles, 2009)
Sorry to interrupt the jam [¼ party or gathering where musicians play
improvised music, especially jazz] (Parenthood, NBC-TV series, 2012)
You sayin you a loc [¼ member of a criminal gang] but never gang-banged,
you ain’t no muthafuckin mobsta (Nefarious, 2000)
I’m not your “yo” [¼ an African American friend], show me your work!
(Wire, HBO-TV series, 2006)
5.3 Rhetorical functions 115
However, slang expressions are used not only because they are concise but
also because they communicate more quickly, easily and effectively than
standard ones. In English, some ideas require a series of several words, yet
they can be expressed easily and more economically in one- or two-word slang
expressions. Here slang serves the purpose of verbal short-hand. African
American slang is no different in this respect. See the following examples:
Leonardo is the guy with a giant Afro [¼ hairstyle of bouffant, tightly curled
hair, worn by many African Americans] (Scrubs, NBC-TV series, 2000)
Victoria Dryer is a buppie [¼ young, affluent, city-dwelling African American
professional], black yuppie who has made it in white corporate America
(Cleveland Jewish News, 2007)
We refer to the preference for light skin as being color-struck [¼ harboring
prejudice against dark-skinned people, especially African Americans]
(Lexington Herald Leader, 2009)
You ain’t gave me no five [¼ shaking hands with someone or slapping
someone’s hand in greeting or congratulation], kids! (Whitney Fan, 2009)
116 Functions
See I’m a young nigga but I drink a forty [¼ forty-ounce bottle of strong and
cheap malt liquor] quick (Mac Mall, 1993)
Dude, I need to maintain [¼ be calm, even in the most adverse circum-
stances] or I won’t make it (Aaron Peckham, 2005)
Everybody knows I shaved into a soul patch [¼ small patch of facial hair just
below the lower lip, popular especially among African American musicians]
for the video (Josie and the Pussycats, film, 2001)
No need for you to ever sweat [¼ give someone too much attention] the next
bitch (Jay-Z, 2002)
I am moved by the spirit. I’m here to testify [¼ celebrate through verbal
acknowledgement]! (Yahoo Music, 2010)
He’s a wigger [¼ white person who assumes the behavior and values of the
African American culture, especially hip-hop]. That’s the hip-hop term for
white kids who want to be black (Los Angeles Times, 2008)
5.3.4 Forcefulness
Forcefulness of expression is another notable rhetorical function of slang.
Slang is often more direct, vivid, personal and expressive, and thus more
forceful than are words from the standard lexicon. It usually avoids the
sentimentality, diplomacy and formality which are often carried by standard
words. Put differently, people use slang to sound more forceful and emphatic.
Natural exponents of forcefulness in slang are vulgarisms, but non-vulgar
slang expressions belong to this category as well. This is corroborated by the
following citational findings:
It’s brilliant stuff, and funky as a motherfucker [¼ extremely or totally]
(Music Vice, 2010)
Bitch [¼ woman], where do you get this shit from? You crazy? (He Got
Game, film, 1998)
Yo bitch, bring your black ass [¼ self, when referring to an African
American] back over (Snoop Dogg, 1993)
I bet you want that hoe [¼ woman] to have your child, niggaz must be blind
(E-40, 2000)
These are some lazy-ass [¼ very lazy] bastards, so you gotta make sure they
don’t slough off (Ray, film, 2004)
Fuck! Fuck! Motherfuck [¼ I am irritated]! Fuckety-fuck! (Wire, HBO-TV
series, 2002)
That’s a hard motherfucking [¼ contemptible or irritating] fact of life (Pulp
Fiction, film, 1994)
Cosell, get your white ass [¼ white self] in here! (New York Times, 2006)
5.4 Cultural functions 117
5.4.1 Wordplay
Slang is sometimes created and used for the mere pleasure of novelty and
freshness derived from verbal experimentation. Besides, people enjoy manipu-
lating the rules of language. Crystal (2005: 464) calls it “ludic” usage of
language, where the purpose is not merely to convey meaning but to draw
attention to the way the standard rules of language can be bent or broken for an
effect. Although wordplay is a well-known feature of general slang, it is
especially prominent in African American slang, where it is appreciated for
its poetic qualities, especially in rap music. Says Adams (2009: 6): “slang is
used to assert our everyday poetic prowess, to manipulate sounds and effects
of words,” and adds that “[it] is a show or a performance” (2009: 195).
Moreover, as observed by McArthur (1992: 845), wordplay is prevalent not
only in rap versifying but also in the names that performers give themselves.
This pertains to form and is exemplified by names based on assonance or
alliteration, for instance DJ Jazzy Jeff, LL Cool J, Jam Master Jay; or it is
pertinent to meaning and exemplified by names accentuating a certain feature,
for instance “coolness,” as in Ice T, Ice Cube, Kid Frost or LL Cool J. Here is a
selection of examples exhibiting wordplay:
Dennis is considered an “Afro-Saxon” [¼ African American who is
subservient to whites or adopts their values and attitudes] by the other
blacks in his class, a brother hanging with the white kids (New York
Times, 2000)
He approaches the genre of blaxploitation [¼ commercial exploitation of
assumed African American experience, especially in films with African
Americans in sensational heroic roles] with humor (Ebony, 2009)
The bootylicious [¼ sexually attractive] Kim will be the special celebrity
guest (Boston Herald, 2010)
Sorry, Nina, I don’t understand Ebonics [¼ non-standard variety of African
American English, sometimes considered as a language in its own right, or
118 Functions
synonymous with African American English]! (3rd Rock from the Sun,
NBC-TV series, 1999)
The city might be called Hotlanta [¼ Atlanta, Georgia] because that is where
the action is in the Deep South, but that nickname could also apply to the
summer climate (Los Angeles Times, 1996)
This mugly [¼ very unattractive] nigga should go to jail, then he can morph
into blade and fight them other niggas off his booty (Snitch, 2010)
To let his massive organ dig deeper into mama’s rinctum [¼ rectum], fella
holds her thighs tight (Thumblogger, 2007)
That’s not what we all want to learn about the sexcellent [¼ sexually
attractive] Tawny K! (OC Weekly, 2004)
Green plays a “wigga” [¼ white person who assumes the behavior and
values of the African American culture, especially hip-hop] with dead-eyed
accuracy (New York Post, 1998)
Fuck these youngstas [¼ young members of a criminal gang], weak-ass
niggas, bitches and hoes. I’m sick of this shit but I guess it must be said
again, again, and again (Facebook, 2010)
5.4.3 Assimilation
While many slang expressions which originated among African Americans
remain in that community, a sizeable number of them have become assimilated
into general American slang, retaining various degrees of association with
African Americans. Many such expressions are a result of the overuse of
stylization or imitation (discussed earlier). In extreme cases, these expressions
become totally assimilated and are no longer recognized as being related to
African American culture. For istance, as noted by Eble (1996: 81), many
English speakers are not aware of the African American origins of several
words such as nitty-gritty, ripoff or do one’s own thing. Some linguists such as
Adams (2009: 57) or Bucholtz (2011: 76) refer to this process of lexical
borrowing as the “appropriation” of African American slang by mainstream
culture and argue that it is perhaps a better term than “borrowing” since the
expressions borrowed are never returned nor have they ever left their source.
Other linguists such as Smitherman (2006: 109) go even further and call such
process the “Africanization of American English.”
The result of complete assimilation (or appropriation) is often referred to as
the “cross-over” expression, a term used by linguists such as Rickford (1999:
399) or Smitherman (2000a: 28–33). While general American slang draws
from various sources, the influx of expressions from African American slang is
striking due to the vast number of these expressions, the high frequency of
their use, and the fast rate of assimilation. All this attests to the enormous
influence of African American slang on general slang. The popularity of cross-
over expressions can be attributed to their novel, rich and imaginative qual-
ities, but also, as noted by Eble (in Wolfram and Schilling-Estes 2006: 72), to
the attractiveness of non-mainstream cultures to mainstream culture. Coleman
explains this attractiveness in this way: “By identifying with disadvantaged
minorities [such as African Americans], [general] slang users can show their
120 Functions
disdain for the standards and traditions of mainstream society without actually
having to give up their privileges or go to the trouble of being creative in their
own right” (2012: 303). However, many cross-over expressions repeat certain
racial stereotypes entrenched in the mentality of the general American public.
Below is a selection of African American slang expressions which crossed
over to general slang:
Are you giving me an attitude [¼ arrogant, condescending or confronta-
tional attitude]? (Stark Raving Mad, NBC-TV series, 1999)
Are you boning [¼ having sex with] our target’s sister? (Dexter, Showtime-
TV series, 2010)
Who doesn’t love a booty call [¼ call to seek a sex partner], answered or
not? (New York Magazine, 2009)
We were driving for eight hours and stopping at gas stations and I want to
catch some Z’s [¼ take a nap] in the van (New York Post, 2008)
Chill out [¼ be calm], dickhead! (Terminator 2: Judgment Day, film, 1991)
It is fairly obvious that this is not a cool [¼ excellent or admirable] party
(Jewish Chronicle, 2010)
He was left to bleed to death in my crib [¼ apartment or house] (New York
Daily News, 2010)
What are you looking at, daddy-o [¼ man]? (Indiana Jones and the Kingdom
of the Crystal Skull, film, 2008)
The handling is totally bitchin’ and the chicks really dig [¼ like or regard
favorably] it (Car and Driver, 2000)
Jack is emceeing [¼ perform a rap song] tomorrow (Seinfeld, NBC-TV
series, 1991)
Everyone eyeballed [¼ stared at or observed closely] it for a second and then
shrugged it off (Washington Post, 2011)
We know that lower rates and freebies [¼ things given or enjoyed free of
charge] help accomplish this (San Francisco Chronicle, 2010)
Gulfport is a very laid back [¼ calm] community and the residents like it that
way (Tampa Bay Newspaper, 2010)
Guys, listen up [¼ pay attention and listen carefully]. A new study says it is
actually healthy to stare at a woman’s breasts (News, Fox-TV
program, 2011)
What kind of metaphysical mumbo-jumbo [¼ meaningless or deceptive talk,
especially jargon] is that? (Washington Post, 2010)
Delving into the nitty-gritty [¼ details or most basic aspects or elements] of
health care negotiations for the first time, Mr. Obama risks alienating
members of the labor movement (New York Times, 2010)
5.4 Cultural functions 121
She insisted she would never badmouth [¼ criticize and disrespect] her ex
(Mirror (United Kingdom), 2011)
We hope that local labour will be utilised. I give big ups [¼ congratulations]
to the Minister (Scoop (New Zealand), 2011)
The Maori Party is too attached to the bling-bling [¼ showiness and
ostentatious luxury] of ministerial posts (New Zealand Herald (New
Zealand), 2011)
Most people who remember the 80s can remember someone with a boom box
[¼ large portable stereo player] perched on one shoulder (News, BBC-TV
program (United Kingdom), 2011)
His secretary gave me the “call me” sign. A muse to my art? Or a booty call
[¼ call to seek a sex partner]? (Vancouver Sun (Canada), 2011)
Students like to chill out [¼ relax and have a good time] here, eat, enjoy a
walk or just cruise down the road (Deccan Herald (India), 2011)
At $28,000, the cost might seem like chump change [¼ small or meager
amount of money] compared to the billions of public money these folks dole
out every year (Calgary Herald (Canada), 2011)
Thomas has just been a deejay [¼ disc jockey] for a little over a year
(Philippine Star (Philippines), 2011)
I would fight if I thought anybody had dissed [¼ disrespected by belittling or
disparaging] me (London Evening Standard (United Kingdom), 2011)
122 Functions
We are told the bus drivers eyeballed [¼ stared at or observed closely] each
other (Daily Telegraph (United Kingdom), 2011)
Their relationship is uncertain from the get-go [¼ from the very beginning],
with Angelica trying to avenge his sudden disappearance (Express Tribune
(Pakistan), 2011)
Diane is a teacher with a penchant for exercising dance moves to the music of
her ghetto blaster [¼ large portable stereo player] before class (Australian
Stage (Australia), 2011)
I’m concerned how far it is to Portlaoise and where’s a good place to stop for
grub [¼ food] on the way home (Irish Times (Ireland), 2011)
You’ll be hacked off [¼ irritated] (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,
film (United Kingdom), 2011)
Children high-fived [¼ shook hands with him or slapped his hand held high,
in greeting or congratulation] him and he crowned his achievement with a
sprinted lap of Stockholm’s Olympic Stadium (Warwick Courier (United
Kingdom), 2011)
You stay in the hood [¼ neighborhood] and deal, you make £500 to £1000 a
day if you are lucky (Telegraph (United Kingdom), 2011)
Natasha has a very laid-back [¼ calm] personality (Jamaica Observer
(Jamaica), 2011)
They spoke about how they felt they got their mojo [¼ influence, power or
charisma] back (Stuff (New Zealand), 2011)
Everything is more expensive, and it seems like everyone is trying to rip off
[¼ swindle or cheat, especially by overpricing] hard-working families
(Herald Sun (Australia), 2011)
I can’t understand why some men get a bit uppity [¼ self-important or
arrogant] about it (Herald Sun (Australia), 2011)
Thus begins a tug-of-love between the free-spirited, fragile Julia and the
stern, uptight [¼ overly conservative or orthodox] Mimi (Independent (South
Africa), 2011)
Summary
As demonstrated above, the use of African American slang seldom serves the
mere exchange of information. More often, slang is used instead of standard
English expressions to convey some extra information, whether social,
psychological, rhetorical or cultural. While standard language is also used in
these functions, they are much more prominent in slang. Such use of slang
demonstrates that it is no different from standard English functionally, but can
serve as a versatile means of verbal expression.
Summary 123
Social functions are central to African American slang. They include group
identification, rebellion, social interaction and secrecy. Such use of slang is
especially visible in expressing group identification and solidarity, but also
features strongly in showing rebellion and secrecy; this, again, is no surprise
considering the aggregate of the African American historical experience in the
United States. Social interaction, or the phatic function, is also important and
accounts for frequent, everyday use of slang.
Equally important are psychological functions, which include expressing
emotions, humor and toughness. Much as in general American slang, the most
prominent usage is the expression of emotions: slang offers an extensive
repertoire of expressions for a variety of emotional states and actions, and
emotive labels for people or things. Humor and verbal toughness are common
as well.
African American slang is also used in rhetorical functions. These involve
informality, stylization, conciseness and forcefulness of expression. Of course
informality is the most inherent and fundamental characteristic of slang; it
accounts for slang’s everyday usage. African American slang is also employed
in the function of stylization and used as a so-called secondary slang; in this
function it is consciously and heavily imitated by non-African Americans for
various reasons such as its originality or “coolness.”
Cultural functions also play a significant role in African American slang and
include wordplay, word battle and assimilation. The first two are virtually a
hallmark of African American slang. Wordplay accounts for hundreds of novel
expressions resulting from the creative manipulation of form; word battle,
deeply rooted in African traditions, tests verbal and performance skills applied
in actual discourse. The most pervasive, however, is the phenomenon of
complete assimilation, also known as appropriation, which is the use of
African American slang expressions by other ethnic groups and the quick
assimilation of these expressions (cross-over terms) into general American
slang.
Conclusion
The aim of this book has been to document and describe African American
slang, and to serve as a practical source of information on this type of
language. In particular, the book is designed to show African American slang
as a significant, innovative, rule-governed sociolinguistic phenomenon, and an
important lexical contribution to American English, deserving attention and
appreciation. The reason for taking up the subject was the linguistic and
cultural importance of African American slang evident in its frequent occur-
rence in American media and popculture on the one hand, and the relative
scarcity of relevant scholarly publications on the other.
Written in the fashion of traditional descriptive linguistics, the book focuses
on the multifaceted linguistic analysis of slang expressions based on a large
database of authentic lexical material from various contemporary sources.
Slang has been examined from various perspectives, and its exploration has
included patterns of form, meaning, themes and functions, all illustrated with
ample citational evidence throughout the text and in the Glossary. The con-
cluding assertions made in this book, connected with the description of African
American slang, can be summarized as follows.
In terms of terminology, African American slang is defined as highly
informal vocabulary coined by or typically associated with African Americans.
Slang itself is a highly informal and unconventional type of vocabulary,
perceived as expressive, attractively catchy and deliberately undignified. It
consists of standard expressions, modified in some way or appended with new
meanings, and sometimes of entirely novel expressions. It is coined chiefly by
members of social, occupational or ethnic groups which are typically separate
from mainstream society, yet it is often adopted by larger social segments. It is
employed in place of standard expressions to convey some extra information
of a psychological, social or rhetorical nature. Slang thus provides alternative,
highly informal synonyms for referents already named in the language, but
sometimes gives names for referents for which there are no standard expres-
sions, or which have yet to be named. African American slang fits into this
definition and exhibits a number of characteristics highlighted in this defin-
ition, as seen below.
124
Conclusion 125
are much more prominent in slang. Social functions are central to African
American slang and include group identification, rebellion, social interaction
and secrecy; such use of slang is especially visible in expressing group
identification and solidarity, but also features strongly in showing rebellion
and secrecy. Equally important are psychological functions, which include
expressing emotions, humor and toughness; much as in general American
slang, the most prominent usage is the expression of emotions: slang offers
an extensive repertoire of expressions for a variety of emotional states and
actions, and emotive labels for people or things. African American slang is
also used in rhetorical functions which involve informality, stylization,
conciseness and forcefulness of expression; of course informality is the most
salient characteristic of slang accounting for slang’s everyday usage. African
American slang is also employed in the function of stylization and used as a
so-called secondary slang; in this respect, it is consciously and heavily imitated
by non-African Americans for various reasons such as its originality or
“coolness.” Cultural functions also play a significant role and include
wordplay, word battle and assimilation; the most pervasive is complete
assimilation, known as appropriation, which is the use of African American
slang expressions by other ethnic groups and the quick assimilation of these
expressions (cross-over terms) into general American slang.
Although the aim of the book has been to analyze African American slang,
the scholarly and educational implications stemming from this work go
beyond the subject matter. African American slang constitutes an important
lexical contribution to African American English and general American slang,
and by extension, this multifaceted presentation of African American slang
reflects linguistic patterns applicable to both, thereby lending itself to being
employed in scholarly endeavors in these fields. For this reason, it is hoped that
the observations made in this book will increase our understanding of and
enhance our appreciation for African American slang in and of itself.
The Glossary is an integral part of the book. Beyond serving as a practical
reference, it fulfills the book’s documentary aim listing representative
expressions of African American slang with additional meanings, appended
with definitions and usage examples. Much like the lexical material used in the
main text, the Glossary is based on a large database of citations reflecting the
language used in natural contexts, and collected from diverse, contemporary
African American sources; however, non-African American sources were also
included to illustrate the impact African American slang has had on the general
slang used in America and throughout the English-speaking world.
To reiterate, viewing slang from the position of an outsider, as most
sociolinguists and lexicographers do, affords a more detached and thus a more
objective description of the phenomenon. I hope that this research-based
scholarly work will inspire the reader to perceive African American slang as
Conclusion 127
128
Glossary 129
Americans (bk, cm, gs, jg): 1995 Bad Saturday; 2013 Rick Ross: It’s gonna
Boys, film: I cannot believe he wore his be aight, don’t even worry ’bout
Afro that big; 1999 Snoop Dogg: I’m nothing
that nigga who brought Afro back; ain’t studying (or ain’t studyin’) phr. to
2000 Bamboozled, film: There’d be at be indifferent or not care (gs): 1998
least one Negro writer in this room BusinessWeek: Dick Cheney Ain’t
and that Afro does not qualify you, Studyin’ War No More; 2008 Miracle
my Jewish friend at St. Anna, film: “Colonel Discroll
Afroed adj. having a hairstyle of bouf- coming to watch, too. Bishop, you hear
fant, tightly curled hair, worn by many me?” “I ain’t studyin’ Discroll!”; 2009
African Americans (cm): 2001 Nappy Passing Strange, film: I ain’t studyin’
Heads: You didn’t mention the Afro how late you was up last night
though, as a style option, but you did airish adj. cool and breezy (cm, gs, jg):
have a picture of a stunning looking 1995 Greensboro News and Record:
Afroed sister; 2008 Brown Sista: This The whole house was very airish, but
kinky haired Afro sista is doing her they’ve insulated underneath the house
own thing and still rising to the top; and put caulking on the windows; 1998
2008 New York Magazine: The Demo- Hawkins County Post: It feels sorta
cratic nominee is shown wearing a airish in here; 2008 Carolyn Digh Grif-
turban and giving a terrorist fist-jab fin: Miss Hope, you bes’ git in da
to his Afroed, machine-gun-toting wife house, it’s a gittin’ kinda airish
Afro-Saxon n. potentially offen- air out n. [1] to go for a walk (bk, cm,
sive an African American who is sub- gs, jg): 1994 Clarence Major: Come
servient to whites or adopts their on, sugar, let’s air out on the boule-
values and attitudes (bk, gs): 2000 vard; 2010 Air Comfort Solutions:
New York Times: Dennis is considered You’d like to air out with them?; 2011
an “Afro-Saxon” by the other blacks in Urban Dictionary: “Let’s air out a lil
his class, a brother hanging with the bit!” “Yep, we need some fresh air
white kids; 2002 Christopher Robert anyway” [2] to leave (cm, gs): 2011
Reed: They were referred to by histor- Urban Dictionary: I aired out my girl
ian David Lewis as “Afro-Saxons”; ’cuz she wouldn’t put out; 2011 Prophet
2010 Diverse Issues in Higher Educa- Blog: She aired out Rihanna for being
tion: One might say that search com- mean to her; 2011 Hip Hop Stan:
mittees, without intending to, look for Bitches, you wanna air out?
Afro-Saxons AK (or A.K.) n. an AK-47 assault rifle
aight1 excl. all right (jg, rk): 2002 Ali (cm, gs, jg): 1992 Dr. Dre: I never
G Indahouse, film: Let’s do what take a step on a Compton block or
Tupac and Biggie never managed, L.A. without the AK ready to pop;
aight?; 2006 Fifty Pills, film: “This 1992 Los Angeles Times: He once
must be a huge-ass operation.” dreamed of revenge, of taking an AK
“Aight, bitch. I’ll take care of this to every policeman and blast them,
shit”; 2007 David Austin: “Call me referring to an AK-47 assault rifle;
when you can.” “Aight!” 2012 Southland, TNT-TV series: Two
aight2 adv. all right (jg, rk): 1995 Clock- homies killed my witness with an AK
ers, film: “How’d that go?” “It was all good (or all good in the hood) phr. all
aight”; 2012 Vincent Greene: She right (jg, rk): 2005 Chronicle of
doing aight. I’m going to see her this Higher Education: We turn in the
130 Glossary
condo for a fifteen-acre farm, life is know the flavor; 1998 Lorene Cary:
slower, and as they say, it’s all good; I’m old style. Don’t want to be all in
2010 Sports Illustrated: Reynolds is the Kool and don’t know the flavor;
on pace for 35 homers 110 RBI and 2013 New York Amsterdam News:
more than 90 runs so it’s all good in Earthustlers! They’re always in the
the hood; 2011 Parenthood, NBC-TV Kool-Aid and don’t know the flava.
series: I already talked to Kristina, it’s Hate ’em!
all good all-originals scene n. a party or other
all good in the hood see above occasion where only African Ameri-
alligator n. a devotee or performer of cans are present (bk, cm, jg): 1990
swing or jazz music, especially if white Alan Dundes: Hey, baby! I dig you
(jg): 1999 Snoop Dogg: She a lady holding this all-originals scene at the
alligator; 2001 Baltimore Sun: Come track; 2009 V-Drums: If you are in an
on, alligators! It’s not enough to dance all-originals scene, it’s a different
the dances, you need to talk the talk of pitch; 2010 Eureka Encyclopedia: All-
swing; 2009 Tom Dalzell: Bernie could originals scene is blacks only party
well remember the alligators of the all that phr. [1] (or all that and then
late swing period some) excellent or admirable (cm, gs,
alligator bait n. potentially offen- rk): 1994 Ebony: “Chillin’ With The
sive an African American from Flor- Sisters” was all that and then some!;
ida or Louisiana, especially a child (bk, 2003 Miami Trial, film: I remember
cm, jg): 2007 Beaumont Enterprise: that ho’ got her GED, now she thinks
Get off my beat you black alligator she’s all that; 2005 Man of the House,
bait!; 2010 San Francisco Chronicle: film: “You’re all that and then some!”
Two of the cries that greeted Aaron at “Thank you!” [2] arrogant (gs): 2009
games: “Go back to the cotton fields” Geek Stink Breath: I am an outgoing
and “alligator bait”; 2013 All Voices: person who pretty much is friends with
Alligator bait applied to blacks of any anybody who isn’t all that; 2011 Sassy
age, particularly those who were from Stylings: She is all that, kind of an
Florida arrogant bitch in the house; 2011
all in the Kool-Aid phr. nosy and inquisi- Change of Plans, film: “She’s quite
tive (cm): 2010 Word Press: He loves the character!” “Yeah, she’s all that,
to be in the midst of it all, or as my huh?”
daughters say, all in the Kool-Aid; all that and then some see above
2012 Madame Noire: Wendy was trying all the way live phr. very lively or excit-
to get all in the kool-aid like she only ing (gs, jg): 1995 Things to Do in
can and Raven basically said I’m Denver When You’re Dead, film:
happy in my personal life; 2013 Bravo He’s bug-fucking-crazy, all the way
TV: Had it been Rodolfo, girl, you’d live!; 2009 Notorious, film: This is DJ
be all in the kool aid! Marley Marl. Check it out, y’all. It’s
all in the Kool-Aid and don’t know all the way live; 2010 Blogspot: This
the flavor (or all in the Kool-Aid party was all the way live. Hats off to
and don’t know the flava) phr. nosy DJ’s 100 Proof and Swervewon
and inquisitive while also ignorant amen corner n. [1] the front seats in the
of the situation (gs, rk): 1993 Threat: church, typically occupied by the most
Players can’t trust their neighbors, devout members of the congregation
they all in the Kool-Aid and don’t (gs, jg): 2006 Driving Lessons, film:
Glossary 131
God in the pulpit, God in the amen I pop her cherry, then I pop her apple;
corner, God don’t ever change!; 2009 2013 Urban Dictionary: Dude, I totally
Daily Sentinel: I looked where the popped her apple last night
deacons were sitting, in the amen apple cap n. a round, bright-colored cap
corner; 2012 Word Press: Sitting in with a very wide brim and a pompom
the amen corner, elders of the church (bk): 2001 Randy Boyd: Holding his
nod and say “amen” when the gray tweed apple cap over his face, he
preacher says something they like [2] pretended to be asleep; 2006 Ebony:
big support or feeling for someone The dress is accessorized with over-
(gs): 2007 Booman Tribune: If they sized red apple cap and black sandals;
ban all those whom they disagree with, 2010 Express: You have memories of
the site will turn into a big amen Jackson as a little black boy in an
corner; 2009 More Than Right: Its only apple cap
purpose is to serve as an Amen corner around the way adv. in the neighborhood
for their socialist agenda; 2010 Huf- (gs, rk): 1993 Us3: Kids around the
fington Post: Face it, Cory, you’re not way know what’s up; 2001 Angie Cruz:
gonna find a very big amen corner here She tells Iluminada not to worry, her
amp see below father is a lot smarter than a lot of the
amped (or amped up, amp) adj. excited guys around the way; 2002 Wire, HBO-
(gs, jg, rk): 2007 Wu-Tang Clan: I TV series: “Where’s his mother?”
might get amped to rip something down; “Around the way”
2010 Tennessean: Everyone down here around-the-way adj. from one’s neigh-
is real amped up for it; 2011 Parent- borhood (cm, gs, jg): 1999 Ebony: He
hood, NBC-TV series: The sleepover? said he was fed up with around-the-
Jabbar is pretty amped up about it way girls; 2007 Kashamba Williams:
amped up see above After giving it some thought,
amp up see amped I wondered if there was really an
Ann (or Anne) n. potentially offen- around-the-way girl story in me to
sive a white woman (cm, gs, jg): 2000 share; 2009 Baltimore City Paper: He
Geneva Smitherman: Ann [is] a deri- looks like an around-the-way type of
sive term for a white woman; 2009 guy, and in fact he is: a product of
Wikipedia: Miss Ann, also just plain Northwest Washington, DC
Ann, is a derisive reference to the white as a motherfucker (or as a mothafucka,
woman; 2010 Boston Globe: She looks as a muthafucka) adv. very offen-
much nicer than just plain Ann sive extremely or totally: 2004 Wire,
Apple n. New York City (bk, cm, gs): HBO-TV series: It’s hot as a mother-
1998 Out of Sight, film: We’re all ad fucker here; 2009 Precious, film: One’s
guys. Flew in this morning from the running around, looking crazy as a
Apple, New York; 1998 A Tribe Called motherfucker; 2010 Angry Black Bitch:
Quest: Word to Queens, my niggaz in Strict constructionism becomes select-
the Apple!; 2005 Bill Kirchner: The ive as a motherfucker
Gonzalez brothers, Jerry and Andy, ashy adj. (of skin) dry and looking slightly
were born in the Apple discolored (gs, jg): 1994 Ebony: Ashy
apple n. potentially offensive the skin is never flattering, regardless of
vagina (cm, jg): 2009 Treasure Her- your other assets; 2005 Roll Bounce,
nandez: She’s a feisty one, but her film: Start puttin’ lotion on your ashy
apple is sweet as pie; 2012 Twi-Lite: butt; 2005 Bradie Moore: You see,
132 Glossary
black folk need to keep lotion on their don’t wait for the Feds to show; 2007
bodies all the time to keep from getting License to Wed, film: One little exer-
ashy skin cise, then I’m Audi 5000, okay?; 2011
assed out (or ass out) adv. poten- Raiderfans: Aso is Audi 5000’ing outta
tially offensive [1] in trouble here faster than raiderfans
(jg): 1996 Nas: You coulda passed Audi 5000 see above
out, your coke was gone, now you Aunt Jane n. potentially offensive
assed out; 2001 Benzino: I burn rubber an African American woman who is
and leave you niggas assed out; 2011 subservient to whites or adopts their
J. Cole: I was assed out with my funds values and attitudes (cm, gs, jg):
low [2] without money (gs, rk): 2008 1985 Atlanta Journal-Constitution: A
T.I.: Everybody love to see a nigga judge once referred to her as an Aunt
assed out, rather see ya lose it all than Jane, the black female analogue to
to see you cash out; 2009 Riot Sound: If Uncle Tom; 1987 Eugene Kuzirian:
you didn’t have a little money already She had to develop all the strength of
stacked away, you was assed out; 2012 character not usually attributed to an
Date Hookup: How many friends Aunt Jane; 1998 Tricity Herald: Mili-
would at least lend you a dollar if not tants ridicule these models as Aunt
a place to stay if you were assed out in Janes
the street? Aunt Jemima n. potentially offen-
ass out see above sive an African American woman
ATL (or A.T.L.) n. Atlanta, Georgia who is subservient to whites or adopts
(gs): 2006 Kathleen Cross: Back from their values and attitudes (cm, jg):
ATL huh? Never mind Atlanta. Tell me 2013 Ebony: You took this story of Aunt
about your doctor’s appointment; 2007 Jemima, this stereotype, this mammy-
Pittsburgh Post Gazette: I have my figure, and you rewrote her story and
motivation back living in ATL; 2009 made her an empowered woman; 2013
Ebony: If you can’t make the trek down Facebook: Aunt Jemima, why you fron-
to ATL like I did, don’t sweat it tin’?; 2013 Chicago Sun-Times: The
A-Town (or A Town) n. Atlanta, Georgia name “Aunt Jemima” is a racial slur,
(jg): 2009 Yahoo Answers: He was it stems from slavery
born in A-Town and raised in Chi- Aunt Thomasina n. potentially
Town; 2010 Cedar Town: Anguish in offensive an African American
A-Town! Atlanta Teams Fans Endur- woman who is subservient to whites
ing Depression Days; 2011 Babylon: or adopts their values and attitudes
A Town most commonly refers to the (cm, gs, jg): 1991 San Jose Mercury
city of Atlanta, Georgia News: Willie is shot down by a young
attitude n. an arrogant, condescending or black woman he accuses of being an
confrontational attitude (bk, cm, gs): Aunt Thomasina; 2004 News Max:
1991 Seinfeld, NBC-TV series: I could She’s been attacked as an Aunt Tho-
never be a maid because I’d have an masina and a sellout; 2005 American
attitude; 2003 Flywheel, film: “What’s Enterprise: Her kids would come home
with the attitude?” “I don’t have atti- from school crying that she was an
tude”; 2008 Big Bang Theory, CBS-TV Aunt Thomasina
series: Look, I don’t need your attitude ax1 n. any musical instrument (cm, jg):
Audi (or Audi 5000) v. to leave (cm, gs, 2004 Ray, film: “Say, daddy-o, what
jg, rk): 2000 Kool G. Rap: Audi 5000, ax do you play?” “Piano”; 2008 Palm
Glossary 133
Beach Post: To her credit, she stayed em; 2002 Paid in Full, film: “Don’t call
on, pretended to play the ax during one me lucky!” “All right, baby”
tune, then left, throwing the peace sign baby boy n. an insignificant and irrespon-
at the crowd; 2008 Dallas Morning sible man: 2005 Longest Yard, film:
News: He played the ax behind his Look who’s back. It’s the baby boy.
back What is he trying to pull?; 2009 Fan
ax2 v. to ask (cm): 1994 Fresh, film: Fiction: I was acting like a stupid baby
I gotta come ax you for the money; boy; 2009 Taking of Pelham 123, film:
2000 Schoolly D: I gave her ten Gerber, baby boy, are you there?
dollars, then she axed me for some baby daddy n. a teenage father who is not
more; 2009 Trailer Park Boys: Count- married to his child’s mother (gs, jg,
down to Liquor Day, film: Let me ax rk): 2004 New York Amsterdam News:
you something real quick, dog Being a father and being a baby daddy
axman n. a musical instrumentalist, are two different things. A Baby Daddy
especially guitarist (jg): 2004 Chicago is a loser who sires a child; 2005 St.
Sun-Times: Both find the 59-year-old Petersburg Times: People often
West in top form as an axman although assume that Kevin Rodriguez Sr. is a
his vocal chords are a little worse for baby daddy; 2006 Bring It On: All or
wear; 2009 Philadelphia Inquirer: The Nothing, film: And the next thing you
Philadelphia tenor axman is renowned know, you’re going to be on some bad
for his Coltranelike muscularity; 2010 talk show screaming at your baby
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: In jazz circles daddy
the legendary Joe Negri turned up as baby factory n. a woman who has had a
the axman on the new album by lot of children, especially out of mar-
Michael Feinstein riage (gs, jg): 2009 Bismarck Tribune:
Too many baby factories and illegal
B immigrants riding the systems is taxing
us; 2010 Los Angeles Times: I made the
B n. [1] a fellow African American, espe- choice to devote my life to having kids
cially a man (gs, jg, rk): 1991 House and be a baby factory; 2011 Hobo with
Party 2, film: Yo B, you got some a Shotgun, film: Turn that whore into a
cuties here; 2002 8 Mile, film: What’s baby factory!
up, B?; 2002 Paid in Full, film: You’re baby gangsta (or bg, b.g.) n. a young
not the only one working, B! [2] a member of a criminal gang (jg): 2001
woman (gs, jg): 2012 Fan Fiction: Daz Dillinger and JT the Bigga Figga:
Machos and womanizers use ridicu- Now I see straight, my B.G.’s can’t
lous phrases like “Let’s go to the party relate; 2003 Pitch Weekly: They aren’t
and scope some B’s”; 2013 YouTube: interested in watching baby gangstas
I agree those are some sexy B’s, haha; transform from boys to men; 2012
2013 Lipstick Alley: Only stupid B’s Southland, TNT-TV series: They were
accuse Terry Richardson of sexual baby gangstas, little punks
harassment Babylon n. potentially offensive
baby n. a person regarded with affection (especially among Rastafarians)
(cm, gs, jg): 1991 Boyz in the Hood, aspects of white culture seen as degen-
film: Baby was fine, her body was erate and oppressive, especially the
booming; 2001 Snoop Dogg and Tha police (cm, jg, rk): 2006 New York
Eastsidas: Baby you gank em and play Times: He’s screaming for revenge
134 Glossary
against Babylon; 2011 Interpress Ser- to have the baddest rock band in the
vice: Babylon is the Rastafarian term world as ours [2] tough, bold, and
for the oppressive capitalistic world severe (gs): 1998 Belly, film: Kisha
that promotes inequality; 2011 Legacy: was a bad motherfucker; 2007 Black
Rastas consider his teachings to have August, film: It would just be a love
been corrupted by Babylon, their name story about the baddest brother; 2008
for Western society Chicago Tribune: Obama said that
baby mama (or baby momma) n. a teen- Omar is the toughest, baddest guy on
age mother who is not married to her the show
child’s father (gs): 1998 Snoop Dogg: badass1 adj. potentially offensive
I got to get this cheese with my crew [1] excellent or admirable (cm): 2006
but baby momma full of drama; 2008 Daily Reflector: We used to play at the
First Sunday, film: My baby mama Cavern and we know that if you get the
might have took my son away from right people in there, that’s a badass
me today; 2009 Toronto Star: He was place to play; 2008 Pegasus News: It’s
just a kid trying to raise a family, with a unique glimpse at the talented people
a baby mama, a kid who goes to work who make Dallas a badass place to
baby momma see above live; 2009 Ebony: They are commod-
backdoor man n. a man having an affair ities, flashy, gun-toting, badass boy-
with someone’s wife or girlfriend (bk, toys with no social responsibilities or
cm, jg): 1988 Chicago Tribune: You ties [2] tough, bold, and severe (jg):
wonder how many of these sweet back- 1998 Washington Post: He mentions it
door men turn out to be uncaring hus- frequently at work, lest anyone forget
bands of their own wives; 2006 he’s a badass outlaw; 2005 Harvard
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: In the Crimson: Yeah, I’m a badass mother-
blues, Santa’s been known to be a mid- fucker who studies astrophysics; 2011
night rambler and a backdoor man; Chicago Magazine: She won pop-cult
2008 Los Angeles Times: After warming enshrinement as the badass gang
up with safe jokes about wives and leader in Russ Meyer’s 1965 movie
backdoor men, he changed out of his “Faster, Pussycat! Kill!”
fan dance costume badass2 n. potentially offensive
back in the day (or back in the days) [1] a contemptible or despicable
phr. in the past, long time ago (jg, rk): person: 2009 Dare, film: You and
2003 Wire, HBO-TV series: “Like you Johnny acted like badasses; 2013 Huf-
guys never stole nothing back in the fington Post: Truth be told, Edith is a
day!” “We ain’t back in the day, total badass; 2013 Yahoo Answers:
Nicky”; 2013 New York Times: That I was a stupid badass back then,
was the formula they were using to I made a lot of stupid mistakes [2] a
acquire companies back in the day; tough, bold, and severe person (jg):
2013 ASAP Ferg: Them my niggas from 2011 Miami New Times: He comes off
back in the day as one of the biggest badasses in the
bad (or badd) adj. [1] excellent or admir- history of film; 2011 Nurse Jackie,
able (bk, cm, gs, jg, rk): 1996 Jay-Z: HBO-TV series: Your dad is a badass;
We got the bad bitches gaspin for air 2011 Wired News: Most Asian Ameri-
in Aspen; 2008 Strictly Sexual, film: Oh can images portrayed on TV were that
my God! You’re so bad! You’re the of kung-fu badasses, servants or the
man!; 2009 Ebony: We are still blessed enemy
Glossary 135
[2] the game of basketball (gs jg): baller-blockin on me?; 2010 Kanye
1994 Hoop Dreams, film: It was West: They try to baller-block us, use
playing ball for the team; 1995 Basket- absolute power
ball Diaries, film: We were just best baller-blocker (or balla-blocka) n. an
friends playing ball in the driveway; envious person who is trying to pre-
1998 He Got Game, film: They love vent someone from doing something
ball-playing brothers, man successful or funny (jg): 2003 Black
ball2 v. [1] (or ball out) to have a good Planet: Show me some love, don’t be
time (bk, cm, jg, rk): 2001 Washing- a baller-blocker; 2010 Urban Diction-
ton Post: I’m always gonna ball, ball ary: A baller-blocker is a person
’til I fall; 2006 Randy Kearse: We goin’ throwing salt on your game, whether
down to the A.T.L. and ball out for the it be money or relationship-wise; 2010
weekend; 2006 Snoop Dogg: My nigga, Essence: When it is a group of ladies
ball ’til you fall! Don’t stop! [2] to play there always will be a baller-blocker in
basketball (gs, jg): 2005 Paintball the crew
Forum: I went balling yesterday when balling1 (or ballin’) adj. successful and
some white kid walks in all ghetto’d living well (gs, jg): 2001 Baby Boy,
out; 2011 My Space: I went balling film: All the real ballin’, successful
with a few of my buddies; 2011 Slam: folks are sellers; 2010 Ebonics Trans-
Despite the bad state of the court, kids lator: Cheese is a necessary element to
balled on that thing daily as if it were a any balling effort; 2010 Yahoo
pristine NBA 94-feet [3] poten- Answers: Why are Jewish people so
tially offensive to have sex with balling?
(cm): 1995 Coolio: If you’re balling balling2 (or ballin’) n. a good time (bk,
me, you got your own set of keys; cm, jg): 2006 Vogue: Most nights I
1997 Face/Off, film: I like balling your never had a balling; 2012 Insight
wife; 2005 Forums: Who cares if the News: I’ve never done a stage play
boss and you just balled his wife? before, but I had a balling doing this;
balla see baller 2013 Twitter: Casino? I stayed there.
balla-block see baller-block It’s pure balling
balla-blocka see baller-blocker ball out see ball2
baller (or balla) n. someone who makes a Bama (or ’Bama) n. Alabama (cm): 1996
lot of money, especially illegally (jg, Anne Bertram: “Where you from?”
rk): 1996 Newsweek: I am not a hater “Birmingham, Alabama!” “No kid-
like you, bow down to a baller that’s ding! My dad was from’Bama”; 2005
greater than you; 2005 Aaron Peck- Prison Break, Fox-TV series: That is
ham: Evan’s a baller now with his job what my auntie back in ’Bama used to
downtown and a new Benz; 2010 call hobo chicken; 2010 Facebook: I’m
Sports Illustrated: Let’s separate the from Bama, too
ballas from the poseurs bama (or ’bama) n. potentially
baller-block (or balla-block) v. to be offensive an uncultured or
envious and try to prevent someone unsophisticated person from the south-
from doing something successful or ern USA (cm, gs, jg, rk): 2000 Bam-
funny (rk): 2005 H.A.W.K.: Me and boozled, film: Here come the Bamas.
Ro are making profit, niggas are No more city slickers!; 2004 Ray, film:
trying to baller-block it; 2010 Ebonics Okay,’bama, why don’t you get on up
Translator: Why you always got to be there and show me what you got?; 2005
Glossary 137
gonna win that rap battle; 2013 Rap told, next time you come here, bring
Radar: Loaded Lux and Hollow Da yo’ B-coat!
Don squared off this past weekend. beam v. to stare at or observe closely (cm,
The battle lasted close to an hour jg): 1994 Clarence Major: They be
battle2 v. to tease, especially by provoca- beaming me when I walk by; 1996
tive rhyming comments in a gamelike Ghostface Killa: Two kids was
manner (jg): 1987 Public Enemy: You beaming him, them niggas from the
got no rap, but you want to battle. It’s movie theater; 2010 Blogs: Everybody
like havin’ a boat, but you got no was beaming that chick
paddle; 2010 Wiki How: Pay careful bear n. potentially offensive an
attention to the techniques those artists unattractive person, especially a
use to battle; 2010 SOHH: Last year, woman (cm, gs, jg): 2007 Deseret
rapper Roth revealed his inability to News: No one was calling her a big,
battle ugly bear; 2009 Matter of Size, film:
B-ball (or B ball) n. the game of “You’re a real bear!” “Why insult
basketball (gs, jg): 2003 Atlanta me?”; 2009 Flickr: She’s such a bear
Journal-Constitution: Playing B-ball in this picture
seems foreign to us now; 2009 New beast n. a white person, especially a
Haven Register: If a player receives a person in power such as a police offi-
four-year scholarship to play B-ball, he cer (cm, gs, jg, rk): 2005 San Fran-
should be required to play for four cisco Chronicle: When you have to
years; 2010 Kids Are All Right, film: deal with a beast, you have to treat
I did a little B-ball in junior high him as a beast; 2006 Public Enemy:
B-boy (or B boy) n. [1] a male devotee of No peace for the beast!; 2006 Randy
breakdancing (cm, gs): 1993 Us3: The Kearse: Beast pulled us over twice
B-boys from Brooklyn are breakin’ today
bones for the bucks; 2009 Los Angeles beastly adj. unattractive (gs, rk): 2005
Times: You’re a B-boy, but do you Urban Dictionary: Get that beastly
think you have a future in contempor- chick away from me!; 2010 Dirty: He
ary dance?; 2011 News, KVAL-TV was dating some beastly bitch; 2011
program: Wicked Fx is a group of “b- YouTube: I ain’t gonna lie, this is
boys,” also known as breakdancers [2] one beastly nigga!
a male devotee of rap music or hip-hop beatbox1 n. [1] making mouth noises that
(gs, jg, rk): 1996 Dr. Dre: It’s hard- serve as the background rhythm for a
core, B-boy rhymes just for you; 2006 rap (jg): 2007 Big Bang Theory, CBS-
Ian Condry: It characterized a b-boy TV series: It was a human beatbox;
ethic even before the term b-boy was 2011 Village Voice: Jimmy revealed
known; 2009 Los Angeles Times: What his music-related cluelessness by sug-
kind of feedback are you getting from gesting that Paul throw a “beatbox” in
other b-boys? Have you lost your the middle; 2011 Boston Globe: I’ve
street cred at all? always enjoyed mixing machines with
B-coat (or B coat) n. a bulletproof vest: flesh and that track has a beatbox on it,
2000 E-40: Suckas on the block know but it has real drums on top of that [2]
I got a Glock, B-coats, and all of that; a large portable stereo player: 1986
2008 Rap Battles: I came to this world Spin Magazine: Ask him what’s so
undressed, still no B-coat, just my special about the crew, and he’ll tell
chest; 2010 Web Forums: Nigga, be you about the beatbox; 1987 Musician:
Glossary 139
2007 Mickey Hess: When hip hop Atlanta? What do you remember most
music began, the b-boys and b-girls about your trips to the Big A?; 2010
took to the dance floor; 2010 Tennes- Facebook: Best of the Big A! The best
sean: About 5% of dancers are women Atlanta has to offer!
known as B-girls [2] a female devotee Big Apple n. New York City (bk, cm,
of rap music or hip-hop (jg): 2009 gs): 1999 Variety Magazine: They plan
Forums: I’m predisposed to like her to linger in the Big Apple; 2010 News,
because she’s a B-girl; 2009 Joseph ABC-TV program: But for savvy trav-
Schloss: You want to be a b-girl?; elers there are still plenty of bargains
2013 Los Angeles Times: B-Girls: Por- to be found in the Big Apple; 2010 New
traits of Women in Hip Hop York Post: He sees them on every street
biatch (or biyatch) n. potentially corner in the Big Apple
offensive [1] a contemptible or bigass adj. potentially offensive
despicable woman (jg): 2008 Prom [1] very big (bk, cm, gs, jg): 1983
Wars, film: How does it feel, biatch, Eddie Murphy Delirious, film: Mick
to be a loser?; 2009 Ace Showbiz: Jagger is an ugly motherfucker, he’s
They’re right about Annie though, got bigass lips; 2006 ATL, film: I know
she’s a biatch; 2009 Celebrity Gossip: what he wanted from you, and it wasn’t
Maybe we’ll get some insight into what them big-ass earrings; 2009 Village
he’s seeing in that sour-puss biyatch Voice: Who the fuck is this bitch on
[2] a woman (bk, jg): 2006 World your page, with her big-ass tits up on
Cup Blog: Let me know if you want your top eight? [2] self-important or
some biatch!; 2008 Janet Perr: I got arrogant (bk): 1999 Tim Tharp: I see
biyatches. I got plenty of chedda, and you don’t have that big-ass friend of
a phat crib; 2010 New Magazine: Can yours here to protect you this time, he
you imagine Snoop Dogg rocking up to said; 2004 Snoop Dogg: With that big-
the corner shop with Emily Bishop as ass mouth you need to shut the fuck up;
his biatch? 2009 Chicago Sun-Times: He acts a
bid n. a prison sentence (gs, jg, rk): 2006 bigass kid
Randy Kearse: This my first real bid; Big D n. Detroit, Michigan (gs): 1997
2009 Notorious, film: He turned him- John Holway: Detroit, the Big D, with
self in, had to do a bid; 2010 Prison its nightclubs and pretty girls,
Talk: My first bid was in 2008 for a beckoned to the single guys; 2005 Alice
parole violation Randall: Lynx used to chauffeur us all
biddy see bitty around the Big D when Detroit was
bidness n. business (cm, gs): 1994 Forr- something; 2008 Detroit News: One
est Gump, film: I know everything entertaining option for a day in the
there is to know about the shrimping Big D would be to hit it
bidness; 2007 Ebony: Any guy spend- big eyes n. an intense craving or desire
ing enough time to look that fresh and (jg): 2011 African American Litera-
tanned can’t be spending enough time ture: Di Di Baby always had big eyes
on municipal bidness; 2008 Snoop for her friend’s beaus or exes; 2011
Dogg: I’m about my bidness, boy, Literotica: All three guys had big eyes
making money never been so smooth for my breasts; 2011 Time: She had big
Big A n. Atlanta, Georgia: 2000 Inquirer: eyes for Berry, whom she met onstage
Big A is Atlanta; 2009 Atlanta Journal- big face n. any of the new-style dollar
Constitution: What brings you to bills with large faces of US presidents,
Glossary 141
especially the new hundred-dollar Mama. I got to have fun; 2008 Elsa
bill (gs, rk): 2004 Nekousa Mullin: Hahne: The best cooks are the big
Rubber banded bundles of big faces mamas. Ain’t no skinny people like
fell onto the bed; 2006 Shafeeq: “One us!; 2009 Ebony: Reasons being is
hundred ninety-nine dollars.” Tiffany weight, weave and big mama stereo-
handed the clerk two big faces; 2010 types [2] the grandmother in the Afri-
Black Planet: Sippin on Cristal and can American family (cm, gs, jg):
countin them bigfaces, that’s just the 2005 Rosalyn Story: Olivia watched in
way of life! wonder as Big Mama worked, her
big foe see below large hands busy, her forehead etched
big four (or big foe) n. urban police with a frown of determination; 2006
detectives, especially brutal and arro- New York Times: She poses as an
gant (gs, jg): 2007 Heather Buchanan: obese middle-age woman who asks
I’mah so sick and tired of the Big Foe everyone to call her big momma; 2009
startin’ mess; 2007 Detroit News: The Root: Do you remember Big Mama
big four were four-man police units dying from complications with dia-
known to black Detroiters as instiga- betes? [3] something big or important:
tors of brutality and harassment; 2009 2006 Rick Van Dam: She had a split at
Rutgers Bulletin: The big four roamed both sides of her dress and her breasts
the streets, searching for bars to raid were big mamas; 2009 Atkins Diet:
and prostitutes to arrest This big momma cost me $7.30. Well
biggety see biggity worth satisfying my potato craving;
Biggety O see Biggity O 2010 World Flicks: They were farming
biggity (or biggety) adj. self-important or these huge fish for Japanese market,
arrogant (bk, cm, jg): 1996 Roanoke one fish was worth $20 a kilo, and
Times: My father kept telling me this these were big mamas
was a very historic occasion and I felt big momma see above
real biggety; 2008 New York Times: Big O n. Oakland, California: 2010 Public
Back then, I was so busy and so bigg- Address: George was born in Big O;
ity, I didn’t pay attention to what 2010 Yahoo Answers: If you decide to
he offered me; 2008 National Public live in the Big O, then you need to get
Radio: She suggested I cling to my up into the hills somewhere; 2010 Oak-
place at the post office and not let land Online: Come on out to the Big O,
publication make me biggity we’ll show you a good time, I promise
Biggity O (or Biggety O) n. Oakland, big paper n. a lot of money (gs, jg): 1993
California: 2007 Yelp: The revitaliza- Carl S. Taylor: I didn’t have no big
tion of the Biggity O is in full effect, paper saved, and his family took every
and Levende East is going to become a dime in the house, left me out cold;
pillar of the Old Oakland dining 2009 My Space: I’m makin big paper
renaissance; 2010 Twitter: The Biggity on these hoes, you dig?; 2009 Yoddle
O is where you belong, my homie; Pop: It’s a smart strategy if you’re
2010 Athletics Nation: Is anyone inter- trying to earn big paper
ested in making a road trip to the big time adv. extremely or totally (gs,
Biggety O? jg): 1992 Reservoir Dogs, film: Some-
big mama (or big momma) n. [1] a big or body fucked us up big time, man; 2013
stout African American woman (gs): New York Times: He botched it big
2001 Baby Boy, film: I ain’t like Big time; 2013 Los Angeles Times: If you
142 Glossary
do it big time, you had better keep gotta go [2] potentially offen-
track of what you spent sive a girlfriend (bk, jg): 2004 Lady-
big ups1 n. congratulations (gs): 2005 killers, film: “The man brought his
Coach Carter, film: Big ups to every- bitch to Waffle Court.” “Stop referring
body who came out to the Richmond to her that way. She is the other half of
High winter dance, y’all! Get down!; my life”; 2005 Be Cool, film: You’re
2009 Ebony: Big ups to Herbie Han- still my bitch. Love ya. Out!; 2011
cock for his nomination!; 2010 Exam- Meek Mill: Not to mention Ty was
iner: The people deserve big ups for fuckin’ his old bitch
the work they’re doing bitch-ass adj. weak, timid or cowardly
big ups2 excl. congratulations (gs): 2002 (gs, rk): 2001 Jadakiss: I bet the hood
8 Mile, film: Big ups and congratula- won’t miss you, you bitch-ass nigga;
tions! You finally got your record on 2002 Xzibit: Lemme explain to you why
the radio; 2009 Biz Community: Big niggaz act like bitches. There’s bitch-
ups, guys. Thanks for picking me to ass niggaz and there’s men; 2005
work with; 2013 Facebook: Big-ups, Waiting, film: Get the fuck out of my
dudes! That’s amazing fuckin’ face, bitch-ass motherfuckers!
big Willie n. an important of influential bitch-slap v. to slap someone with the
person, especially African American back of one’s hand across the face
(gs, jg, rk): 1999 Sopranos, HBO- (jg, rk): 2002 Dan Jenkins: Somebody
TV series: Tell me why this was a ought to bitch-slap the motherfucker
smart move to make Junior the big upside the head; 2007 Two and a Half
Willie; 1999 Blackalicious: He’s a big Men, CBS-TV series: I got bitch-
Willie now, rappin bout cars, thousand slapped!; 2011 Huffington Post:
dollar shoppin sprees, hangin out with I wanted to bitch-slap every single
stars; 2011 Escapist Magazine: It’s one of ’em
mostly because he’s a big willie in bite v. to copy or imitate (cm, gs, jg, rk):
general, but his accent being different 1989 Pamela Munro: Why did you bit
from everyone else’s never stops my outfit?; 1997 Jay-Z: It’s the nigga,
annoying me I ain’t mad yeah, bite my shit; 2009
biscuit n. the buttocks (bk, cm, jg): 2004 Bebo: Talk like me, even bite every-
Snoop Dogg: Now you always got to thing from me
be hot and vicious, so move them bis- bitty (or biddy) n. a young woman (cm,
cuits and hit them tricks bitch; 2009 gs, jg, rk): 2006 Randy Kearse: How
Spoof: She said that she would kick about callin’ them bitties we met
McFixx in her biscuit; 2010 Baby earlier; 2010 Lights So Bright:
Center: She can’t stop shaking her bis- Because I’m a shy bitty, I wish I were
cuit, shaking her head, and bopping up attending the after party; 2013 You-
and down Tube: She’s a sexy bitty and I want to
bitch n. [1] potentially offensive a do all kinds of dirty things to her
woman (bk, cm, gs): 1991 Jungle biyatch see biatch
Fever, film: My marriage is wrecked, bizzle n. [1] a problem or difficulty: 2005
he’s fucking some white bitch; 2000 Office, film: Here’s the bizzle; 2006 TV
Tom Lisanti: Diane excelled as the Guide: Karma’s a bizzle. I think if any
sophisticated bitch; 2005 Coach one of those things had gone differ-
Carter, film: Yo! l’d love to shoot the ently, I would have made it a lot fur-
shit with you bitches all night, but l ther in the game; 2009 Honda Twins:
Glossary 143
All that crank pressure makes it real Black American Princess (or BAP,
bizzle [2] a woman: 2009 My Space: B.A.P.) n. potentially offensive
She’s my bizzle and we make an a wealthy young African American
awesome team; 2009 Deviant Art: You woman, especially if pampered or arro-
old bizzle! I thought you weren’t gant (jg): 1997 Philip Herbst: As a
coming!; 2013 YouTube: What a sexy BAP, I am a child of privilege; 2006
bizzle! Jerry Springer Show, WBN-TV pro-
BK (or B.K.) n. [1] a Burger King res- gram: First of all, I’m not no nigger.
taurant (bk, gs, jg): 1991 Sarasota I’m a Black American Princess, okay?;
Herald-Tribune: Before practice I ate 2013 Flavorwire: With her black
at BK (Burger King) again; 2001 Pep- middle-class breeding in full effect,
perell Free Press: We rode to Itaewon she was also a Black American
and ate at BK again (eating Korean Princess
food takes longer) and then to Dong- black-and-tan adj. interracial, especially
deamun shopping center; 2005 Diane occupied or patronized by both African
Goodspeed: The nearest BK is in the Americans and whites (bk, cm, gs,
Pennington Market shopping center jg): 1996 Chicago Sun-Times: The
[2] Brooklyn, New York: 2004 Des- Sutherland was known as a black-
tiny’s Child: We like them boys up and-tan bar where blacks and whites
top from the BK, know how to flip that mingled freely in the audience; 2003
money three ways; 2010 Life Files: Bey Laurie Palazzolo: There was a bar on
is not from BK but her husband is; Hastings called the Cozy Corner. It
2012 Chiddy Bang: You from BK, but was a black-and-tan place; 2010 Pas-
you can’t always have it your way sion Play, film: There’s gonna be a
black n. a fellow African American (gs, raid in a couple of hours. They’re bust-
jg, rk): 1986 Tina Turner and Kurt ing a black-and-tan joint down on
Loder: I wouldn’t play at no white club Adams
that didn’t let in Blacks; 1996 Jay-Z: black ass n. potentially offensive
All us blacks got is sports and enter- unless used by african ameri-
tainment; 2009 Body Space: Yo black, cans self, when referring to an Afri-
how’s everything coming along? can American: 1989 Do The Right
blackalicious adj. [1] (of an African Thing, film: Sit your black ass down!;
American) sexually attractive: 2000 1993 Menace II Society, film: If it
Boston Globe: Shedding his robe he wasn’t for him, my black ass would
was a blackalicious sight; 2003 Friend- be dead by now; 2000 Bamboozled,
ster: Shawn is so blackalicious! He’s film: Seven years ago they was kicking
funny, trashy, camp, and intelligent; our black asses
2011 Urban Dictionary: That girl is black-ass adj. potentially offen-
blackalicious with them pretty eyes sive unless used by african
and thick thighs [2] excellent or admir- americans African American: 2012
able, especially if connected with Afri- Django Unchained, film: I got no
can Americans: 2003 Thirty Fourth problem with it if you ain’t got no
Street: I’d like to think that I was problem with burnin’ everything else
blackalicious, but unfortunately I am when this black-ass motherfucker’s
not; 2003 Forums: The Acapella was gone; 2013 My Space: Yeah, I’m a
blackalicious!; 2006 Assata Shakur: black-ass mofo; 2013 YouTube: This
I feel renewed and very blackalicious black-ass singer sang for a long time
144 Glossary
Black Bottom n. [1] an area of a city black mecca n. a city to which African
with a predominantly African Ameri- Americans are drawn to live: 2010
can population (cm, gs, jg): 1988 New Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Don’t
York Times: Joe Louis grew up in this forget Atlanta’s reputation as a black
city’s Black Bottom section and mecca; 2011 New York Times: Cedric
became a larger-than-life symbol; said Atlanta had always been a black
1988 Atlanta Journal-Constitution: An mecca and continues to be; 2013 Wiki-
estimated 10,000 reveled in Detroit’s pedia: Harlem was referred to as a
Paradise Valley in the city’s Black black mecca in the 1920’s, 1930’s,
Bottom; 2010 Black Voices: Cobo 1940’s and still is today
agreed to let the federal government blacksploitation see blaxploitation
drop I-75 in the middle of the city’s black thang see below
Black Bottom [2] an area in Detroit black thing (or black thang) n. any socio-
with a predominantly African Ameri- cultural practice, behavior or attitude
can population (gs): 2011 Fan House: characteristic of African Americans
The monument honors the boxing (gs): 1990 Spin Magazine: Entertain-
champion who rose from Detroit’s ment in America is increasingly a
Black Bottom in the 1930s; 2011 Flor- black thang; 1996 Jet Magazine: Sui-
ida Courier: From the Fillmore in San cide is a White thing, it’s not a Black
Francisco to Black Bottom in Detroit, thing, the myth claims; 2009 Ebony:
they were done in forever in the name The interest these artists are generat-
of new development; 2013 Yahoo ing is not based on the idea they are
News: Detroit’s Black Bottom has white singers doing a black thing
faded into history as a specific burb blaxploitation (or blacksploitation) n.
blacker-than-thou adj. criticizing fellow commercial exploitation of assumed
African Americans for not being Afri- African American experience, espe-
can American enough (gs): 1993 New cially in films with African Americans
York Newsday: It’s part of a trend in sensational heroic roles (bk, cm,
among blacks to prove they’re jg): 2009 New York Post: It ushered
blacker-than-thou; 1996 Los Angeles in an era we know as blaxploitation,
Times: The fact that Lee would paving the way for Denzel Washington
embrace Jackson looks like a contra- and Will Smith; 2009 Word Press: It
diction of his previous “blacker-than- will give audiences a taste of what
thou” public persona; 2003 Joy Ann blaxploitation was like thirty-five years
Williamson: Blacker-than-thou senti- ago; 2013 San Jose Mercury News: She
ment had a personal and hurtful was revered for her roles in blaxploit-
impact on Black students ation films such as “Blacula” and
Black Man’s Wheels n. a BMW automo- “Shaft in Africa”
bile (gs): 2002 Jessica Mann: Gavin blaze (or blaze up) v. [1] to light a mari-
wanted to make a point by driving juana cigarette (gs, jg, rk): 1993
Black Man’s Wheels; 2009 Plentyof- Snoop Dogg: If you with my shit, then
fish: I wouldn’t be offended at hearing blaze up another spliff; 1995 Big Mack:
“black man’s wheels,” it’s all about I blaze up a spliff with my nigga Richie
the context and the general educa- Rich; 2009 Brendon Lancaster: He took
tional level of the audience; 2013 Free the spliff from Mo and placed it into
Republic: Here in Floriduh, BMW the corner of his mouth. “Time to blaze
stands for Black Man’s Wheels up and prepare for lift off!” [2] to
Glossary 145
smoke a marijuana cigarette (gs, jg, bling3 (or bling it, bling out, bling up) v.
rk): 1992 Dr. Dre: Hey, yo whassup? [1] to display showiness or ostenta-
My name is Dre. Can I blaze some tious luxury: 2006 Bossip: I wouldn’t
chronic with you?; 2001 How High, expect any rappers to stop blinging
film: We sit down, blaze up, hit the anytime though; 2013 Facebook: He
books; 2006 Brian Childs: We blazed was commenting on being on a public
a joint between deliveries bus with women that were blinging
blaze up see above and carrying Birkin bags; 2013 Word
blazing (or blazin’) adj. excellent or Press: Yesterday’s tomming is today’s
admirable (gs, jg, rk): 1998 Public blinging [2] to make something look
Enemy: Yo, it’s blazin’! This shit is showy or ostentatiously luxurious:
hot!; 2009 Ebony: As a fan of boxing 2005 Honolulu Advertiser: She blinged
I’ll be rooting for a blazing, impres- her cell phone in flashy pink and silver;
sive, rapid victory by Floyd; 2009 2010 Blogspot: The Japanese have
Fashion: We also caught Little Boots’ been blinging their phones this whole
show and it was blazin’! time; 2013 Fan Fiction: Wow, he
bling1 (or bling-bling) n. [1] showiness or blinged his ride!
ostentatious luxury: 2008 Tricia Rose: bling-bling see bling1, bling2
So, sometimes, keeping it real means bling it, bling out, bling up see bling3
rejecting all the bling-bling; 2009 blondey see below
Ebony: He is a role model not some blondie (or blondey) n. potentially
athlete or rapper with all the bling- offensive a white woman (gs, jg):
bling; 2013 Victoria Advocate: Don’t 2001 Philip Herbst: Blondie is an epi-
be afraid to include bling and glitz in thet used largely by black men for
the decor [2] a piece of jewelry, espe- white women; 2008 Digital Spy:
cially a ring (jg, rk): 2002 Hot Chick, I don’t think “blondie” is on par with
film: I wish my mama got me some the “N-word”; 2010 Miami Herald:
bling-bling; 2007 Walker Moore: He is For weeks, Demi’s teammates referred
back in his right mind, no longer using to her as “blondie” or “white girl”
teenspeak or wearing bling-bling and blood n. a fellow African American man
low-riding jeans; 2010 Boston Herald: (bk, cm, gs): 1987 Newsweek: He
Brown reportedly got down on one would be required to prove to a new
knee and presented her with the bling generation of bloods that he was not
bling2 (or bling-bling) adj. showy or to be F’d with; 1996 Get on the Bus,
ostentatiously luxurious (jg, rk): film: Come here, young blood!; 1993
2005 Miami Herald: It has all the the- Gayle Peters: He immediately became
matic elements of hiphop tirades aware of the interest she raised in all
against the establishment and stories the local bloods, not just the men at the
of ghetto life and tales of 24-hour bling tables
parties; 2010 USA Today: The bling- blow v. to play a musical instrument (cm,
bling era may have faded for car gs, jg): 2010 Yahoo Answers: I’d
buyers, but apparently not for auto learn how to blow a sax if I were you;
thieves; 2010 Wall Street Journal: Sar- 2011 San Diego Reader: Arnold
kozy has been characterized in the receives expert instruction on the art
press as the bling-bling president and of blowing a sax; 2013 YouTube: It
reproached for an apparently lavish looks like they are blowing a trumpet
lifestyle or violin
146 Glossary
blowed adj. under the influence of a drug concerns be known; 2013 Chicago
(gs, rk): 2001 Tampa Tribune: I was Tribune: It’s more than just a blue-
blowed. My head was going crazy; light special [2] a police officer (gs,
2008 Grass City: After that you should jg): 1998 Stephen J. Cannell: Dey
be pretty blowed for a good while; gonna throw dat bitch an’ dem two
2009 Austin Weekly News: You would blue light specials down de elevator
probably see people lying out in the shaft; 2004 Insane Clown Posse: I’m
streets blowed hearing sirens going off, it’s no blue
blow-out n. a hairstyle of bouffant, tightly light specials; 2011 Offshore Only: We
curled hair, worn by many African are being followed by two blue light
Americans (cm, gs, jg, rk): 1985 specials
Rusty Rothman: Find that style you B’more (or B-more) n. Baltimore, Mary-
can wash and fix yourself with hot land (gs, rk): 2004 Jet Magazine:
rollers, a curling iron, or a blow-out; Mo’Nique plays the fun-loving hair-
2003 Baltimore City Paper: Mr. Wilk- stylist from B’more; 2004 Hair Show,
ins is shown wearing a blowout in his film: I can do that back in B’more;
toddler years; 2006 Randy Kearse: 2009 Wilmington News Journal: We’ll
Man, don’t nobody wear blow-outs drink to that this weekend in B’more,
anymore where the awesomely alcohol-fueled
blue black n. potentially offensive Baltimore Beer Week is taking place
a very dark-skinned African American through Oct. 18
(cm, jg): 2006 Gloog: Dark-skinned B.N.I.C. see Boss Nigger In Charge
blacks are called blue-blacks; 2010 body bag n. a condom (cm, gs): 2005 All
Topix: The original blacks are blue Poetry: You put a body bag on your
blacks, and I am born from those ori- dick; 2008 Yahoo Answers: Did you go
ginal blue blacks; 2010 Blackbird Press in raw or did you wear a body bag?;
News: It showed blue blacks at an 2009 Esquire: In case of Jenny’s
American college swollen belly, the cause was bumping
blue-eyed devil n. a white person, espe- without a body bag
cially a racist (gs): 1995 Kevin Brown: bomb v. to graffiti, especially the entire
It was their common hatred of the surface (jg, rk): 2011 Map Sites:
blue-eyed devil that united them; 2005 Writers were bombing on all the
News, ABC-TV program: They can’t subway lines; 2011 Nathaniel Turner:
do it because of the blue eyed devil, The more experienced and reputable
because of racism, America is a bad writers were bombing Philadelphia;
society; 2007 Ebony: The Nation of 2013 Los Angeles Online: As a youth,
Islam likely holds the copyright for I used to bomb walls
the term “blue-eyed devil,” which bone1 n. [1] potentially offensive
came into common usage the penis (cm, gs): 1995 Four Rooms,
blue-light special n. [1] something infer- film: I could go on and on about his
ior or inexpensive (gs, jg): 1994 cock, his bone; 2000 Marvel Comic
Gerald Haslam: They remain frus- Sex: She started to suck his bone while
trated by and angry at a world that he took care of her burning pussy; 2011
offers them only blue-light special; Pornstar Network: Brandon is waiting
2007 Forums: This place is a blue in the next room, when the ladies join
light special for trolls. But it’s not the him, and suck his bone [2] marijuana
people who come here to let their (gs): 2006 Meta Cafe: They probably
Glossary 147
wanted to smoke some bone; 2006 Sur- Ebony: She is so proud of her boo;
vivor Sucks: Now you can smoke some 2011 Jumping the Broom, film: “He
bone guilt free; 2011 Drug 3K: Yeah, bought these clothes to impress,
I am sitting here now debating whether hoping he would come up like Jason!”
to smoke bone or not “Don’t talk about my boo like that!”
bone2 v. potentially offensive to [2] one’s girlfriend (gs, jg, rk): 2001
have sex with (gs, rk): 1991 Jungle Baby Boy, film: Is this Jody? The Jody
Fever, film: Well, I know you didn’t that got my boo pregnant?; 2007
bone her; 1997 Face-Off, film: I enjoy Ebony: The heart wants what it wants
boning your wife; 2010 Dexter, and Eddie and his boo are ready to
Showtime-TV series: Are you boning jump the broom; 2008 Mother Jones:
our target’s sister? He can call me his boo
bone3 adv. extremely or totally (jg): 2004 boo coos (or boo-coos, boo koos, boo-
David Adams Richards: I am very koos) adv. a lot of or plenty of (cm,
drunk and you are bone ugly. I will gs): 1986 Platoon, film: We got boo-
wake up sober, and you will wake up coos movement. Third Battalion just
bone ugly; 2006 Boston Legal, ABC- got hit fifteen clicks north of here;
TV series: By the end of the day, I am 2006 Democratic Underground: Sadar
bone tired; 2007 John from Cincinnati, seems to have boo coos of influence;
HBO-TV series: You’re not that bone 2010 City Data: We spent boo coos of
stupid to think I would keep you on the money for equipment and uniforms
payroll boody see booty
boned out adj. potentially offen- boody call see booty call
sive [1] exhausted after having sex, boody club see booty club
especially for a long time (gs, jg): boodylicious see bootylicious
2008 Penny Arcade: What happens boody-struck see booty-struck
when Mr. Attractive is all boned out?; boogie1 (or boogie-woogie) n. [1] a good
2011 Urban Dictionary: “Wanna do it time (gs, jg): 1995 Onyx: All my nig-
again?” “We were just at it for two gas are in uptown and ya don’t stop,
hours. I’m all boned out”; 2011 Meat all my niggas are in the boogie-woogie
Up Date: I was boned out after over- and ya won’t stop; 2001 Black Knight,
night chilling [2] phr. without money film: Clear the floor. Time to get the
(gs, jg): 1998 Stephen J. Cannell: He boogie on!; 2007 Code Name: The
say he gonna be livin’ large, but he Cleaner, film: If you’re looking for
always been one boned-out nigga; the boogie, you’re looking for me; [2]
2000 Geneva Smitherman: Boned out enlivement or energy (jg): 1992 Law-
[means] without money; 2004 Rap rence A. Stanley: Get on up and put
Battles: That nigga boned out the boogie in your body!; 2001 Har-
bone out v. to leave (cm, gs, jg, rk): vard Magazine: Mondrian wanted to
1995 Friday, film: They got in the car animate his paintings to give them, as
and boned out; 2004 Campus Hook: We he put it, more boogie-woogie; 2006
boned out fast as hell but they weren’t Washington Post: Yet, it is mostly
coming at us at all; 2011 Xanga: They abstract and ethereal, without much
boned out quick after the cops came boogie or groove
boo n. [1] one’s boyfriend (gs, jg, rk): boogie2 (or boogie-woogie) v. [1] to have
2006 Vikki Bell: Holly spent the night a good time (gs, jg): 1997 Wag the
with her new boo in Brooklyn; 2009 Dog, film: I like the nightlife, I like to
148 Glossary
boogie; 2001 Snoop Dogg: I wanna was booming; 2006 Randy Kearse:
boogie all the time; 2008 Toronto Star: I don’t know what she’s eatin’ but she
He boogie-woogied in Toronto last got the boomin body; 2009 Twitter:
night [2] to dance (cm, jg): 1998 These boomin’ bitches will do anything
Toronto Star: We boogied through the boon coon n. potentially offensive
best concert we’ve been to in years; a close friend (bk, jg): 1998 James
2006 Dreamgirls, film: People are get- Farmer: I know it was true cause a
ting ready to boogie, and when they friend of mine, my boon coon, my main
do, they’re gonna do it to our music; man, was one of those asked, and he
2007 Jackass 2.5, film: He boogie- told me about it; 2004 Yetonda Payne:
woogied fine [3] to move or leave Lucinda has been my boon coon since
quickly (cm, jg): 2006 American junior high school; 2010 GS Poetry: He
Hardcore, film: We boogied all the was my boon coon and I was his ace
way to Salt Lake City, we got there, boot n. potentially offensive
and the place was closed; 2011 Parent- unless used by african ameri-
hood, NBC-TV series: Okay, Max. cans an African American person
Let’s boogie, we’re late; 2011 Cedar (bk, cm, gs, jg): 1992 News, CNN-
Rapids, film: “Guys, I gotta boogie!” TV program: You’re not goin’ any-
“I’ll see you later” where, boot. You’re goin’ to jail; 2004
boogie down v. to have a good time (gs, Bryant York: His drill instructor called
jg): 1992 Juice, film: I make money in him a “boot,” which was a not so
Manhattan, go uptown to the Bronx complimentary slang term for a black
and boogie down; 2008 Deal, film: person; 2006 Idaho Statesman: He
We’re gonna boogie down tonight; ordered cocktails for her and her
2013 Facebook: Thanks to everyone fellow boots in his hotel room
who boogied down with us boot up v. to get ready to fight (gs): 1998
boogie-woogie see boogie1, boogie2 Skull Duggery: Nigga, boot up or shut
boojie, boojee, boojy see bourgie up!; 2005 Urban Dictionary: You betta
book v. to leave (gs, rk): 1993 CB4, film: boot up or everybody is gonna think
When you gonna let us book?; 1994 you a pussy; 2005 Canibus: Suited up,
Pulp Fiction, film: “What you got?” booted up, I’m ready for war
“He booked!”; 2006 Randy Kearse: booty (or boody) n. potentially
I could have booked three hours ago, offensive [1] the buttocks (cm, gs,
but I didn’t jg): 1996 Get on the Bus, film: In my
boo koos, boo-koos see boo coos unenlightened days big booty would
boom box n. a large portable stereo catch my eye; 1997 Santa Rosa Press
player (cm, gs): 1994 It Could Happen Democrat: Judy was a delight shaking
to You, film: You don’t have to carry her boody to the beat; 2004 Boston
around that boom box; 2008 Ebony: Herald: Beyonce once again proves
Since I rarely listened to radio at that the size of her voice is in inverse
home, my boombox was merely a fancy proportion to the size of her booty [2]
option for entertaining; 2009 Seattle the vulva (bk, cm, jg): 1993 Snoop
Times: The music will be played on a Dogg: How else can you get to the
boom box booty?; 1995 Friday, film: I am not
booming (or boomin’) adj. excellent or trying to look at that girl’s booty;
admirable (gs, jg): 1991 Boyz in the 2011 Black Voices: She ought to
Hood, film: Baby was fine, her body be ashamed of herself, especially
Glossary 149
Darryl Pinckney: Avenue A continued daring (jg, rk): 1995 Master P: I’m
downhill, unpaved as it entered the bout it, I mean I’m rowdy, I hand with
Bottom. We didn’t have to be told these killas that everyone talk about;
who lived there; 2007 Black Bottom: 1995 U.N.L.V.: They actin’ like they
Many black neighborhoods around bout it knowin’ they ain’t bout it; 2011
the United States were often called 2 Chainz: Damn right, I’m bout it, if
“the bottom” or the “black bottom”; you fuck with us, we gonna start up a
2013 Twitter: [I’m] in the bottoms with riot
some real West Oakland niggas box n. [1] a large portable stereo player
bottoms see above (gs, rk): 1989 Do the Right Thing,
Bottoms n. Inglewood, California: 1997 film: He gonna tell me to turn down
Los Angeles Times: He was the main my box; 1992 Arrested Development:
supplier of firearms in the Bottoms; Grab the box and wait; 2010 Facebook:
1999 Los Angeles Times: Inglewood I’d bring in cassettes to play on his
Police Officer Rudy Canstanon said a box, everything from Tosh to Santana,
single patrol car can handle virtually Led Zeppelin to Flock of Seagulls [2]
all calls for help in the Bottoms; 2005 the buttocks (jg): 2010 Barstool
LA Weekly: We have to keep that stuff Sports: The chick shaking her box
over there in the Bottoms from coming seems pretty fucking good to me; 2013
over here All Hip Hop: Michelle Shows off Her
bounce v. to leave (gs, jg, rk): 2007 30 Box!; 2013 Tube Stack: BBW Lori gets
Rock, NBC-TV series: I’ll do that her fat box filled [3] potentially
later, I gotta bounce!; 2010 Ebonics offensive the vagina (cm, jg, rk):
Translator: I’ve been known to bounce 1999 Notting Hill, film: I knew a girl at
unexpectedly; 2011 Nurse Jackie, school named Pandora. I never got to
HBO-TV series: I gotta bounce, I have see her box; 2007 Pigs, film: Wasn’t
a brunch with my mom her box completely shaved?; 2013
bourgie (or boojie, boojee, boojy) n. Toronto Star: Ford told her that “he
potentially offensive a burgeois was going to eat her box”
or elitist African American who boy n. heroin (gs, rk): 2000 Sopranos,
assumes the behavior and values of HBO-TV series: This is boy; 2004
the white society (cm, gs, jg): 1992 Ray, film: This ain’t no weed, Ray.
New York Times: The workers made This is boy. It’ll make your ass null
millions and the bourgies were frus- and void; 2010 World Star Hip Hop:
trated; 2008 African American Essays: To all y’all talkin’ ’bout dude bein’ a
The boojies try to cut ties to African junkie: he snorted girl, not boy!
American culture; 2011 Baltimore Sun: bozack n. potentially offensive [1]
That’s not me being “boojy,” that’s me the penis (gs, jg, rk): 1998 Jay-Z:
stating a fact Rappin niggaz on Prozac get their
bout it (or ’bout it) phr. [1] agreeable to bozacks; 2009 Badass of the Week:
something (gs, jg, rk): 1999 Mer- Every woman wanted to jump on his
cedes: What you wanna do I’ll do bozack; 2010 Black Voices: First you
cause I’m bout it, bout it; 2006 Randy want to massage my nuts and now you
Kearse: Brooklyn chicks always been trying to bite my bozack [2] the scro-
’bout it; 2009 Urban Dictionary: tum (jg): 1992 EPMD: I’ve got this
“Dude, are you down for some Taco habit of always grabbing my bozack;
Bell?” “I’m bout it” [2] bold and 2007 Date Hookup: Lick my bozack!;
Glossary 151
Chelise James: The sun was shining bring the noise phr. to play loud music
bright, but I knew that it was brick (gs, jg): 2006 Public Enemy: Let me
outside considering winter was right hear you say c’mon now! Bring the
around the damn corner; 2010 Ebonics noise!; 2009 Ebony: They still bring
Translator: It’s brick outside the noise; 2010 Bangor Daily News:
Brick City n. Newark, New Jersey (rk): I plug my sax into a keyboard and
2010 Wall Street Journal: Even though bring the noise
a quarter of the state’s homicides took bro see brother
place in Newark, overall crime was broccoli n. marijuana (gs): 1997 Wu-
down as part of a three-year, 21% Tang Clan: Light up the broccoli, kid;
reduction in the Brick City; 2010 New 2006 San Francisco Chronicle: Other
Jersey Online: Last year’s homicide terms associated with the rapper
total in Newark was down from five include “broccoli” (marijuana) and
years ago, when 86 people were killed “cabbage” (money); 2007 YouTube:
in Brick City; 2013 Facebook: He is a You can smoke broccoli and still get
rapper born in Brick City (Newark, lung cancer from it
New Jersey) brotha see below
bright n. [1] a day or daylight (bk, cm, brother (or bro, brotha, bruh, brutha)
jg): 1994 Jonathan E. Lighter: I’ll see n. a fellow African American man (bk,
you in the bright; 1994 Clarence Major: cm, gs, jg): 1995 Die Hard 3: With a
Catch you two brights from now; 2013 Vengeance, film: “You know how to
Urban Dictionary: Leroy woke up shoot a gun?” “All brothers don’t
knowing he had only four brights left know how to shoot guns, you racist
in county jail [2] potentially motherfucker!”; 2008 Ebony: Bob’s
offensive a light-skinned African one of those brothas who gets mad
American (cm, gs): 1992 Robert when he ain’t the only Black person
Campbell: “You even got one set for in the room; 2010 Chappelle’s Show,
brights.” “Brights?” “Another for WGN-TV program: I was the only
bloods. Light-skinned niggers”; 2002 brother on the plane. I thought I was,
Joyce West Stevens: African American ’cause there was another black dude,
women who are Brights fare a little he was from Nigeria
better, for they receive special treat- brown paper bag test n. a criterion for
ment because of their skin color; 2003 admission to a club or organization,
Outside the Beltway: Some years ago based on skin color (bk): 1988 Miami
in Texas, light-skinned African- Herald: It was called the brown paper
Americans were called “bright,” bag test. If you were darker than a
might still be so brown paper bag, you failed; 2007
bring it on phr. to challenge or dare USA Today: In the “brown paper
someone to do something (gs): 1996 bag” test blacks darker than the bag’s
Get on the Bus, film: “Brothers, don’t! color were denied inclusion; 2009
Don’t! Don’t fight!” “Bring it on!”; Austin American-Statesman: He barely
2000 Snoop Dogg: You wanna fight, even passes the brown paper bag test
let’s bring it on; 2009 News, ABC-TV brown sugar n. an African American
program: There was an octopus, it was woman, especially if sexually attract-
wriggling on the plate and my dad ive (cm, jg): 1991 Jungle Fever, film:
said, “I will give you $20 if you eat You don’t bring no brown sugar to this
that.” I was like, “Bring it on!” house!; 2007 Code Name: The Cleaner,
Glossary 153
film: Go, brown sugar, dance it up!; Buddha down!; 2000 Atlantic Monthly:
2013 Facebook: You’re one sexy brown I was always high on Buddha grass;
sugar 2008 South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Don’t
bruh see brother smoke Buddha!
brutha see brother Buddha grass see above
B-Town (or B Town) n. Berkeley, bulldagger n. potentially offen-
California: 1993 Too Short: Howard sive a lesbian, especially an aggres-
came through from the B-Town; 2010 sive one (cm, gs): 2002 Vagina
Facebook: It’s BART accessible and in Monologues, film: I always thought
B-Town; 2010 Lil B: I’m nigga from bulldaggers were ugly; 2007 Xtra: They
the B-Town referred to Barbara as a bulldagger or
bub n. champagne or sparkling wine butch; 2007 Curve: Several trips to the
(rk): 2008 LL Cool J: I see you two Lesbian Herstory Archives led to the
steppin in the club and a bottle of bub; discovery of lyrics by Gladys Bentley,
2010 PDX Neat Sheet: Stop by and sip an African American singer and
on a glass of bub while you scan all the bulldagger
lovely new goodies in stock; 2010 bulldike see below
Today: When you pop open a bottle bulldyke (or bulldike) n. potentially
of bub, you’re dipping your toes in that offensive a lesbian, especially an
alluring world aggressive one (bk, cm): 2009 Encore:
buck v. to shoot (gs, jg, rk): 1999 Ice-T: Cupid is a flaming gay, Blitzen is a
The nigga stepped up and got bucked stereotypical bulldyke; 2009 Salon:
by my ninja; 2009 Jam Personals: I had another female professor at Har-
Thugs were bucking at us, and we were vard, a bull dyke; 2010 New York
bucking back; 2010 Anchorage Daily Times: In addition to interviews with
News: one of those people got out a drag-queens and bulldykes, this
gun and cocked it and started bucking unflinching look at the culture of
at him gender-bending also explores some-
buckra n. potentially offensive a thing else
white man, especially a mean one buppie (or buppy) n. a young, affluent,
(bk, cm, jg): 1989 Atlanta Journal- city-dwelling African American pro-
Constitution: Slaves used the African fessional (cm, gs, jg): 2006 USA
word “buckras.” It’s a term of deri- Today: Grace Monroe is what they
sion; 1994 Los Angeles Times: A buckra used to call a buppie; she’s a black
is an offensive term for a white man; sociologist with a PhD; 2007 Cleveland
2009 Ebony: Buckra wins hands down Jewish News: Victoria Dryer is a
buckwild adj. wild, rebellious or destruc- buppie, black yuppie who has made it
tive (gs, jg, rk): 1994 Public Enemy: in white corporate America; 2013
No buckwild thinkin cause I don’t Philadelphia Weekly: He’s part of a
know what he drinkin; 2009 Arizona crew of college friends-turned-adults
Daily Wildcat: The fanatics at the buppies
center go absolutely buck wild; 2009 buppy see above
Palm Beach Post: He told this little burn v. [1] to cook, especially if very
kid that his performance was crazy in well (cm, gs, jg, rk): 1991 Jungle
a buckwild kinda way he was right Fever, film: You burn supper? Who’s
Buddha (or Buddha grass) n. marijuana the lucky girl?; 1997 David Simon
(gs): 1991 Public Enemy: Put the and Edward Burns: She at the stove,
154 Glossary
in the van; 2010 Time: I went home to check it in phr. to give all possessions,
catch some Z’s; 2011 California State especially in a robbery (gs, jg): 2000
University Daily Titan: Compiled Mack 10: Check it in, homey, keys and
below is a list of top five places to cash! Don’t make me act a fool and
catch some Z’s on campus blast your brains all over that dash;
CCM (or C.C.M.) n. money (bk, gs, jg): 2003 Anybody Killa: Check it in, you
1994 Baltimore Sun: CCM is cold cash little buster!; 2010 Spoof: Their modus
money; 2010 Dofus: We had no CCM operandi is simplicity itself; they
back at the time; 2011 Standing Up For approach the unwary and order him
Nothing: There’s certainly enough to “check it in, motherfucker,” a
CCM (cheese) out there phrase that replaces the outdated
Charles Dickens n. the penis: 1994 “stick ’em up, motherfucker”
Notorious B.I.G.: I spit on your grave check oneself v. to monitor one’s behav-
then I grab my Charles Dickens; 2006 ior (cm, gs, rk): 1992 Juice, film: Yo,
Wire, HBO-TV series: I’m standing chill! Check yourself!; 2009 Ebony: It’s
there, holding my Charles Dickens; time for you to check yourself; 2009 Ice
2013 Joey Badass: Hit him in his Cube: Check yourself before you wreck
Charles Dickens! yourself!
Charlie n. potentially offensive a chedda see below
white person, especially regarded as an cheddar (or chedda) n. money (gs, rk):
oppressor of African Americans (cm, 1998 Wu-Tang Clan: I spent most my
gs, jg): 2003 Straight Dope: We kinda cheddar on gear; 2008 A Good Day to
jumped from “Charlie” to the racist Be Black and Sexy, film: I’m gonna
terms. “Charlie” wasn’t a racist term; need an accountant to count all my
2009 Black Voices: I guess they should cheddar and stuff; 2009 Las Vegas
have called him “Charlie”; 2013 Weekly: At the Palazzo it sells for a
Yahoo Answers: Charlie was a whopping $750. That’s a lot of
derogatory term referring to a white cheddar
man in black culture cheese n. money (gs, rk): 1997 Wu-Tang
cheap-ass adj. inferior or inexpensive Clan: All these niggaz want cheese;
(cm, gs, jg): 2006 ATL, film: He 2000 Bamboozled, film: Before you
bought a cheap-ass necklace; 2009 go, don’t forget to give us that cheese.
Maximum PC: I did buy my wife a Why? Because we broke; 2007 Braden-
cheap ass laptop; 2010 News, MTV- ton Herald: George has enough cheese
TV program: I’d rather stick to watch- to pay ten men that type of salary
ing the cartoon for now and not waste chick n. a woman, especially young (bk,
my money on a cheap-ass movie like cm): 1992 Malcolm X, film: You one of
that again them white chicks that can’t get
check v. to criticize or reprimand (gs, enough colored studs?; 1999 American
rk): 1989 See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Pie, film: There’s gonna be a naked
film: Lawyers? Do you want to check chick in your house and you’re not
him for police brutality?; 2006 Randy gonna do anything about it?; 2000
Kearse: I had to go over there and Cosmopolitan: I’m lucky to be with a
check this chick about flirtin’ with my chick with such a strong sex drive
man; 2013 Facebook: Why didn’t chicken head n. potentially offen-
anyone check him for not defending sive [1] a stupid woman, especially if
the female he chose? unattractive (gs): 2003 Miami Trail,
158 Glossary
film: Chickenhead? I ain’t stupid, pay for the ticket and you’d stay with
Harold; 2003 Malibu’s Most Wanted, me in my chill pad; 2011 End Times:
film: All you is is a chickenhead and I had to be evicted from my nice chill
that’s all you ever gonna be; 2004 Bar- pad; 2011 Facebook: The best one
bershop 2: Back in Business, film: You I could think of would have to be the
don’t need a chicken head like Terri time we were sitting downstairs in my
[2] a woman who performs oral sex: chill pad having some beers
1996 Redman: I understand niggaz be Chilltown see below
callin’ me a motherfuckin’ chicken Chill Town (or Chilltown) n. Jersey City,
head; 1998 Nelson George: Rap made New Jersey (jg, rk): 2010 Jersey
slang aimed at women like “skeezer,” City Reporter: Why do people call
“hootchie,” “chickenhead,” and the Jersey City “Chilltown”?; 2013 Photo
ubiquitous “bitch”; 2000 Ice Cube: Bucket: If you live in Chill Town NJ,
Chicken heads get chicken feed, a lil you should know her; 2013 My Space:
dick and weed is everything that a I’m a 100% Puerto Rican born in
chicken need Brick Town but I live in Chill Town
chill (or chill out) v. [1] to be calm (cm, chinchpad n. a cheap hotel or lodging
gs, rk): 2006 Crossover, film: You house, especially if rundown or
need to chill out; 2007 Ebony: Just chill infested with insects (bk, cm, jg):
out! It’s only a movie; 2010 Two and a 1994 Clarence Major: His father died
Half Men, CBS-TV series: “What were in one of them chinchpads downtown;
they doing in your room?” “Hey, chill, 1995 Irving Allen: They were also
I’m getting to it!” [2] to relax and have called flea houses and chinch pads;
a good time (cm, gs): 1994 Pulp Fic- 2005 Yuma Sun: So “chinchpad”
tion, film: How you boys doing? Keep became a slang for a boarding house
chilling!; 1994 Martin Lawrence: You infested with insect pests
So Crazy, film: White people, we was chocolate adj. African American (jg):
in Africa, chillin’!; 2009 Examiner: 2002 Atlanta Journal-Constitution: They
I hadn’t chilled out like that in quite a are trying to do things that make my
while chocolate wife smile; 2010 Atlantic
chillax v. [1] to be calm: 2006 Material Monthly: Lane reveals his love for his
Girls, film: I’m gonna have to give you chocolate bunny, Toni; 2011 Porn Hub:
some of my Prozac if you don’t chillax; Watch Bree Olson get a taste of choc-
2011 Lil Wayne: I’m trying to chillax, olate dick!
but I had to do it; 2013 Webstagram: Chocolate City n. [1] Washington, DC
You’re my nigga, but you need to chil- (jg, rk): 2010 Reuters: The term
lax sometimes [2] to relax and have a “Chocolate City” has been used affec-
good time: 2009 I Love You Man, film: tionately by African Americans to refer
I’m over here at Sydney’s. We’re just to Washington and other predomin-
chillaxing; 2009 Santa Buddies, film: antly black cities; 2011 Black Voices:
“So, what are you doing, dude?” “Just You’re in denial to think that DC is
chillaxing with a mud bath, dude”; still “Chocolate City”; 2013 Huffing-
2013 Crushspot: After school, I just be ton Post: In case you don’t know,
chillaxin, dawg Washington, D.C., is also affection-
chill out see chill ately known worldwide as Chocolate
chill pad n. an apartment or house (gs, City due to its majority Black popula-
jg): 2008 Bebo: If I get a job I could tion [2] any city with a predominantly
Glossary 159
African American population (gs): Belly, film: I don’t even fuck with no
2006 News, CNN-TV program: New more chronic; 2010 Twelve, film:
Orleans was a chocolate city before We’re trying to score some chronic,
Katrina, it is going to be a chocolate man [2] marijuana laced with cocaine:
city after; 2006 USA Today: Chocolate 1993 Snoop Dogg: Some bubonic
City is a slang used to describe a city chronic made me choke; 1996 Don’t
that is heavily black; 2009 Ebony: Be a Menace to South Central While
While it is no longer Chocolate City Drinking Your Juice in the Hood, film:
statistically, its spirit protects you “Come on, nigger, who got that
chops n. [1] musical technique or ability chronic?” “I got that ill killer shit.
(cm, jg): 2003 Two and a Half Men, Guaranteed to fuck you up”; 2008
CBS-TV series: You’ve still got some Grass City: Chronic means marijuana
chops, mom; 2011 Easy Reader: He hit laced with coke
the local scene hard, sharpening his Chuck (or Chuckie, Chucky) n. poten-
chops, and over the last two years tially offensive a white person,
has played 165 gigs a year; 2011 AZ especially regarded as an oppressor of
Central: I’d love to see her put some African Americans (bk, cm, gs, jg):
real emotion into what she’s singing. 1987 Tom Wolfe: Chuck come up to
But her chops are undeniable, and Harlem and gonna take care of busi-
sometimes that’s enough [2] talent or ness for the black community?; 2000
skill in general (jg): 2011 Gather: Pal- Bamboozled, film: Hey, Chuckie, that’s
trow has slowly been showing her unacceptable; 2009 Wiki Answers: If
chops in movies through the years; there was a black marine and a white
2011 Washington Post: It was adapted marine standing together, you would
by veteran crime screenwriter John refer to the white as a “Chuck” and
Romano, and his chops make all the the black as a “Splib”
difference; 2014 Los Angeles Times: Chuckie, Chucky see above
He built websites, though he insisted chump n. a weak, timid or cowardly
on downplaying his chops person (cm, gs, jg, rk): 1999 Ghost
Chris see below Dog: The Way of the Samurai, film:
Chriss (or Chris) n. Cristal champage: What do you think, I’m a chump?;
2010 Bimmer Forums: I drink Chriss 2001 Ali, film: You ain’t no champ,
and you drink piss. I will have the you a chump!; 2011 Los Angeles Times:
other half; 2010 Cad Jewelry: I have Deal with your choices or admit you’re
to drive across town to pick up Springo just a chump
so he can drink Chriss under the table chump-ass adj. weak, timid or cowardly
at dinner; 2013 Angelfire: You drinkin (jg): 1993 Trends of Culture: You
coolade while I’m drinkin Chriss chump-ass MC’s can’t fuck with the
chrome n. a firearm (cm, jg, rk): 1998 Boogieman!; 2006 Wire, HBO-TV
Ghetto Twinz: We packin’ chrome, series: Let no chump-ass niggers think
nigga!; 1999 Gang Starr: I hold my I’m shook; 2011 Democratic Under-
chrome steady, with a tight grip; 2006 ground: Stop negotiating with terror-
Jason Starr: I been dealin’ chrome to ists, you bunch of chump-ass, complicit
kids motherfuckers!
chronic n. [1] marijuana, especially if chump change n. a small or meager
very potent (cm, gs, rk): 1993 Snoop amount of money (bk, cm, gs, jg):
Dogg: I smoke chronic everyday; 1998 2009 Ebony: It’s chump change for
160 Glossary
the photo-op; 2010 News, Fox-TV pro- He’s clocking coke; 2013 Blogspot: In
gram: Five million bucks ain’t chump the world of no economic parity
change; 2010 Los Angeles Times: The clocking dope is better than starving
price tag last year was a little under clown v. to joke, tease or make fun of (gs,
$14 billion, which is chump change in jg, rk): 1990 Hartford Courant: He is
the context of a $1.3-trillion deficit trying to clown me, by making my
claim v. to indicate one’s membership in opinions seem ridiculous; 1999 Ice-T:
a gang (gs, jg): 1991 Leon Bing: You Ain’t nobody tryin’ to clown me; 2010
don’t wanna ’bang. You don’t have to People: My football buddies clowned
claim; 2003 Mike-D: Who you run with me for that
nigga? Who up in the crew? What cock n. potentially offensive the
camp you claiming?; 2006 Randy vagina (cm, gs, jg): 1998 Scarface:
Kearse: I don’t claim no set homie I stuck my fist up in her cock, she didn’t
clambake n. a party or gathering where budge; 1999 2nd II None: If her cock is
musicians play improvised music, gettin’ hot, then take her home; 2013
especially jazz (cm, jg): 1992 Boca Twitter: She got a vacuum cleaner that
Raton News: Maybe I’ll do a jazz fits her cock
clambake in Newport sometime, but cock-block1 v. potentially offen-
I’ll never take a major music festival sive [1] to interfere, intrude or thwart
back there; 2001 Detroit News: That’s any activity (jg, rk): 2005 Hip Hop
exactly what it was, a clambake. A lot DX: They cockblocked the release of
of fun for everybody. The entertainers this DVD; 2010 Gothamist: However,
loved to play; 2008 Boston Globe: We that plan was cock-blocked due to
wanted a clambake and a small band, structural problems with the remaining
and the price was very reasonable edifice on the site; 2011 Miami New
clean adj. elegant, stylish or well-dressed Times: Being cockblocked by the refs’
(bk, gs, jg): 1994 Nathan McCall: one-sided officiating is reprehensible
When dudes got clean they wore the [2] to interfere with someone’s inten-
latest styles; 2006 30 Rock, NBC-TV tions to have sex or with the very sex
series: You look clean. You a celeb- act (gs, jg): 2006 Hollywood Gossip:
rity?; 2010 Yahoo Answers: Gay guys You got cock-blocked by your own
keep themselves together, and look sister!; 2011 West Word: She tries to
clean and nice take him home to smoosh, but the
clock v. [1] to make money (gs, jg, rk): smash room gets invaded by MVP
1994 Master P: Motherfuckers in the and Snooki gets cock blocked; 2012
game straight clocking cheese; 2002 Elite Daily: The roommate will be
Miami Herald: I saw how he was just envious of the ass you bring home, they
clocking money. He owned a lot of may even cock block you
businesses, had every car and a whole cock-block2 n. potentially offen-
lot of money; 2010 Sporting News: sive [1] an instance of interfering,
They were too busy clocking money intruding or thwarting any activity:
[2] to sell drugs (gs, jg): 1995 Clock- 2004 Hellbent, film: I never seen a
ers, film: “How long have you been cock-block like that in my life; 2006
clocking?” “What is you, deaf? Can Mag: Looks like the big guy is
I don’t hustle!”; 2011 Bruce Welch: throwing a cock block. Had enough?;
The first time I go back to the old 2011 Hill Buzz: Thompson comes into
neighborhood, I stop at Bird’s house. SC to do a cock-block and let McCain
Glossary 161
beat Huckabee [2] an instance of inter- Bamboozled, film: You know you’re
fering with someone’s intentions to cold chillin’; 2000 Snoop Dogg: My
have sex or with the very sex act (cm, homey from the CPT, he cold chillin;
gs): 2010 Daily Cardinal: Sorry to 2009 Hype Beast: The pink tee is very
hear about the cock-block!; 2011 Marie cold-chillin
Claire: A cock-block ruins things, and cold2 adv. extremely or totally: 2009 Ezee:
usually it ruins things abruptly; 2012 A young couple were experiencing
Elite Daily: No man wants to deal with financial difficulties, that is, they were
the cock block. It should be considered cold broke; 2011 Tennis Forum: I used
as a disaster to your sex life to respect Maria. But not anymore. She
cock-blocka see below just cold cheated right there; 2011 Real
cock-blocker (or cock-blocka) n. Wrestle Crap: He’s stone cold crazy,
potentially offensive [1] a you know
person who interferes, intrudes or cold chilling, cold chillin’ see cold1
thwarts any activity: 2009 TV Squad: cold in hand phr. without money (cm,
Why are you being such a cockblocker, jg): 1980 Robert Hemenway: Zora
he asks; 2009 Guitar World Magazine: explained to her literary agent, Jean
Guys you are the ultimate cock Parker Waterbury, that she was cold
blockers of the universe; 2010 TV in hand. That is a Negro way of saying
Magazine: She’s a cock-blocker. She penniless; 1985 Dubuque Telegraph
needs to get a life [2] a person who Herald: They were cold in hand,
interferes with someone’s intentions to broke; 2013 American Blues Scene:
have sex or with the very sex act (gs): To be cold in hand means to have no
1990 TV Magazine: I was very disap- money
pointed at Will in this episode. Colored People’s Time (or C.P. time,
I thought he was being a little too CP time) n. potentially offen-
jealous and too much of a cockblocker; sive a belief that African Americans
2006 New York Times: More surpris- are not punctual (cm, gs, jg): 2000
ingly, he joined the “Cock-blocker” Bamboozled, film: Colored People’s
(i.e. a guy who hinders another’s Time is the stereotypical belief that
chances with a coed) user group; Negroes are always late and have no
2009 YouTube: They get their super- sense of time; 2007 My Space: All
power by having meaningless sex and ladies will be granted free admission
they fear that the cock-blocker would until 1130 PM, so get there early. No
return CP time, please; 2007 Dallas Morning
cock diesel n. potentially offen- News: When the senator finally made it
sive a muscular man (gs, rk): 2003 to the ballroom stage Friday, he
Bad Boys II, film: She’s attracted to alluded to “CP time,” or colored
these dumb, musclebound dickheads, people’s time
cock diesels that can’t even turn to color scale n. the gradation of skin color
wipe their ass; 2007 Body Building: value from very light to very dark (cm,
What up, cock diesels! I just ordered gs): 2005 Duane Cady: The lighter
controlled labs WF, GD, and PW; 2010 their skin tone the higher their status
Club Si: It is full of loose farm whores on the color scale; 2009 Hello Beauti-
and suburban airhead cock-diesels ful: Y’all niggas should be ashamed!
cold1 (or cold chilling, cold chillin’) adj. Measuring Black women by a “color
excellent or admirable (jg, rk): 2000 scale” is degrading and uncalled for.
162 Glossary
Ugh!; 2012 Chicago Tribune: Zora bro. Yeah, come with it!; 2004 B. K.
Neale Hurston offered this color scale Ray: Come with it, motherfucker. It’ll
for blacks: high yaller, yaller, high be a fight
brown, vaseline brown, seal brown, conk1 n. hairstyle of straightened hair,
low brown, dark brown done especially by lye and other chem-
color-struck adj. harboring prejudice icals (bk, cm, gs, jg): 1987 St. Peters-
against dark-skinned people, especially burg Times: The conk made us look
African Americans (bk, cm, gs, jg): cool; 1992 Malcolm X, film: Nigger?
2004 Washington Post: He showed a Who’s wearing the conk?; 2008 New
preference for light-skinned girls with Jersey Online: He was a skinny
wavy hair and was color-struck; 2007 colored man with a big conk
USA Today: He was “color struck,” conk2 v. to straighten hair, especially by
the term many blacks use to describe lye and other chemicals (bk, jg): 1993
those who prefer blacks of one shade; Greensboro News and Record: Shorty
2010 San Francisco Bay View: Amer- teaches his new buddy how to dress
ica and the world are still color struck walk and conk his hair; 2006 San
and racist Diego Union Tribune: He ought to
come correct phr. to do something which have been stubbornly continuing to
is expected or appropriate (gs, jg, conk his hair; 2009 Video Hub: She
RK): 2005 Soul Strut: I hope I “came conked her hair
correct” enough for you; 2010 Dia- conversate v. to carry on a conversation
mond: Niggas betta come correct; (gs, jg): 2000 Jay-Z: You wanna con-
2010 Rap Radar: Redman came correct versate with the writer?; 2009 USA
with this shit Today: It’s something we’ll conversate
come down v. to happen (bk, jg): 2008 about; 2010 Southland, TNT-TV
Democratic underground: I am waiting series: “We’re having a conversation.”
to see the country returns to see what “You don’t conversate unless you have
came down; 2008 Las Vegas Sun: to. Get out of my house!”
There is not a lot of warning that coochie n. potentially offensive
something is coming down; 2009 the vulva (cm, gs, rk): 1996 Snoop
Fresno Bee: I want to know if some- Dogg: Her coochie lookin juicy, she
thing is coming down never ate a dick before but she gon’
come out of a bag phr. to act contrary to do me; 2008 Insider: If that little fruit-
expectation (bk, gs, jg): 2000 Geneva cake actually pulls this off, then she
Smitherman: You can try talkin to him, may have flashed her coochie in public
but ain no tellin, he might come out of for the last time!; 2010 Leagle: She also
a bag; 2009 Blogspot: I don’t know if testified that appellant put his fingers
you gon’ be cool or if you gon’ come inside her “coochie”
out of a bag on me; 2011 Yahoo cook (or cook with gas) v. to perform in
Answers: If you assume someone is an excellent or admirable way (gs, jg):
lovable, they may come out of a bag 2002 Design Community: Now you’re
come with it phr. to challenge or dare cooking, dude! That’s my kind of stuff;
someone to do something (gs, jg): 2007 Houston Chronicle: “You guys
1993 Ant Banks: You wanna get toe- are really cooking with gas!” station
to-toe, come with it. Oh, I forgot, you communicator Kevin Ford in Mission
just a punk, forget it; 2001 Down Control told the astronauts; 2013 Con-
Time, film: Show me what you got, cert Blogger: The band cooked from
Glossary 163
the opening note and their set was cool-ass see cool1
definitely a standout performance cool breeze n. an excellent or admirable
cookie n. potentially offensive the person or thing (jg): 2004 Washington
vulva (bk, cm, gs): 2010 XXX Haven: Post: He’s a cool breeze; 2006 Invin-
Her little pink dildo was deep inside of cible, film: What’s up, cool breeze?;
her cookie; 2010 Dog Pound, film: You 2008 Huffington Post: He’s a cool
take so much time that this girl’s breeze all right. Oh people, do you
gonna be half asleep by the time you realize we might get to have a smart,
even get to her cookie; 2010 Booba- dignified President?
holic: She strips this tiny outfit off and cool it v. [1] to be calm (cm, gs, jg): 1987
spreads her cookie wide open for you House of Games, film: Cool it, man!
cook with gas see cook You’ll get the money; 2008 Tampa
cool1 adj. [1] calm (cm, gs): 1993 Us3: Tribune: Cool it, man. What’s wrong?;
I rocked an A average so everything’s 2010 Wall Street Journal: But even
cool; 2004 Starsky and Hutch, film: before that announcement, a powerful
We’re always cool; 2009 Scrubs, voice in Beijing was urging people to
ABC-TV series: Be cool, honky!; [2] cool it [2] to quit doing something (gs,
(or cool-ass) excellent or admirable jg): 1998 Fat Joe: Cool it, mama! You
(cm, gs, jg, rk): 2004 Girl Next Door, gettin too hot!; 2000 Los Angeles
film: It’s a cool ride!; 2006 Erie Times- Times: Sylvia grabs my arm and tells
News: There’s nothing’s wrong with me to cool it; 2006 Dreamgirls, film:
having cool-ass black guy as a side- I said, cool it, Effie!
kick; 2009 Glamour Edge: We’re not coolness see cool2
dating, although she’s a cool-ass cool out v. [1] to be calm and relaxed
babe! [3] satisfied, reconciled or with- (cm, gs, rk): 1987 Beverly Hills Cop
out any obligations (gs, rk): 1994 II, film: You got to cool out, relax.
Pulp Fiction, film: “Are we cool?” Things like this work out, trust me;
“Yeah, we’re cool!”; 2004 Wil Whea- 1991 New Jack City, film: Cool out,
ton: Are we cool, or what?; 2008 you’re jumping the gun; 2005 Weather
Tropic Thunder, film: “Are we cool?” Man, film: I should cool out a little,
“Not really!” I guess [2] to spend time, especially
cool2 (or coolness) n. calmness (gs): 2001 relaxing or wasting time doing nothing
New York Post: The vice president sits (jg): 2006 Snoop Dogg: I came to cool
very coolly, and I admire his cool; 2009 out, lay back and get blown; 2012
Ebony: Was he melodramatic and Boom Box: She cools out with her
sometimes a little uncool in his overt friends; 2013 New York Times: Now is
coolness?; 2010 Atlantic Monthly: The the perfect time to cool out with some
more Democrats saw of him, espe- free jazz concerts
cially as the campaign heated up, the cop v. [1] to assume or put on (jg): 2003
more they liked his cool News Tribune: Asked how he likes
cool3 excl. it is excellent or admirable: walking to and from school, Sam
2006 Two and a Half Men, CBS-TV copped a look of studied indifference;
series: “I see no reason why you can’t 2008 Fan Fiction: Folding my arms
go.” “Cool!”; 2009 Bleacher Report: across my chest, I cop a frown; 2010
They’re going to pay me to do it? OK Magazine: The research puts the
Cool!; 2011 Ocean’s Eleven, film: “I singer at the top of a list of men who
think she really likes me!” “Cool!” girls would most like to cop a look at
164 Glossary
on [2] to get or obtain (cm, gs, rk): 8 Mile, film: You musta had them corn-
2004 Ray, film: Cop some licks from rows rolled too tight!; 2004 Hair Show,
more experienced cats, you dig?; 2007 film: It’s that diversity that makes black
Cane, CBS-TV series: It copped a hair so beautiful: straight hair, braids,
massive blast of street cred; 2013 dreads, cornrows, Afros; 2009 San Ber-
Criminal Minds, CBS-TV series: They nardino Sun: He is 5-feet-10, weighs
were trying to cop some weed 260 pounds and has short black hair
copacetic adj. good or quite satisfactory that is often in corn rows
(bk, cm, gs): 1992 Malcolm X, film: co-sign (or co-sign for) v. to support (jg):
“How you doing, baby?” “I’m all 2002 People: First he ran the idea past
right. Copacetic”; 2003 One Love, his therapist, who, he says, totally co-
film: Everything’s copacetic, man!; signed it; 2006 Randy Kearse: How can
2009 Christian Science Monitor: But you co-sign that garbage?; 2010 Black
outside the Washington beltway, things Voices: I don’t co-sign for people that
are not so copacetic for the GOP impregnate multiple women
cop an attitude (or cop a tude, cop a co-sign for see above
’tude) phr. to have an arrogant, con- country bama (or country ’bama) n.
descending or confrontational attitude potentially offensive an uncul-
(bk, gs, jg, rk): 1996 Long Kiss tured or unsophisticated person from
Goodnight, film: If you do cop a ’tude, the southern USA: 2007 Black Planet:
I will see to it that you spend the next Hell, yeah, I’m a country bama but do
ten years in prison; 2009 New York I look it? Hell, no!; 2010 Dime Wars:
Daily News: Don’t cop an attitude with This dude is not even from the A.T.L.
me, I have every reason to be mad; He is a country bama; 2010 YouTube:
2009 Los Angeles Times: All of a Does your man smell like a country
sudden, Monica decides to cop an atti- bama?
tude and stir things up couz see cuz
cop a tude, cop a ’tude see above C.P.T. (or CPT) n. [1] Compton, Califor-
cop some Z’s phr. to take a nap (bk, cm): nia (gs, jg): 2004 Urban Dictionary:
1990 Washington Post: Just close them Many people will sometimes refer to
eyes and cop some Z’s!; 1993 Newport Compton as “The CPT”; 2010 You-
News Press: The Courtemanche family Tube: This is a remix done by me and
below enjoys the show while little Ryan some of the best rappers born and
tries to cop some Z’s; 2008 Oakland raised in CPT; 2012 Ryder Tee:
Tribune: She just desperately wants to I used to live in CPT [2] POTEN-
cop some Z’s TIALLY OFFENSIVE a belief that
corner n. a street corner where drugs are African Americans are not punctual
sold (cm): 2006 Wire, HBO-TV series: (gs, jg): 1990 House Party, film:
This is my corner, I ain’t going That’s why you can’t be on C.P.T.;
nowhere; 2009 Notorious, film: Yo, 2009 Facebook: I operate on CPT;
thanks for representing for the broth- 2009 Shenantics: If you answered yes
ers hustling on the corners, man; 2011 to these questions you suffer from CPT
Currensy: This is for my hustling nig- (Colored People’s Time)
gas, niggas on the corner C.P. time, CP time see Colored
cornrows n. small braids arranged in People’s Time
rows and close to the scalp, often cracker n. potentially offensive a
adorned with colored beads (gs): 2002 white person, especially if poor, racist,
Glossary 165
or from the southern US (cm, jg): 1995 2013 News, CBS-TV program: She’s
Jayo Felony: Called me “nigga”, now hanging with her crew at the beach
my homies put that cracker to sleep; crib n. an apartment or house (cm, gs, jg,
2000 Bamboozled, film: The reason rk): 1999 Sopranos, HBO-TV series:
why these shows didn’t get picked up We’re having a party at G’s crib. You
is because nobody, niggers and interested?; 2008 Janet Perr: I got
crackers alike, wants to see that junk; biyatches. I got plenty of chedda, and
2004 Chris Rock: Never Scared, film: a phat crib; 2010 New York Daily
If I stop at this sign, these crackers will News: He was left to bleed to death in
kill me my crib
crack on v. to insult someone (bk, gs, jg, crimey (or crimie) n. a close friend (cm,
rk): 1993 New York Times: Everybody gs, rk): 1994 Fresh, film: You one bad
would crack on me; 2009 Cane Sport: motherfucker, crimey!; 2007 Black
Other players crack on me because I’m Planet: You are my crimie to the death
from North Carolina; 2009 Fight and don’t forget that. I’ll kill a biyatch
Magazine: His housemates continue over you any day of the week if I had
to crack on him, saying he should to!; 2007 Yelp: Congrats to the best
fess up crimey ever! I’m so proud of you!
crazy adv. a lot of or plenty of (gs, jg, crimie see above
rk): 2006 Randy Kearse: Dawg has crip v. to be a member of a criminal gang,
crazy rocks in his watch; 2009 especially the Crips, and be engaged in
D Listed: Oh, this bitch has crazy of its activities (jg): 1993 Bloods and
the brains!; 2013 Tumblr: Then again a Crips: Creepin ain’t easy, but it’s
baby is crazy responsibility damn sure fun; 2004 Derek Grover:
crazy-ass adj. very crazy (cm, gs, jg): They knew I was crippin but niggas
2004 Two and a Half Men, CBS-TV just don’t pay me any attention any-
series: Now we have to throw a party more; 2013 Hood Up: We been crippin
for your crazy-ass mother!; 2009 for decades now, we well respected
Celebrity Gossip: He is known for his Cris see below
crazy-ass political views almost as Criss (or Cris, Crys) n. Cristal champage
much as his music; 2009 Las Vegas (jk, rk): 2000 R. Kelly: Me, Kelly,
Review-Journal: Why do you need a Gotti, and Hov drinkin Cris like it’s
crazy-ass clown to host it? H20; 2006 Bekay: You say you only
CREAM see below drink Cris?; 2007 David Austin: Buck
cream (or CREAM) n. money (jg, rk): walked in with a bottle of Cris
1996 Ice-T: The cream is the ultimate Crooklyn n. Brooklyn, New York (cm,
goal; 2000 Snoop Dogg: Julio Iglesias jg, rk): 1993 Black Moon: I’m all that,
is makin’ CREAM like that nigga; 2001 straight from Crooklyn, better known
Wu-Tang Clan: Thanks to all you as Brooklyn; 2005 Time Out Chicago:
haters for all the CREAM you made Yeah, I live in Crooklyn, baby; 2007
us! New York Observer: According to his
crew n. a group of young people (cm, gs, Myspace page, he lives in “Crooklyn”
jk): 1991 New York Magazine: Chil- but he isn’t a native
dren call their circle of friends crumb-crusher n. a baby or a little child
“crews” or “posses,” just like the (cm, jg): 1991 Ocala Star-Banner:
dealers do; 2012 Facebook: Justin Bie- If you have a houseful of crumb-
ber hangs with his crew in Chicago!; crushers, a station wagon is nice; 2002
166 Glossary
grocery shopping, my daughter started price; 2008 Snoop Dogg: I’m gon’ be
asking strange men to be her daddy; smokin’ dank, livin’ like a boss
2009 Progressor Times: Are you going dap1 adj. elegant, stylish or well-dressed
to be my daddy? (bk, cm, gs, jg): 2000 Tonight Show
daddy like excl. I like it: 2009 Xanga: with David Letterman, CBS-TV pro-
Visit Beachnut’s Xanga Site! Daddy gram: He looked pretty dap; 2010 OK
like!; 2009 Encyclopedia Dramatica: Cupid: You’ll find me at Revolution
Hmm. Daddy like! She reminds me a Cafe, dressed dap, wearing my favorite
bit of Uma Thurman; 2012 Facebook: black fedora; 2013 Facebook: We
My boys brought home candy. . . daddy looked dap last night
like! dap2 n. [1] respect (cm, gs, jg): 2009
daddy-o see daddy Ebony: They get much dap for this;
daisy dukes (or dazzey dukes, dazzey 2010 Ebonics Translator: Amy deserves
duks) n. very short and tight female dap because her singing is awesome;
shorts (gs, jg, rk): 1993 Los Angeles 2011 Apartment Therapy: I think
Times: Some women still go for the I should get some dap for making it
cheeky dazzey duks, hyper-abbreviated work [2] touching someone’s clenched
shorts; 2007 Insider: Here are some fist, in greeting or agreement (gs, jg,
new pictures of Jessica wearing daisy rk): 1991 Jungle Fever, film: I got to
dukes; 2010 Teen Hollywood: Tamara give you some dap; 2002 Orlando Sen-
wears some super short shorts (daisy tinel: That’s way cool, dude! Give me
dukes) in the film some dap!; 2004 Celebrity Cafe: When
damn skippy excl. certainly (gs, jg): I finally got there he said what’s up
1993 Fear of a Black Hat, film: “I and gave me some dap
noticed you don’t smile too much.” dap3 v. to touch someone’s clenched fist
“Damn skippy. If you be smiling, with one’s own, in greeting or agree-
motherfuckers think you’re a punk”; ment (jg): 2011 Vibe: Tupac’s dapping
2006 Just My Luck, film: “That’s some his boy Money B; 2011 Nah Right: He
expensive shit.” “Damn skippy”; 2007 dapped me with his hand; 2011 Grey’s
Juno, film: “I’m not ready to be a Anatomy, ABC-TV series: Dap me!
mom!” “Damn skippy, you’re not!” dawg see dog1
damn straight excl. certainly (gs, jg): day late and a dollar short phr. too late
1994 Shawshank Redemption, film: “A or having missed one’s chance (gs):
week in the hole is like a year.” 2011 National Post: He’s been simi-
“Damn straight!”; 1997 One Eight larly a day late and a dollar short in
Seven, film: “In my book, you’re a dealing with Libya, procrastinating
hero!” “Damn straight!”; 2002 Wire, when he should have been imposing a
HBO-TV series: “Everything I said in no-fly zone; 2011 Austin News: I think a
here stays here!” “Damn straight!” bond revocation at this point in time is
dank n. high-quality marijuana (cm, gs, a day late and a dollar short; 2011 New
jg, rk): 2001 Michigan Daily: The lyr- York Times: Cynical friends say I was
ical content of the album is not surpris- a day late and a dollar short, that
ingly non-prolific: it essentially covers I missed a golden opportunity
drinking, smoking dank, and fucking; dazzey dukes, dazzey duks see daisy
2002 Miami New Times: He says a lot dukes
of other dealers will buy dank at a d-boy n. a street-level drug dealer (jg,
discount and sell it at a full retail rk): 2002 Palm Beach Post: She did
168 Glossary
den n. an apartment or house (cm, gs): diesel n. a muscular man (gs, rk): 2000
2003 Erie Times-News: Wolf was chil- Bamboozled, film: What, you been
lin’ in his den when he got the news; doing push-ups now? You coppin’ a
2005 St. Louis Post-Dispatch: He actu- diesel now?; 2006 Randy Kearse: He
ally looked forward to getting back to was diesel ’til he started smokin’
his den for some quality television crack; 2010 Oh L.A.: He’s the big
time; 2010 Washington Post: I was in diesel nigga, I’m the mid-size nigga!
my den with my wife different strokes for different folks phr.
deuce deuce n. [1] a 22-caliber handgun different things please different people
(gs): 1991 Boyz in the Hood, film: “I (bk, rk): 1993 Mad Dog and Glory,
think it’s a .357 Magnum!” “Really? film: “You should try that shit with me
I got a deuce deuce. My brother some time!” “Yeah? Different strokes
gave it to me before he went to jail”; for different folks”; 2010 USA Today:
2003 Rudy Gray: He uses a deuce- It was different strokes for different
deuce with a silencer; 2009 Virginian folks as players and coaches found a
Pilot: He also says he has a deuce- variety of ways to pass the time; 2011
deuce, slang for a 22-caliber hand- Shape: Just like there are different
gun [2] a twenty-two-ounce bottle of strokes for different folks, there are
strong and cheap malt liquor (gs): different styles of wedding dresses
2011 Yahoo: Is drinking a deuce dig v. [1] to like or regard favorably (bk,
deuce everyday bad for you?; 2011 cm, gs, jg, rk): 2000 Car and Driver:
Tiger Droppings: Did you know that The handling is totally bitchin’ and the
they don’t even have 22 oz bottles chicks really dig it; 2003 American
anymore? We used to drink a deuce Splendor, film: This is terrific, I really
deuce everyday; 2011 Summit Post: dig your work, man; 2009 Scrubs,
We sat there drinking a deuce-deuce ABC-TV series: This is some chick
I brought that digs fat guys! [2] to understand
dickty see dicty or comprehend (bk, cm, gs, jg, rk):
dick-whipped adj. potentially 2004 Ray, film: I came to cop some
offensive (of a woman) dominated licks from some more experienced cats,
by one’s boyfriend or husband (gs): you dig?; 2004 Starsky and Hutch,
2004 Las Vegas Mercury: I was never film: I can dig what you’re saying;
going to be dick-whipped in all my life; 2009 Las Vegas Review-Journal: Dude,
2013 Facebook: You’re following me can you dig that?
around like a dick-whipped chick; digits n. a telephone number (cm, gs, jg,
2013 Topix: It’s sad that some invisible rk): 2006 ATL, film: I need to get your
tyrant has you dick-whipped digits; 2009 News, Fox-TV program:
dicty (or dickty) adj. self-important or Jon asks Elena for her digits; 2010
arrogant (bk, cm, jg): 2004 Brother Brooklyn Papers: He was repeatedly
to Brother, film: Who’s the dicty kid?; asking for her digits
2007 San Diego Online: Phone all your dig on v. [1] to like or regard favorably
hep cats and tell them a dicty duchess (jg): 1994 Pulp Fiction, film: I ain’t
is singing in San Diego; 2010 Wikipe- Jewish, I just don’t dig on swine, that’s
dia: He was accused by some black all; 2000 Remember the Titans, film:
musicians of a dicty attitude, that is, Me and Rev both dig on The Tempta-
acting as though he was a member of tions; 2010 Hole in One, film: I don’t
the white middle class dig on the ginger, I’ve got my eyes on
170 Glossary
Appleton Post-Crescent: Taylor Swift actress seemed more than pleased with
won’t ever become a diva who gets her makeover
caught up trying to bask in her own do a bid phr. to serve a prison sentence
spotlight; 2011 New York Daily News: (gs, jg, rk): 2003 2 Fast 2 Furious,
The diva remained seated when film: You just came home from doin’ a
50 Cent stopped by to say hey, but bid; 2010 Freddie Gibbs: My nigga
she rose and planted a double kiss on Rich doin’ a bid. If I would’ve been
Ryan Gosling with him I would joined him; 2010
dividends n. money (gs, rk): 2009 Stone, film: I’ve done a long bid, man
Ebony: Ebony had an opportunity to Doctor Feelgood (or Dr. Feelgood) n. a
talk to Tage how he got into classical physician who freely prescribes pleas-
music and how hard work pays big urable drugs, especially amphetamines
dividends; 2009 My Space: Hopefully (bk, cm): 1982 Cheers, NBC-TV series:
in the process, I’ll gain enough divi- Otherwise, she would be Doctor Feel-
dends to go back to my neighborhood good’s next patient; 2006 Homer News:
and help; 2009 All Hip-Hop: Just Addicts went to Doctor Feelgoods as he
having him on the record would pay called them who prescribed the drug
her enough dividends later without too many questions; 2009 Time:
dizzle n. state of affairs or a thing at issue: He became dependent on prescription
1997 Washington Times: They didn’t medication and on the Dr. Feelgoods
mind the dizzle; 2002 Los Angeles who cater to the pharmacological
Times: What’s the dizzle, my nizzle?; demands of the stars
2009 Big Bang Theory, CBS-TV series: dog1 (or dawg) n. [1] a friend (gs, rk):
Bernadette, say some shizzle about the 2004 Snoop Dogg: It’s so relentless,
dizzle! and all my dogs up against the life
DJ see deejay1, deejay2 sentence; 2009 Ebony: Dawg, I’m with
DL see down-low you on your comments about Wooten
do1 v. [1] to have sex with (gs, rk): 1997 and Stanley; 2011 Village Voice: No
Simpsons, Fox-TV series: I ain’t too offense to my dawg Slick, but we joke
good at talking to women, I really about this all the time [2] a seducer or
wanted to do you; 1998 54, film: I can womanizer, especially if very skillful
do anybody; 1998 Beavis and Butthead, (bk, gs): 2006 Two and a Half Men,
MTV-TV series: I wanna, like, you CBS-TV series: You’re doing a hot
know, do her [2] to perform oral sex twenty-two and you’re cheating on
on (gs, rk): 1994 Pulp Fiction, film: her? I’m so proud of you! My brother’s
You gotta remember who’s doing who; a dog!; 2008 Big Bang Theory, CBS-
2006 Randy Kearse: You do me, and TV series: Have you slept with her yet?
I’ll do you; 2013 Facebook: Last night Hm? You dog!; 2009 New York Daily
some fine chick did me good News: It was the third wink that sold
do2 (or ’do) n. a haircut (bk, cm, gs, jg): me. He’s a sexy dawg [3] an aggressive
1999 Late Show with Conan O’Brien, or brutal man (bk, jg): 2001 Los
NBC-TV program: Do you like my new Angeles Times: McCarron is a real
do?; 2009 New York Daily News: This dog when it comes to this race; 2010
salon is the perfect place for ladies and Chappelle’s Show, WGN-TV pro-
gents to get a new do; 2010 Marie gram: Come on, dog, you hit my
Claire: Teaming her new ’do with elbow!; 2013 Rap Genius: DMX is
a high-neck button-front dress, the known for his aggressive, dark,
172 Glossary
growling rap vocals. He’s a real about it (bk, gs, jg, rk): 2000 Crew,
dawg! [4] an unattractive woman (gs, film: “You look tense.” “Don’t even
jg): 1993 Heaven and Earth, film: It’s go there!”; 2007 Chicago Tribune:
my first girlfriend’s house. She was a Want to respond? Don’t even go there;
real dog; 1995 Welcome to the Doll- 2011 Fan Fiction: Please, don’t go
house, film: “Do you think she’s there. We already talked about this
pretty?” “Not that pretty, really. She’s don’t hate excl. do not be envious (rk):
a dog”; 2013 Fan Fiction: If she’s such 2010 My Space: I know I’m sexy so
a dog (ugly girl) then why am I here? don’t hate!; 2010 Huffington Post:
dog2 (or dog out) v. [1] to criticize (cm, Don’t hate! Blacks don’t crack!; 2011
gs): 1997 St. Louis Post-Dispatch: I’ve Parenthood, NBC-TV series: Yo,
had guys come up to me and say, Braverman! Don’t hate, man! Come
“Hey, you dogged me out,” meaning in!
I criticized them; 2003 Bad Boys II, don’t sweat it excl. do not worry (cm, jg,
film: Then, on top of that shit, you rk): 1996 Time to Kill, film: “This is
gonna dog my baby sister?; 2007 all my fault!” “Don’t sweat it, really”;
Ebony: Nagin, who has been both 2002 Chicago, film: Don’t sweat, I can
dogged and praised since the Katrina do it alone; 2009 Ebony: If you can’t
disaster, is nearing the end of his make the trek down to ATL like I did,
second term as mayor [2] to treat badly don’t sweat it
or brutally (cm, gs, jg, rk): 1990 dookie (or dooky, dukie, duky) n. excre-
Rocky V, film: If he refuses, you gotta ment (cm, gs, jg): 1993 Fear of a
insult him, you gotta dog him, you Black Hat, film: Your album was like
gotta humiliate him; 2006 International dookie on the street, it just sat there
Herald Tribune: They dogged me and and stank; 2002 Big Fat Liar, film:
I will dog them back; 2006 Boy Cul- I took a dookie and clogged up the
ture, film: Jill said she couldn’t trust toilet; 2006 South Park, Comedy Cen-
nobody after you dogged her tral TV series: Who made dookie in the
dog out see above urinal?
dogs n. shoes, especially gym shoes (gs, dookie chain (or dooky chain, dukie
rk): 2006 Randy Kearse: Don’t step on chain, duky chain) n. a large gold
my dogs; 2010 HSN Online: I must rope-type chain, worn around the neck
have gotten a bad pair of dogs. Mine (cm, gs): 2008 Boxing Scene: I think
are nothing like the color shown here; I even saw a gold dukie chain on him
2013 Facebook: I ran in my new dogs once; 2009 Washington Post: The med-
today. Happy! allion hung from a series of gold links
do-it fluid (or do-it-fluid) n. liquor (cm, that looked just like dookie chain; 2009
gs, jg): 2001 Redman: Lubricate y’all Black Planet: She asked my son if she
veins with this do-it fluid; 2007 Lil could wear his dooky chain during the
Wyte: What’s do-it-fluid? I knew you show
would ask. [It’s] whatever liquor you dookie rope (or dookey rope, dukie
you put in your body when you wanna rope, duky rope) n. a large gold
get trashed; 2013 Twitter: I’m in need rope-type chain, worn around the neck
of some do-it fluid! (jg): 2006 New York Times: Essential
don’t even go there see below items include the eye-catching hat and
don’t go there (or don’t even go there) the super-size gold chain, which is
excl. I do not want you to talk or think known as a dookie rope; 2008 Yahoo
Glossary 173
Fat Joe is down by law and any receives information about the market
attempts to assassinate his character in advance; 2013 City University of
are futile and blasphemous [2] linked, New York student: This is strictly
connected or affiliated with (bk, cm, down-low stuff; 2013 Twitter: Making
gs, jg, rk): 1998 He Got Game, film: photographs of someone’s assets with-
So you in the Mafia, down with Gotti, out their consent is really a down-low
huh?; 1999 Tampa Tribune: I still have action
a lot of friends who are down with the down South adv. in or toward the south-
gang; 2000 Bamboozled, film: I’m ern USA (gs): 1995 Clockers, film:
down with Della [3] willing or ready You’re lucky we don’t blow your ass
to do something (gs, jg, rk): 2000 off like them crackers down South;
Bamboozled, film: “It sounds very 2004 Ray, film: You can haul your
risky, you are not getting cold feet?” asses back down South; 2011 Chicago
“No. I’m down”; 2005 Beauty Shop, Sun-Times: Smith wasn’t sure if a
film: Are you down for some Krispy Yankee could live down South
Kreme?; 2006 Christian Science Moni- down with it see down
tor: Are you down with that? [4] (or Dozens n. teasing, especially by provoca-
down with it) aware, knowing or tive rhyming comments in a gamelike
understanding (cm, jg): 1996 Fugees: manner (cm, gs, jg): 1994 Los Angeles
A boy’s trying to front like he’s down Times: The Dozens is about maintain-
with it; 2003 Greg Tate: He was trying ing your cool; 1994 Baltimore Sun: The
to impress them with how down he dozens is a game of verbal combat,
could be with Ultra Blackness; 2013 played mostly by black males on street
Pop Dust: Their comeback single corners. It is to teach participants to
offers an implication that the group is keep cool under adverse circum-
down with the current trends stances; 2003 Richmond Times: The
down by law see above men congregate here to share a flask,
down home adv. in or toward the south- play the dozens and carry on a running
ern USA (gs): 2004 Ray, film: Down commentary
home, we call it “country dumb”; 2008 D.P. n. Dom Perignon champagne (gs):
Word Reference: We went down home; 2009 Newsgrounds: I am drinking a
2010 Daily Kilos: I used to drink Sazer- D.P. at the moment actually. I love this
acs when I lived down home in stuff; 2009 Face Punch: I’m drinking a
Kentucky nice, cold, bubbly glass of D.P. as we
down-home adj. typical of southern USA speak; 2009 Wine Review: It’s even
(gs, jg): 2007 Chef Moz: The Diner better than if you had aged D.P. your-
offers down-home experience with a self, because the Dom Perignon cellars
classic Southern breakfast and a diner will have aged it ideally for you
style lunch; 2010 Salon: It’s a down- drag n. a dull or boring person (cm, gs):
home, Dixie drink for comfort; 2010 1985 Heavenly Kid, film: You’re get-
Slate: With Dixie up for grabs, the ting to be a real drag; 2000 Los
GOP went carpetbagging for electoral Angeles Times: You’re such a drag.
votes: Barry speaks with down-home Why don’t you just shut up?; 2011
drawl! Florida Today: He’s a real drag. The
down-low (or DL) adj. secret, covert or worst part? You can’t get rid of him
clandestine (gs, jg): 2013 Quizlet: He drama queen n. someone who tends
runs a down-low operation, and he to react in an exaggerated or overly
Glossary 175
emotional way (rk): 2004 Desperate 5 feet tall, with silver front teeth and
Housewives, NBC-TV series: Come dreadlocks
on, drama queen!; 2008 Chicago Trib- dreads see above
une: I work closely with a young dress-off n. a competition among flashily
woman who is a drama queen; 2010 dressed persons (bk): 1985 Chicago
News, CBS-TV program: She is a bit Tribune: The dressoff starts more
of a drama queen slowly and rarely reaches the import-
draped adj. [1] dressed (jg): 1994 New ance it does in Paris; 1993 South Flor-
York Times: Celtics Imagine Jordan ida Sun: That might have won most
Draped in Green; 2010 Art Daily: The dress-offs, but when Frenchy walked
following year she was draped in a down the runway, the night was over;
burqa; 2011 Black Voices: Nelson 2012 Hollywood Gossip: They prob-
Mandela’s grandson was draped in ably had a dress-off
the lion’s skin [2] wearing a lot of Dr. Feelgood see Doctor Feelgood
expensive jewelry (gs, jg, rk): 2002 drill v. potentially offensive to
Vagina Monologues, film: Just there, have sex with (cm, rk): 1987 Blind
all draped in the diamonds; 2005 Date, film: You son of a bitch, are
Washington Post: Rapper 50 Cent you drilling her?; 2009 Clip Inspector:
was draped in many diamond and He drilled that chick in all positions
platinum medallions; 2010 Melo-X: after she gave him amazing blowjob;
Hail the king draped in Pharaoh’s 2010 Twitter: There’s no better feeling
bling! than drilling bitches
drapes n. clothes, especially fashionable driving while black (or D.W.B., DWB)
(bk, cm, jg): 1989 Mary Helen Ponce: n. potentially offensive an
The guys took pains to dress in the instance of stopping African American
latest drapes: French-cuffed shirts motorists for no apparent reason (bk,
and jackets that spelled “class”; 2005 gs): 2002 Detroit News: Civil rights
Blogspot: She discreetly shrugged off advocates called the case an example
her drapes; 2007 Flickr: Lauren is very of “driving while black,” commonly
happy with her new drapes. What do called D.W.B.; 2007 New York Daily
you think of them? News: He is accusing local cops of
draws n. underpants (gs): 2005 Aristo- pulling him over for “driving while
crats, film: My son comes in, drops black”; 2012 Parenthood, NBC-TV
his draws; 2009 Black Gay Gossip: series: “He’s also half white!” “He
Why is this boy dancing in his draws?; can use his white card when he gets
2011 Auto Blog: The guy had more pulled over by a cop for driving while
money in his draws than 50 Cent is black”
staching in his vehicle in this video drop v. to release a music album (jg):
dreadlocks (or dreads) n. a hairstyle of 1999 Billboard: Alejandro Fernandez
loose thick braids, created by growing is due to drop a new album; 2000 Vibe:
hair without combing it for a long time Mannie and Baby have also managed
(cm, gs, jg): 1999 Futurama, Fox-TV to drop a new album; 2011 Sound
series: A Jamaican man with dreads Spike: Though no specific release date
crosses the street; 2009 Ebony: Why has been announced, Lil Wayne plans
aren’t there any sisters with dreads in to drop a new album this spring
the film?; 2010 Yuma Sun: The man drop knowledge see drop the knowledge
was described as dark-complected, drop science see drop the science
176 Glossary
drop the knowledge (drop knowledge) with no duckets; 2008 Ebony: Those
phr. to give valuable information (gs, high-powered cats whose pockets you
jg): 1994 State: The trio drops the tapped pay large duckets for that kinda
knowledge of George Jackson and info
Eldridge Cleaver, and advocates duckettes see above
laying low in the ’hood; 2000 San dukie, duky see dookie
Antonio Express-News: I won’t drop dukie chain, duky chain see dookie
the knowledge on you; 2008 Ebony: chain
There is a way to drop the knowledge dukie rope, duky rope see dookie rope
and kick the science without offending dumb-ass adj. very stupid (cm, gs, jg):
anyone and still keeping it clean and 2000 Bamboozled, film: “What do you
funny and right on point want us to do?” “Dumb-ass
drop the science (or drop science) phr. question!”; 2004 Two and a Half
to give valuable information (gs, jg, Men, CBS-TV series: You think she
rk): 1996 Martin, Fox-TV series: Drop really cares about your dumb-ass
the science, baby! You’re pregnant?; party?; 2009 Washington Post: Oba-
2004 Wu-Tang Clan: I drop the science ma’s supporters are not so dumb-ass
like girls be droppin babies; 2007 fools to not understand that it is polit-
Entertainment Weekly: They drop the ics here
science about Jenn’s real Denver dunkie butt (or dunky butt) n. large but
sexual history shapely buttocks (bk): 1994 12 Gauge:
drop-top n. a convertible automobile (gs, Just gimmie that dunkie butt and them
rk): 2009 Auto Guide: Other than big ol’ legs. I ain’t too hard to beg;
being a drop-top we don’t expect much 2009 Hot Mom: I envisioned a dunkie
else new; 2009 Ebony: Davis drove to butt and immediately went to a jog;
the ceremony in a 1966 red drop-top 2011 YouTube: Ain’t none of these
Ford Mustang; 2011 Automobile girls got a dunkie butt or legs or
Magazine: The new drop top will join thighs!
Mazda’s MX-5 as the two sole offer- dunky butt see above
ings in the entry compact roadster Dutch Master (or Dutchmaster) n. a
segment cigar with the tobacco replaced with
D-Town (or D Town) n. Detroit, Mich- marijuana (gs, jg, rk): 2006 Grass
igan: 2006 Dayton Daily News: Emi- City: Here’s my how-to roll a Dutch
nem, the first white rapper, is from Master, in my opinion, the best blunt;
D Town (Detroit); 2006 Sweet Science: 2009 Yahoo Answers: Why would you
I’m from D Town baby, not the rap smoke a Dutchmaster?; 2009 North
band. I’m talking about Detroit; 2011 Jersey: There was no marijuana but
Big Sean: I’m just D-Town repping, the officer saw a Dutch Master on the
making all theses niggas who second- rear seat floor
guessed regret it D.W.B., DWB see driving while black
ducats see below
duckets (or ducats, duckettes) n. money E
(gs, jg, rk): 2000 Boston Globe: Har-
vard student Patricia Ryan should Ebonics n. a non-standard variety of
have more than enough ducats to pay African American English, sometimes
for med school; 2002 Blue Crush, film: considered as a language in its
We all know summertime is a bummer own right, or synonymous with
Glossary 177
African American English (cm, gs): familiar with J. Cole’s rise to promin-
1999 3rd Rock from the Sun, NBC-TV ence as an emcee and producer
series: Sorry, Nina, I don’t understand emcee2 (or M.C., MC) v. to perform rap
Ebonics!; 2000 Bamboozled, film: He songs (jg): 1991 Seinfeld, NBC-TV
speaks fluent Ebonics; 2009 Dallas series: Jack is emceeing tomorrow;
Morning News: It sounded like Ebo- 2010 About Rap: It’s a step by step
nics and we all know that communi- instructional guide on how to emcee;
cation skills are critical to success 2010 E-How: One of the early founders
eightball n. [1] one-eighth of an ounce of of emceeing and hip-hop was DJ Kool
cocaine (gs, rk): 1995 Richmond Herc from the Bronx
Times: An eightball of cocaine, 3.5 ends n. money (cm, gs, jg, rk): 1996 Dr.
grams, sells for $265 to $350; drugs Dre: The bitch is gonna get your ends;
are available at schools throughout the 2005 Aaron Peckham: Can you hook
area; 1996 Philadelphia Daily News: me up with a job? I’m just trying to
The package was determined to con- hold some ends; 2008 Seattle Post-
tain an eightball of cocaine; 2002 Wire, Intelligencer: You can never have
HBO-TV series: My uncle gave me an enough ends
eightball of coke, told me to take it European Negro n. potentially
over to her [2] Olde English 800 malt offensive an African American
liquor (jg): 1993 Poetic Justice, film: who assumes the behavior and values
“They don’t have no eightball? Y’all of the white society (gs): 2009 Meta-
ain’t got Olde E?” “They don’t sell Filter: They’d unfailingly refer to
that outside the black neighborhoods”; him as a European Negro; 2009
2000 Jervey Tervalon: They are sitting Black Voices: I’m not a European
under a streetlight, drinking eightball; Negro; 2011 Your Black World: Some
2007 Williams Record: Martha Stewart have become European Negroes
drank an eightball on Conan O’Brien, trying to copy the former enslaver’s
and the beverage is a favorite of behavior
N.W.A. and Afroman everythang is everythang see below
eight rock n. potentially offensive everything is everything (or everythang
a very dark-skinned African American is everythang) phr. everything is okay
(cm, gs, jg): 1998 New York Observer: (gs, rk): 1995 Vampire in Brooklyn,
Their eyes gave no sign of what they film: Everything is everything, I ain’t
really felt about those who weren’t seen nothing; 1996 Snoop Dogg:
eight-rock like them; 2009 Doc Share: Everything is everything, everybody
Bertha was referred to as an eight playin cool; 2010 Washington Wizards:
rock, which is a derogatory term for They are thinking everything is every-
a dark-skinned person; 2013 Melanie thing, but I tell them, you all are going
R. Anderson: Pat uses the term “eight to schools that aren’t as good as other
rock” to denote skin color of a “blue schools
black” eyeball v. to stare at or observe closely
emcee1 (or M.C., MC) n. a performer of a (bk, cm): 1991 Boyz in the Hood, film:
rap song (gs, jg): 2000 Snoop Dogg: So I’m, like, eyeballing her and she
They say, what’s a rapper? Well nigga, walks right up on me and busts out,
what’s an emcee?; 2007 San Francisco “Is this your ride?”; 1999 Seinfeld,
Chronicle: I think a true MC should be NBC-TV series: That guy was eyeball-
able to freestyle; 2013 Source: You’re ing me the whole time; 2001 Wu-Tang
178 Glossary
Clan: I’m on the strip, eyeballin’ the they can’t fade this; 1993 CB4, film: All
chicks that tryin’ to fade me, I think you hit it
wrong; 2001 Tupac Shakur: Y’all nig-
F gas can’t fade this shit: got shot five
times, got out of jail on bail, and sold
facety adj. self-important or arrogant (jg, five million! I’m a self-made
rk): 2001 Seattle Post-Intelligencer: millionaire!
You too facety, I think; 2010 My Space: faded adj. [1] drunk (cm, gs, jg): 2009
Most of the black girls these days can’t Blogspot: I think we all got faded to
handle boys because they are very fac- drive anywhere; 2009 Urban Diction-
ety; 2012 RoxXxan: They say I’m too ary: Wow, man, I had a lot of beer. I’m
fucking facety. Is it because my jeans really faded; 2013 Twicsy: Nigga got
hang low below my waist, G? faded and robbed [2] under the influ-
fade1 n. [1] very offensive a white ence of a drug (cm, gs, jg): 2008
person (bk, jg): 2010 Black Voices: Yahoo Answers: I told him I was faded
He could shoot that fade; 2013 Hood (under the influence of marijuana);
Up: I’m old school, so I prefer fair one. 2012 Chris Brown: Nigga gon’ be
We don’t call them “fades”; 2013 faded, all the way to the AM; 2013
Meme Generator: Not even I can save Marijuana: Tyson got faded on Waikiki
you from these fades, nigga [2] Beach with a bunch of recent high
potentially offensive an African school graduates
American who is subservient to whites fake v. to pretend, especially by making a
or adopts their values and attitudes pretense of knowledge or skill (rk):
(bk, cm, jg): 1994 Clarence Major: 2006 Dreamgirls, film: I’m faking my
Fade [is] a Negro who fades into a way; 2006 Randy Kearse: I already
white way of life; 2007 Barbara Kipfer: know you fakin’; 2010 XXL Magazine:
Fade [is] a black person who prefers I’m tired of niggas lying, man. Quit
white friends, sex partners, attitudes; faking!
2010 Hentai Geek: They called him a fake out v. to deceive, especially by
fade or something like that [3] a male doing something opposite rather than
haircut in which the sides of the head expected (cm, gs, rk): 2002 Newport
are closely cut and the top of the head Daily Press: I thought maybe he would
is not (bk, cm, gs, jg): 1990 Run- fake us out, but he didn’t; 2008 News-
D.M.C.: Is she jockin’ my ’fro or my week: Brian faked us out, and freaked
fade?; 1990 New Yorker: He has his us out; 2010 Louisville Courier-
hair cut in a flashy high-low fade; Journal: Graham attempted to fake
1996 Cincinnati Magazine: For black him out
teens, the fade is pretty standard fall out v. [1] to be surprised (cm, jg):
fade2 v. [1] to cause problems for some- 1992 Richard Price: You gonna fall out
one (gs): 2000 Sucka Free: They all when I tell you who I’m talking about;
crazy, but they don’t fade me; 2000 2013 Twitter: Franklin, you’re gonna
DJ Quik: You can’t fuck with a nigga, fall out when you see this; 2013 New
thinking you wanna fade me; 2003 York Post: I just fell out when I heard it
Esham: If he tryin jump bad, I’m a fade [2] to faint or collapse, especially if
him [2] to ignore or to get rid of (cm, intoxicated (gs, jg): 2008 Opiophile:
jg): 1992 Dr. Dre: I don’t give a fuck My dad was in the room when I “fell
about a bitch, but I and her know that out” so he immediately took me to the
Glossary 179
hospital; 2009 Trick Daddy: She about person (cm): 2009 Lori Copeland: He
to fall out, she can’t take the way her was a fat cat, flashing a large diamond
knees shake; 2010 Date Hookup: I just pinkie ring; 2010 Game Faqs: It was
drank some whiskey and fell out still plenty of cream even for fat cats;
fall up v. to come for a visit (bk, jg, rk): 2011 Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
1999 Twista: I fell up in the club He’s been a fat cat ever since Braine-
tonight; 2004 Lil Jon: You fall up in less signed that contract
the club and them niggas wanna mug; fatmouth1 v. to talk too much (cm, gs,
2006 Randy Kearse: We probably fall jg): 1991 Allentown Morning Call:
up in there around six I don’t go to power lunches any more.
fam n. [1] a family (gs, jg, rk): 1991 All that talk and nothing ever comes
What About Bob?, film: Fay, Anna of it. Getting together and nothing
and Siggy, come here! Here’s the but fat-mouthing; 1997 St. Petersburg
fam! The Marvins; 1999 Ice-T: My Times: If the Olympics gave a gold
fam stay together; 2009 Ebony: I will medal for fat-mouthing, he would be
see you and the fam real soon [2] a cinch; 2009 Dallas Morning News:
friends (gs, rk): 2005 Aaron Peckham: This is from the bully whose racist
My fam was mad deep up in the club fat-mouthing led to the Freddy’s Fash-
the other day; 2007 David Austin: ion Mart fire in Harlem
“How’d you get this shit so fast?” fatmouth2 n. someone who talks too
“For my fam I move mountains”; much (jg): 2007 Daily Kos: Pickens is
2009 ESPN: All of his boys, his fam, a liar and a fatmouth; 2009 Urban
his crew, flipped on him Dictionary: She’s such an annoying
fancy-ass adj. very fancy or elegant (cm, little fatmouth; 2009 Politico: If Rush
gs, jg): 1999 Los Angeles Times: What wasn’t such a fatmouth, perhaps
about fish sold in your fancy-ass res- people wouldn’t want to tear him down
taurants?; 2006 Ruthless Reviews: He as much
takes her to a fancy-ass seven-course fay (or ’fay) n. very offensive a white
dinner and everyone in the restaurant person (bk, cm, gs): 1994 Clarence
can see her tits!; 2010 Heart Racer: I’ve Major: Fay [is] a white person; 2005
spent all my cash on a fancy-ass pair William Whitmire: White people were
of trainers called Fays; 2007 My Space: You guys
fat-ass adj. [1] very obese (jg): 2002 are a bunch of fucking fays
8 Mile, film: Look at this fat-ass feel v. to empathize with someone (gs,
nigger!; 2004 Blogspot: If all you can jg, rk): 2002 Civil Brand, film:
think to talk about is food, then you I know what you mean, I feel you, girl;
must be one fatass motherfucker; 2008 2008 Winston-Salem Journal: They
30 Rock, NBC-TV series: I’ve changed don’t feel what you’re saying or they
into a fatass adult [2] very sizeable and don’t understand; 2010 Exclaim: I feel
impressive: 2002 John Q, film: The what you’re saying
HMO sends the doctor a fat-ass bonus feel a draft phr. to sense that one is being
check; 2006 Catch and Release, film: rejected or unwelcome, especially for
Here’s a fatass check to smooth out the racial reasons (bk, cm, jg): 1986
ride; 2013 YouTube: I don’t have a Toronto Star: When he sensed racial
fatass car prejudice he would say “I feel a
fat cat n. a wealthy, powerful or privil- draft”; 2004 Workers: Anyone feel a
eged person, especially a business draft? The Democratic Party is moving
180 Glossary
to block candidates to the left of Kerry 2009 Twitter: I am fiendin’ for a huge
from getting on the ballot; 2005 Canoe: glass of ice cold water; 2010 News,
Is it just me, or do you feel a draft? MTV-TV program: I been fiending to
fessor (or ’fessor) n. a professor (cm, jg): do something like that
1999 David Roediger: They said he was fifty eleven (or fifty leven) adv. very
a ’fessor in a college, could talk all many (cm, jg, rk): 1999 Charlotte
kinds of languages; 2009 Blogspot: Observer: I’ve heard most of them fifty
I ain’t no college fessor, but here’s leven times, but each time he tells one
what I think is going on here; 2013 it gets embellished; 2006 Saigon: Nig-
Alabama Writers’ Forum: Who would gas dropped dimes on me bout fifty
have thought she would one day eleven times; 2013 American Conser-
become a Ph.D. and a ’fessor? vative: There are fifty-eleven reasons
field nigga see below fifty leven see above
field nigger (or field nigga) n. very fire on v. to beat, strike or hit (bk, cm, jg,
offensive unless used by rk): 2006 Randy Kearse: She just fired
african americans a rebellious on my ex-girlfriend for no reason; 2010
lower-class African American, espe- New York Times: The talk returned to
cially working on a farm (cm, gs, boxing. Danny Brown was a childhood
jg): 1999 Public Enemy: I’m that field classmate who “fired on me” in grade
nigga they all fear; 2009 Sisters Talk: school; 2010 My Space: You really
In other words, Obama is a house- shoulda fired on me, nigga!
nigga and Tupac would have been a fire up v. to light a marijuana cigarette
field nigga; 2012 Django Unchained, (gs, rk): 1999 Chicago Sun-Times:
film: “Let’s hope she works in the Wolfe fired up a marijuana cigarette;
house, not in the field.” “Oh no, she 2009 Terre Haute Tribune Star: He
ain’t no field nigger” never used marijuana at work, but as
fiend n. [1] a drug addict (gs, rk): 1993 soon as he got home he’d fire one up to
Us3: I hear the beats thump, I shake relax; 2010 Examiner: Folks who grew
like a fiend; 2002 Jay-Z: We even sold it up in the 60s and 70s smoked weed in
to the same damn fiends; 2007 Yahoo high school, hit the bong in college,
Sports: If some kid happens to be a pot fired up a joint after the kids were born
fiend or have a gambling problem, a first and fifteenth n. those days in a
team wants to know [2] an excellent or month when welfare checks are distrib-
admirable person or thing (cm, jg): uted (jg): 1998 Ice Cube: The first and
1994 Clarence Major: Fiend [is] any fifteenth is like Christmas; 1999 Nas:
thing or person of positive quality; First and fifteenth I’m layin at the
2012 Los Angeles Times: He was a check cashing; 2009 Yahoo Answers:
fiend when it came to getting every Welfare checks, you get them on the
sound right; 2013 Pittsburgh Post- first and fifteenth
Gazette: He’s also a fiend when it first mind n. the first and the best idea or
comes to the free throw line on thought (gs): 2005 Beacon Journal: My
the basketball court, sinking up to first mind was: no more sleepovers;
100 consecutive baskets at a time 2007 Los Angeles Times: I should have
fiending (or fiendin’) adj. having an followed my first mind and said I was
intense crave or desire (gs, rk): 2006 not sure, but the detectives told me it
Public Enemy: All these brothers was him; 2009 Ebony: Talk to her
around here fiendin for that crack; about instincts and the importance of
Glossary 181
listening to that first mind, the one that hand slap done with the hands held
speaks loudest before you allow the behind the back; 2008 Online Athens:
second guess I’m turning around and giving high
fish (or fish hole) n. potentially fives on the sly; 2011 Blogspot: Madee
offensive the vagina (bk, gs): 2008 stuck her hand out behind her back
Oxygen Forum: I’d like to finger her and the lady gave her a random five
fish; 2009 Ninja Dude: I would bend on the sly
Amanda over, lick her fish hole, then Five Percenter n. a member of a
pound that sweet little love muscle; religious group established by former
2010 Perez Hilton: Will she wash her members of the Nation of Islam: 1996
fish hole? Sapphire: I forget all that shit – Five
fish hole see above Percenters, Black Israelites; 2002 Lisa
five n. shaking hands with someone or Green: The Five Percenters is an
slapping someone’s hand in greeting Islamic organization based in New
or congratulation (bk, cm, gs, jg): York; 2008 Welcome Home Roscoe
2000 Geneva Smitherman: African Jenkins, film: You Muslim now? You
American women’s five involves a Five Percenter?
sliding one’s forefinger across the Five Percent Nation (or 5% Nation) n. a
forefinger of the other sista; 2008 Chi- religious group established by former
cago Tribune: He’s not hot, he’s members of the Nation of Islam (gs,
scalding. You don’t want to even touch jg): 2009 Film: The film also provides
his hand to give him five; 2009 Whitney a look at how he became involved in
Fan: You ain’t gave me no five, kids! the Five Percent Nation; 2013 Chris-
Five-O (or 5-O) n. police (cm, gs, jg, tian Post: Jay-Z appears to have
rk): 1995 Worcester Telegram Gaz- embraced the beliefs of the Five Per-
ette: “They’re mad cool, they’re more cent Nation; 2013 New York Times:
like friends than Five-O,” said a Dasani stands surrounded by family
member of The Bomb Squad, using outside an annual meeting of the Five
slang from an old TV show to describe Percent Nation at the Harriet Tubman
the police; 2001 Exit Wounds, film: Yo, School in Harlem
it’s Five-O! It’s a setup! Get out!; 2003 fizzle n. [1] sex or the sex act: 2006 Some-
Final Destination 2, film: Shit! Five- thing New, film: He was fine, but there
O’s coming! Let’s fucking roll was no fizzle; 2010 E Harmony: All the
five-oh-two (or 502) n. drunk driving other guys they are more interested in
(jg): 1987 Roxanne, film: “There’s a fizzle; 2010 Wrapped: She obviously
possible 502 on Main!” “Proceed to needs some fizzle [2] a woman as a
Main, confirm”; 1996 Up Close and sex object or partner: 2010 Daily Kos:
Personal, film: “You know what a After today, only 50% of the people
five-oh-two is?” “D.W.I., driving while who have called me a fizzle; 2010
intoxicated”; 2011 Fan Fiction: Atten- Toobed: Erika Fief is a sexy fizzle;
tion, dispatch, any patrol cars near 2013 Blogspot: I feel more like a dumb
Phoenix Avenue? I have a five-oh-two fizzle
five on the sly phr. shaking hands with flat top n. a male hairstyle that is high,
someone or slapping someone’s hand square, and flat on top (gs): 1993 Us3:
held in the back, in greeting or con- I went to the barber shop, I told Ed to
gratulation (cm, gs): 2000 Minneapolis hook up the low flat top; 2004 Milwau-
Star-Tribune: “Five on the sly” is a kee Journal Sentinel: You can’t tell a
182 Glossary
barber to give a kid a flat top over the the whole thing; 2006 Randy Kearse:
kid’s wishes; 2010 Tampa Bay: Today, See if he can flip it like this
he still has the muscular frame of a flip the script phr. [1] to reverse the
soldier and keeps his graying hair in meaning of words, especially from
a flat-top unfavorable to favorable (gs): 2000
flava see below Snoop Dogg: I can flip the script but I
flavor (or flava) n. [1] sexual attractive- chose not to this time; 2009 Dollhouse,
ness (gs, jg): 2004 Hair Show, film: Fox-TV series: You’ve got the lingo to
It’s all about the flavor; 2009 Right flip the script; 2009 Ebony: Charlie, let
Cross Entertainment: I think she has me flip the script [2] to make a complete
flava, she’s a total package; 2009 reversal of one’s attitude (rk): 2002 8
Flavor XXX: Sometimes we’ll throw Mile, film: Just make sure you flip the
a white chick in if she has flavor [2] a script on this shit tonight!; 2008 Boston
sexually attractive woman (bk, jg): Globe: Obama is going to flip the script
1990 Max Monroe: Loose Cannon, once he is elected President; 2008
CBS-TV series: Flavor, isn’t she?; National Public Radio: What about
2006 Public Enemy: They call me voters who flip the script?
“flavor”; 2007 Hollywood Gossip: floating (or floatin’) adj. under the influ-
She’s a real flavor [3] style (gs, jg, ence of a drug (bk): 2007 Nigga Know:
rk): 1995 Dr. Dre: Once you hear the Usually it’s just a few able-bodied nig-
beat kid, check the flavor that I’m gas floating, giggling like bitches; 2012
bringin’; 1996 Snoop Dogg: I got the James Swartz: The girl was “floating”
flavor, I’m major; 2006 Randy Kearse: now, a term given to marijuana intoxi-
I’m the one with all the flavor around cation; 2013 Life Punch: Smoke weed
here everyday! Dis nigga be floating!
flex (or flex on) v. [1] to try to impress floss v. to try to impress people by show-
people by showing off (gs, jg, rk): ing off (gs, jg, rk): 2004 Hair Show,
2009 Ebony: Step back and give the film: Miss Girl is just flossin’, drivin’
man room enough to flex; 2012 Chief around in her new car; 2004 Wu-Tang
Keef: I’mma show you how to ball. Clan: I can’t stand niggas that floss too
I be flexing on these lames; 2013 Trini- much; 2009 Ebony: On the face of it,
dad James: I’m a flashy young nigga, you could conclude that Marbury is
I be flexin’ on niggas [2] to impress just flossing
people by acting macho or intimidating flossy adj. trying to impress people by
(gs, jg, rk): 1995 Clockers, film: This showing off (rk): 2004 Snoop Dogg:
guy flexed on me. I got scared. You You real bossy like, and sometimes
know the rest; 2013 Twitter: He walks flossy; 2009 My Space: We dress nice
into my room tryin to flex me carrying and act flossy; 2009 Cincinnati News:
a pocket knife; 2013 Sound Click: Who He flaunted his money by wearing fla-
you flexin’ nigga? You don’t really get shy clothes and acting flossy
it poppin; with Queens! flow1 v. to rap very well (gs, jg): 1991
flex on see above Ice-T: I used to listen to rappers flow;
flip v. to reverse the meaning of words, 2000 Afroman: I’m flowing on the mic
especially from unfavorable to favor- like the Mississippi River; 2000 Afu-
able (rk): 1995 Toledo Blade: These Ra: I can flow all day or flow all night,
guys flipped the whole thing; 2005 and each of my verses could be used as
New York Newsday: Then he flipped a night light
Glossary 183
flow2 n. the ability to rap very well (jg, you want to see a foolio on a Segway
rk): 2010 Real Talk NY: Only Pac just watch this
and Biggie are truly missed, no one for real adv. really, genuinely or ser-
else even sounds close to their flow or iously (cm, jg): 2009 Southland,
style; 2011 SOHH: I know even before NBC-TV series: Do you want to lose
I hear his raps, his flow is going to be him for real this time?; 2012 Facebook:
perfect; 2012 New York Times: Obser- What’s going down for real?; 2013
vers noted Obama’s use of black Tumblr: She kissed him for real for
slang in relation to hip-hop culture, the first time later that night
like “flow” for sheezy (or fo’ sheezy) phr. certainly
fly adj. excellent or admirable (bk, cm, (jg): 1999 Ant Banks: Is he my nigga?
gs, jg, rk): 1993 Us3: I’m fly as can Fo’ sheezy, nigga!; 2003 Urban Dic-
be; 1993 Ice-T: You punks are jealous tionary: “That chick was so ugly!”
cause I’m rollin in fly shit; 2004 Hair “For sheezy!”; 2013 Black Planet:
Show, film: Mona, can I buy you a Show me some luv and for sheezy I’ll
drink? You look fly as shit. Damn! return tha flava
fly chick n. a young and sexually attract- for shizzle (or for shizzle my nizzle, fo’
ive woman who likes to party (bk, cm, shizzle, fo’ shizzle my nizzle) phr.
jg): 2000 Big L: I’m a street genius certainly (jg): 2007 Two and a Half
with a unique penis, I got fly chicks Men, CBS-TV series: “The kid’s a
on my dick that don’t even speak Eng- sponge!” “For shizzle my nizzle!”;
lish!; 2009 Stuffy People: She’s cer- 2010 Salt Lake City Weekly: We could
tainly a fly chick but her make-up take their paychecks for shizzle!; 2009
game is not it!; 2011 Elzhi: I knew this Scrubs, ABC-TV series: “You wanna
fly chick, pretty right, she was my type get into water?” “Fo’ shizzle!”
fly girl n. a young and sexually attractive for shizzle my nizzle see above
woman who likes to party (cm, jg): fo’ sheezy see for sheez
1993 Us3: We’ve been cool since day fo’ shizzle see for shizzle
one scoopin’ all the fly girls, havin’ all fo’ shizzle my nizzle see for shizzle
the fun; 2007 Lil Wayne: Make the shy fo’ sho phr. certainly (jg): 2003 Royce
girl horny, make the fly girls corny!; Da 5’9’’: Fo’ sho nigga, I’m in this
2010 Showstopper Online: Deidre game, and it’s all good; 2008 Toronto
Lang was a fly girl on “In Living Stories, film: “Call me sometime,
Color” and performed in the Broad- will ya?” “Fo’ sho!”; 2013 Atlanta
way “Hair Spray” Journal-Constitution: It is the best test
fo-fo n. a forty-four caliber handgun: 1999 fo’ sho
DMX: Fuck the po-po, nigga keep a forty (or 40, forty dog, 40 dog, forty
fo-fo!; 2000 Eminem: Come on and ounce, 40 ounce, 40 oz) n. a forty-
shoot the club with a fo-fo; 2010 WC: ounce bottle of strong and cheap malt
I shot the nigga in the head with fo-fo liquor (cm, gs, jg, rk): 1998 Charlotte
I grabbed my Mac when the mother- Observer: When somebody buys a
fucker hit the floor forty, they’re going to drink a forty;
foolio n. a stupid person (rk): 2008 News, 2009 L.A. East Side: He got a forty
MTV-TV program: Dear foolio! Real dog in a black bag in his right hand;
men don’t treat women like garbage!; 2010 Big Bang Theory, CBS-TV series:
2009 Urban Dictionary: Bill made him I will never run to a gas station for a
look like such a foolio; 2009 Insider: If pack of forties
184 Glossary
forty acres (or 40 acres) n. symbolic soon realize that what they really want
reparations for enslavement (gs): 1999 is a fine pad and a foxy chick; 2000
Walt Harrington: I say forget about the Bamboozled, film: Why don’t you get
forty acres. There ain’t gonna be no her a dress? You mean one of those
fuckin’ forty acres! It’s been a hundred sexy, foxy ones; 2006 Portland Mer-
and twenty-five years since the Civil cury: He gets himself a foxy girlfriend
War; 2000 Tupac Shakur: Where’s our who actually likes football
forty acres and a mule?; 2008 Kansas Franklin face n. a hundred dollar bill
City Star: They never received the (gs): 1997 Notorious B.I.G.: I pop
promised forty acres open the briefcases, nothin but Frank-
forty dog see forty lin faces; 2008 Two World Unite: I do
forty eleven (or forty leven) adv. very not think I have seen so many Franklin
many (cm, jg, rk): 2006 Flyer Talk: faces together or any for that matter.
This guy must’ve had some forty- The largest bill I am familiar with is a
eleven odd different credit cards!; $20; 2012 Chevy Woods: She know I’m
2013 City Data: I’ve asked you forty- motivated by a Franklin face
eleven times; 2012 Twitter: I have forty freebie n. anything given or enjoyed free
eleven things to do of charge (bk, cm): 1998 He Got
forty leven see above Game, film: There’s no free pussy
forty ounce see forty around here, no freebies; 2010 About:
four-eleven (or 411) n. information or Ask about the MasterCard offer before
facts (jg): 1995 Clueless, film: Here’s ordering, and enjoy either a twenty
the 411 on Mr. Hall. He’s single, he’s percent discount or a freebie off the
47; 1995 Mack 10: She knew the menu; 2010 San Francisco Chronicle:
411 on every one of them; 2013 Face- We know that lower rates and freebies
book: Message me your details and I’ll help accomplish this
give you the four eleven on the price freestyle1 n. spontaneous and improvised
four-one-one (or 411) n. information music, especially rap (jg): 2007 Multi-
or facts (bk, gs, jg): 1997 Rocky channel News: It enables members to
Mountain News: LL Cool J gives us easily record, collaborate on, search
the 411 on his life with a surprisingly and listen to freestyle or written raps,
candid biography that suffers its share without any need for software or file
of silly metaphors; 2003 Boston uploading; 2008 Love, Peace and Beat-
Herald: He says he can’t give us the box, film: We’ll work out a set, and in
411 on that; 2008 Black Voices: Pre- between maybe do some freestyle; 2009
pare to be enlightened as Black Voices Ebony: Doing a set mixed with his own
sheds light on Ramadan and gives you hits and a tour of classic hip hop, he
the 411 on fasting moved deftly between classic lyrics
fox n. a sexually attractive woman (bk, and his own freestyle
cm, gs, jg): 1999 Saturday Night Live, freestyle2 v. to perform music in a
NBC-TV program: She’s still a fox; spontaneous and improvised manner,
2010 Us Magazine: I’ve seen pix of especially rap (gs, jg, rk): 1998 Public
her from back in the day and she was Enemy: I don’t freestyle much; 2003
such a fox; 2011 Screen Junkies: It Salt Lake Tribune: Dr E, as he is
makes her one sexy fox known in the nightclubs where he
foxy adj. (of a woman) sexually attractive works, teaches these kids how to free-
(cm, gs): 1996 New York Times: They style, or rap; 2011 Miami New Times:
Glossary 185
I took him on tours where he had to leaders have supported the proposal
freestyle other rappers from the git-go
fresh adj. excellent or admirable (bk, cm, from the git-go see above
gs, jg): 1986 New York Daily News: from the jump phr. from the very begin-
We hang out with him because he’s ning (gs, rk): 2009 Washington Post:
fresh; 2004 Hair Show, film: She’s dri- The main thing is that from the jump
vin’ around in her fresh little car; they had no energy; 2010 News, Fox-
2005 Aaron Peckham: Let’s go to Dar- TV program: The president basically
rell’s Shop, they got fresher records put forth that from the jump the Feds
there did everything that they could to deal
fro (or ’fro) n. a hairstyle of bouffant, with the situation; 2010 Boston Globe:
tightly curled hair, worn by many Afri- It was obvious last night from the jump
can Americans (bk, cm, gs, jg): 2000 from the rip phr. from the very begin-
Chicago Sun-Times: Back in the days ning (gs): 2009 Rakim: I told you from
Jackson still had a ‘fro; 2007 Washing- the rip, we gone do what we do; 2013
ton Post: He actually had a fro once Word Press: I knew from the rip that
upon a time; 2009 Ebony: Just because this was gonna be a killer Sunday
your fro is one big mass of hair doesn’t lunch; 2013 Twitter: That’s how
mean you can’t add funky hair acces- I know that she has loved me from the
sories to jazz up your do! rip
from day one phr. from the very begin- front v. [1] to pretend (gs, rk): 1991
ning (gs, rk): 2011 Chattanoogan: Jungle Fever, film: You sure she ain’t
Other winners from day one were got no money? She could be frontin’,
Davidson and Wofford; 2011 ESPN: you know?; 2004 Nekousa Mullin: Quit
We’ve said from day one that the cur- frontin’, Reginald. You don’t buy all
rent system needs to be fixed; 2011 New this shit just for me; 2005 Vibe: You
York Post: From day one we’ve talked ain’t never had no real drama in your
about getting that banner, putting it on life, Nelly, so stop frontin’ [2] to try to
the wall to let everyone see impress people by showing off (gs, jg,
from jumpstreet phr. from the very rk): 1993 Us3: C’mon, you don’t have
beginning (bk, gs): 2000 Fort Worth a job, I know you’re frontin’ hard,
Star-Telegram: The Rodman- borrowed the ride from mom; 2004 Lil
Mavericks marriage was destined for Flip: Can’t nobody throw a party like
divorce court from jumpstreet; 2000 me, so quit your frontin!; 2007 XXL
Bamboozled, film: My only mistake is Magazine: Next time I see him on
I didn’t believe in your genius from Smack DVD, fronting big time, like
jumpstreet; 2010 Detroit News: From he’s a real gangster with money stalks
jumpstreet he told me that he was fronts n. teeth, especially front teeth (jg,
going to show Ziggy how much he rk): 2006 Randy Kearse: He got one of
loved him his fronts knocked out; 2008 Dental
from the get-go (or from the git-go) phr. Fear Central: While she was scaling
from the very beginning (bk, cm, gs, my bottom teeth, all four fronts fell
jg, rk): 2000 Snoop Dogg: Like I told out; 2013 Twitter: I laughed so hard
you from the get-go, don’t trust no my gold fronts fell out
one!; 2008 30 Rock, NBC-TV series: fry v. to straighten the hair using a heated
Let’s do it again from the get-go!; metal comb (bk, cm, gs, jg): 1993 San
2010 Philadelphia Inquirer: Most local Diego Union Tribune: The point is,
186 Glossary
even if Jackson does have a skin dis- grace the walls; 2013 Cultural
ease, he didn’t have to fix his nose and Exchange: Hardwood floors and brick
fry his hair to make it straight; 2005 interior create a warm resonate sound
Coach Carter, film: Your cousin gets and a funky atmosphere [2] (or funky
back from getting her hair fried and fresh) excellent or admirable, espe-
dyed; 2011 Topix: That woman knows cially if fashionable or popular (gs,
how to fry your hair jg, rk): 1984 Prince: Thank you for a
funds n. money (gs, jg): 1997 Jay-Z: The funky time, call me up whenever you
plan was to get funds; 2003 Macon want to grind; 2002 Missy Elliot: We
Telegraph: I don’t think they’ve got funky fresh dressed to impress, ready
any funds to give us; 2007 Wu-Tang to party!; 2008 Atlanta Journal-
Clan: My woman need funds, plus her Constitution: It was a really funky
hair and her toes done car, we took photos of it side by side
funk n. [1] the soulful or earthy quality with mine
in African American music (cm, gs): funky fresh see above
1998 Hartford Courant: Once the band
got in its groove, everyone could G
appreciate the funk of songs like
“Shake What You Got” and “Ele- G n. [1] a man (gs, rk): 1992 Dr. Dre:
phant’s Foot”; 2004 Jazz Times: You I’ma let ’em understand from a young
can feel the funk in their makeover of G’s perspective; 2006 Randy Kearse:
Burt Bacharach’s “The Look of Love”; What time you got, G?; 2009 Verne
2009 Examiner: I love the funk in his Harvey: I thought y’all was cool.
music. I love the sexuality, and the What’s up, G? [2] a close friend (jg,
great tempo changes [2] anything rk): 2002 8 Mile, film: Why you fuckin’
basic or elemental (gs, jg): 2013 with the gay guy, G?; 1993 Us3: Yo G,
Adventure Divas: She knows her funk I got it goin’ on!; 2002 Jay-Z: I leave
and she uses it; 2013 Twitter: Enjoy the off to the club, G’s in the back [3] a
funk and share the vibes!; 2013 Home member of a criminal gang (jg, rk):
Barista: I miss the earthy funk in my 1999 Dr. Dre: Real G’s don’t cry; 1999
espresso [3] body odor (cm, gs, jg): Goodie Mob: Hoe better know who the
2008 Blogspot: He tells me that the true G’s are!; 2005 Aaron Peckham:
chair umpire can smell her disgusting That’s a real G. Don’t piss him off
funk while she is sitting during change- gaffle v. [1] to rob or steal (gs, rk): 2005
overs; 2009 Baby Center: The last few Aaron Peckham: Uncle Sam gaffles me
days, no matter how much I wash, every time I have to pay my taxes; 2009
there’s this awful funk coming from Live Journal: The cunt came in and
his neck area; 2012 Twitter: Every time gaffled everything she could get her
he passes me, I smell his funk mitts on that was left; 2012 Facebook:
funky adj. [1] soulful or elemental (cm, I want to find out who gaffled my bike
gs, jg): 1993 Us3: Scribble drabble and beat some ass [2] to trick someone
scrabble on the microphone I babble out of something (gs, rk): 2006
as I fix the funky words into a puzzle; Colma: The Musical, film: He gaffled
2008 New York Times: The fancifully my money; 2009 Urban Dictionary:
funky voice of Stevie Wonder emanates Damn, dude, you got gaffled at the
from her computer’s sound system; club when you spent $50 to get in
evocative portraits by Hipolito Torres and I spent $20; 2013 University of
Glossary 187
California student: You paid $200 for right?; 2003 Tupac Shakur: Resurrec-
this shit? Man, you got gaffled tion, film: Some people say I was a
game1 n. [1] deception or manipulation thug and a gangsta; 2009 Chicago
(cm, gs, jg, rk): 1995 Clockers, film: Sun-Times: Once a gangsta always a
They ran a game on me, these two; gangsta [2] a rebellious and noncon-
2003 Nate Dogg: You’re sound your formist person, especially the one who
whole shit’s plain. It all sound the opposes the white establishment (gs,
same. Nigga, you need game; 2010 jg): 1999 Dr. Dre: I’m representin’
Real Talk NY: Fat Joe is playin’ his for all the gangstas all across the
game [2] criminal activity, especially world; 2005 State Property 2, film:
drug-dealing or prostitution (gs, jg): You don’t need my help ’cause you’re
1994 Master P: Motherfuckers in the a gangsta; 2011 Live Leak: These are
game straight clocking cheese; 2006 straight up Vancouver gangstas rebel-
Wire, HBO-TV series: They’re deep ling against the White Imperialist
in the game; 2008 Three 6 Mafia: They Powers! [3] a genre of rap music char-
say they shippin keys, a hundred per- acterized by rapacity, violence and
cent of that is cut. They say they in the mysogyny: 1993 San Diego Union
game, but niggas takin it up the ass Tribune: I have a responsibility to not
game2 v. to deceive or manipulate (cm, play gangsta. In my opinion, it doesn’t
gs, jg, rk): 2000 AZ: For all those belong on the radio; 1996 Chicago
days you tried to game me; 2010 Real Tribune: What will be the legacy of
Assanova: I never tried to game her, the young man who played gangsta?;
never made any sexual advances; 2011 2004 Los Angeles Times: Gangsta
Word Press: He was trying to game me lyrics aside, the rapper needs more
to get out of paying me back originality to rise above his 1990 hit
gangbang v. to be a member of a criminal gangstafy v. to make something or some-
gang and be engaged in its activities one look typical of the inner-city
(cm): 1992 Los Angeles Times: Gang ghetto gangsters: 2004 Shyne: This is
members go gangbanging to protect the gangsta lean and the gangsta vibe,
their surf; 2005 New York Daily News: keep it gangstafied, nigga, or die; 2006
We’ve been gangbanging for so long, Newgrounds: I hate how they try to
we know you fight your own battles; gangstafy everything; 2006 Z-Ro: I’m
2009 Topix: I’ve been gangbanging a gangstafied motherfucker
for over twenty years and I know for gangsta glide n. a male style of walking
a fact there is a fine line you just don’t or strutting with a slight dip in the
cross stride: 2009 Urban Dictionary: That
gangbanger n. a member of a criminal guy’s gangsta glide made him look
gang (cm, gs, jg): 1995 Heat, film: Do physically challenged; 2010 Columbia
they look like gangbangers working University student: Check out his gang-
the local 7–11 to you?; 2003 Bad Boys sta glide! The dude looks ridiculous;
II, film: They were the gangbangers 2010 Tha Dogg Pound: I’m a ride, I’m
that tried to hijack the boss; 2008 a slide, with that gangsta glide, I’m a
Ebony: His little sister was harassed gangsta nigga
by a gangbanger on a city bus gangsta grip n. holding an object, espe-
gangsta n. [1] a member of a criminal cially a gun, sideways: 1996 Patrick
gang (gs, jg): 1995 Clockers, film: Duncan: Monfriez took the pistol back
Everybody wants to be a gangsta, and demonstrated an exaggerated
188 Glossary
gangsta grip; 2005 Aaron Peckham: stride (gs): 1996 Daytona Beach
I got my cap to the back and my AH- News-Journal: 2Pac talked the gang-
47 in a gangsta grip; 2009 Packing 4 sta talk and now he’s walked the gang-
Life: His imaginary grip was definitely sta walk right to the graveyard; 2000
a gansta grip Snoop Dogg: I know you gettin yo
gangsta juice n. Olde English 800 malt gangsta walk on right now; 2009 Twit-
liquor (jg): 2002 King Tee: It’s many ter: He is perfecting his gangsta walk
niggas drinkin that gangsta juice; 2009 ganja n. marijuana (bk, gs): 2002 8 Mile,
My Space: I’m sippin on gangsta juice; film: You want to smoke some ganja?;
2013 Black Planet: Stop drinking that 2007 Two and a Half Men, CBS-TV
gangsta juice! series: Oh, it’s definitely ganja! We’re
gangsta lean n. a style of automobile gonna get busted!; 2009 Atlantic
driving in which the driver sits slung Monthly: I was invited to smoke ganja
low and tilted toward the passenger gank v. [1] to rob or steal (gs, rk): 1999
seat (jg): 2007 Savannah Morning Ice-T: You ganked a suitcase full of H;
News: Some are yakking on the phone, 2005 Aaron Peckham: People always
others are driving with the gangsta gank my damn lighters!; 2009 Bitch
lean; 2007 My Space: Its hard to see Slap, film: Let’s gank this fucker right
over the hood of my Explorer doing the now [2] to trick someone out of some-
gangsta lean; 2009 Corpus Christi thing (gs, rk): 1995 Bad Boys, film:
Caller-Times: Sun roof top, diamond Let’s gank these fools!; 2001 Snoop
in the back, digging the scene with Dogg: Baby you gank em and play
the gangsta lean em; 2003 Turk: You niggas thought it
gangsta limp n. a male style of walking was over, but it ain’t. You thought
or strutting with a slight dip in the I couldn’t bounce back, nigga you got
stride (gs, jg): 2004 Chicago Sun- ganked
Times: It was a gangsta limp. He gas (or gas up) v. to flatter insincerely
thought it was cool; 2005 Orlando Sen- (gs, rk): 1991 Barton Fink, film: “I
tinel: Affecting a gangsta limp, he think it’s the best.” “Don’t gas me,
claims to be from Roxbury, but his Fink”; 1998 Jay-Z: I gassed the bad-
downtrodden colleagues see right dest girl in the class to show me her
through him; 2009 Louisiana Weekly: knockers; 2006 Randy Kearse: Watch
I’m the brother that makes you cling how easily I can gas shortie up
more tightly to your purse when you gas up see above
see my silhouette coming down the gators (or ’gators) n. expensive shoes
street with a gangsta limp made from alligator skins (rk): 1996
gangsta roll n. a large wad of money (gs, Jay-Z: I still keep the illest gators,
jg): 2007 Edward Morris: He reached tailor made; 2005 News, MTV-TV pro-
in his hip pocket, removed a gangsta gram: Snoop entered with his expen-
roll and carefully peeled off a fifty; sive gators on; 2009 Ebony: Gators
2009 Wiki How: Be careful who sees and Borsalinos? Nah. Throwback
your gangsta roll. The last thing you jerseys? OK if you’re twenty and
need is to get mugged; 2012 Yelp: You younger
don’t need to bring a gangsta roll cuz gauge n. a shotgun (gs, jg, rk): 1993 Ice-
it’s super affordable T: I’m not to be fucked with, step in the
gangsta walk n. a male style of walking range of my gauge and get bucked
or strutting with a slight dip in the quick; 2005 Aaron Peckham: I blasted
Glossary 189
him with my gauge!; 2009 Game flowing, money flowing, yeah, that’s a
Battles: If you look closely you can tell super week; 2013 Cherokee Leader:
he bust a shot with a gauge and the I think we were a little too geeked up
next second he is chainsawing him in the beginning, and we had a hard
g’d up see below time settling down; 2013 News,
geared up (or g’d up) phr. elegant, styl- WIBW-TV program: There were guys
ish or well-dressed (gs, jg, rk): 2009 geeked up to play, so there was kind of
Futurama, Fox-TV series: He sure an adrenaline flow to that game
looked pretty geared up; 2009 Ebony: geeked up see above
Audience members were geared up in geographical adj. harboring prejudice
togas; 2009 Screen Weekly: I remember against someone because of their place
I was all geared up for the first shot of origin (rk): 2006 Randy Kearse:
Geechee (or Geechie) n. potentially Catz from Brooklyn are real geograph-
offensive [1] a southern seacoast ical; 2010 My Space: I’m kind of geo-
African American, known as Gullah graphical, so if its not east coast, I’m
(bk, cm): 2003 Charleston Post Cour- really not impressed; 2010 Realest Nig-
ier: Gullah people are known as Gee- gas: I don’t understand why dudes are
chee in Georgia and Florida; 2010 so geographical when it comes to
Connect Savannah: The Gullahs in music
South Carolina and the Geechees in get an attitude (or get a tude, get a
Georgia were left virtually alone; ’tude) phr. to have an arrogant, con-
2010 Black Voices: I was born in descending or confrontational attitude
Georgia and have Geechees in my (bk, jg): 1994 St. Petersburg Times:
family [2] the creole language used by Don’t get a ’tude, dude!; 2006 Wash-
southern seacoast African Americans, ington Post: The kid’s going to get an
known as Gullah (bk, cm): 2000 Palm attitude back, and the kid’s going to
Beach Post: He grew up speaking Gee- make the parent nervous; 2006 Provi-
chee (also called Gullah), the lan- dence Journal: Get an attitude. Be
guage of his home environment; 2005 rude. Show up late and don’t apologize
State: I knew about it but we didn’t call for it
it Gullah. We called it Geechee; 2008 get a nut phr. to have an orgasm (gs,
News, MSNBC-TV program: Thomas rk): 1996 Jay-Z: He got a nut; 2009
has chalked up his silence to his Slim Thug: When the bitch get a nut,
struggle as a teenager to master stand- her pussy squirt; 2010 Street Directory:
ard English after having grown up For twenty dollars he’s gonna get a
speaking Geechee nut, stay all night for another ten bucks
Geechie see above get a tude, get a ’tude see get an attitude
geeked (or geeked up) adj. [1] under the get busy phr. [1] to have sex (cm, rk):
influence of a drug (rk): 2005 George 1993 CB4, film: Enough with this fore-
Carlin: Life Is Worth Losing, HBO-TV play. I’m gonna get busy, baby!; 1995
program: They get completely geeked South Park, film: Let’s not talk, let’s
on speed; 2005 D4L: I’m geeked up get busy!; 1996 Ice-T: Are these girls
and I can’t see, and all the walls keep ready to get busy? [2] to start to do
lookin at me; 2008 Seattle Times: One something: 1993 Ice-T: Get on the mike
of my coaches told me last night not to and tryin to get busy; 2007 Stomp the
get all geeked up [2] excited (gs): 2011 Yard, film: Y’all heard the man. Get
Young Jeezy: I was super geeked, cash busy!; 2009 News, CNN-TV program:
190 Glossary
You roll your sleeves up and say, jiggy with him?; 2003 Haunted Man-
“Let’s get busy” sion, film: He wants to get jiggy with
get down phr. [1] to let oneself be natural my wife?; 2009 Spring Breakdown,
and unrestrained (bk, cm): 1995 Pulp film: “What are you doing here?”
Fiction, film: Get down, get down!; “Getting jiggy” [2] to dance or feel
1998 Belly, film: Can a nigga just get the urge to dance: 2000 Next Friday,
down? Get a drink? Get some ass?; film: I’m in the mood to get jiggy.
2005 Coach Carter, film: Big ups to I wanna party; 2001 Osmosis Jones,
everybody who came out to the Rich- film: You don’t dance? Don’t tell me
mond High winter dance, y’all! Get you ain’t never gotten jiggy with it;
down! [2] to make an effort (bk): 2013 Tumblr: Put on your dancin’
1991 Jungle Fever, film: Tell the dick boots and let’s get jiggy
to shut the fuck up and get down!; 2009 get mines phr. to get something that
Factoidz: This will force them to have belongs or is due to you (gs, rk):
to get down to do this; 2011 Globe and 2008 30 Rock, NBC-TV series: I’m
Mail: You have to be ready to get down getting mines!; 2008 Belleville News-
to it Democrat: We don’t have anybody
get in someone’s face phr. to act in a out there trying to get mines. That’s
confrontational way toward someone not something that we deal with; 2010
(gs, jg): 2000 Remember the Titans, Washington Post: C’mon, it’s DC,
film: “You blew your assignment!” I got to get mines
“Man, I’m covering for you. Don’t get missing (or get missin’) phr. to leave
get in my face”; 2012 New York Times: (rk): 2006 Jay-Z: You can get missing
He’s not the kind of guy who’s going to anywhere you like to; 2009 Bebo: Get
get in your face or yell at you; 2012 Los with us or get missin’!; 2010 Actionext:
Angeles Times: If you are not doing I had to get missin’, I’m tired of you
your job, someone should be allowed stressin’ me
to get in your face get off someone’s case phr. to leave
get it on phr. to start something, espe- someone alone (bk, jg): 2008 Big
cially with a positive mood (cm, gs, Bang Theory, CBS-TV series: Can
jg): 2003 Anger Management, film: you just get off my case?; 2009 Cape
Good evening. Ready to get it on?; Cod Times: If you’ll get off my case,
2008 You Don’t Mess with the Zohan, I’d like to get back to doing what I can
film: “Let’s go, let’s get it on!” “No, do better than all of you; 2010 New
let’s not go!”; 2010 University of Ala- York Daily News: I wish people would
bama student: Come on, get it on! It’s get off his case and see him as a human
gonna be fun! being
get it together phr. to focus or concen- get one’s act together phr. to focus or
trate (bk, gs): 1993 CB4, film: Look, concentrate (bk): 2008 Ebony: I trust
you guys can rap, but you got nothin’ that he will read this article and get
I can sell. If you get it together, give me his act together; 2010 News, ABC-TV
a call; 2006 Public Enemy: We got to program: It is ironic that this book
fuckin get it together; 2008 Ebony: I am tells the story of my own struggle
hoping she can get it together to get my act together; 2010 Denver
get jiggy phr. [1] to be sexually involved, Post: Frank got me to get my act
especially in an uninhibited way: 2000 together, he uplifted me in every
Bamboozled, film: Are you getting way, he saved me
Glossary 191
get one’s head together phr. to focus or on my case saying I was supposed to
concentrate (bk, jg): 2009 Seattle Post be playing a gay man
Intelligencer: I did a little praying and get on wax v. to record a music album
tried to get my head together and keep (gs): 1987 Philadelphia Daily News:
my nerves down; 2010 Calgary Sun: They said he’d never get on wax. Well,
Now, I’ve got to get my head together I watched him mature in the studio;
and play well; 2010 Kansas City Star: 1996 Milwaukee Sentinel: A local musi-
He said he just needs to get his head cian had mortgaged everything but the
together family cat to get on wax; 2010 Hip Hop
get one’s kicks phr. to have a good time DX: That’s the attitude you would get
(jg): 2010 News, Fox-TV program: I’m on wax!
not just some asshole who’s here to get get out of someone’s face phr. to leave
his kicks telling you what to do; 2010 someone alone (bk, jg): 2003 Bad
Long Beach Press Telegram: I get my Boys II, film: “We gonna talk about
kicks, my fun out of winning. I feel my this!” “No, get out of my face!”; 2005
best when I’m playing on the field, Boston Globe: I’d tell him to get out of
that’s when I’m my happiest; 2010 my face and go coach somebody else
New York Times: Sharon is a tease, for a change; 2010 USA Today: I told
and the only way she can get her kicks him he better get out of my face
is to play men like suckers get over on v. to take advantage of some-
get one’s shit together phr. poten- one or a situation, especially by decep-
tially offensive to focus or con- tion (gs, jg): 1999 Sopranos, HBO-TV
centrate (bk, jg): 1994 Above the Rim, series: Nobody’s gonna get over on
film: This boy ain’t got it. Get your shit me; 2002 Lisa Green: The students
together, man!; 1997 Wu-Tang Clan: tried to get over on the teacher; 2011
Get your shit together ’fore the fuck Black Voices: You can get over on
Illuminati hit; 2010 Us Magazine: If Uncle Sam
you want someone with a brain to help get some leg phr. to have sex with a
you get your shit together, hit me up woman (gs, jg): 2005 Urban Diction-
get one’s stuff together phr. to focus or ary: You are going to get laid, you are
concentrate (bk): 2009 Huffington going to get some leg; 2010 Detroit
Post: Either get your stuff together fast Free Press: You’ll get some leg tonight
and succeed on your own or you will for sure!; 2013 Twitter: I tip my hat to
face the consequences alone; 2009 San Tucker. Dude got some leg
Francisco Chronicle: He realizes he get someone’s nose open phr. to have
needs to get his stuff together; 2010 someone infatuated with oneself (gs,
USA Today: Hey, you’ve got to go get jg): 1993 Posse, film: Lana got your
your stuff together nose open, ain’t she?; 1993 What’s
get on someone’s case phr. to start Love Got to Do with It, film: He’s got
annoying or nagging someone (bk): my nose open and I’m gonna keep him
2007 Seattle Times: She forces you to satisfied; 2013 Waka Flocka Flame:
have to get on his case about certain Her body language so sexual. This
things; 2008 New York Times: You can kind of girl got my nose open
bet that organized labor will get on his get with it phr. to show interest, attention
case for proposing to reduce the state or enthusiasm (cm, gs, jg): 2010 Big
work force; 2010 Boston Globe: That K.R.I.T.: Get with it, bitch, I throw
was the only time that Ford had to get money like hot potatoes; 2012 Daily
192 Glossary
Ranger: They told me to get with it and ghetto box n. a large portable stereo
figure it out; 2013 Ruste Juxx: Brook- player (cm): 1992 Ricardo Cortez
lyn’s in the house, get with it, Cruz: Whenever we had to sit outside
motherfucker! we always took a ghetto box with us, so
get with the program phr. to follow the we cranked up a special twelve-inch
rules and do what is expected (cm, gs, version of Planet Rock by Afrika Bam-
jg): 1991 Boyz in the Hood, film: “See, baataa; 1996 Elmore Leonard: He went
you gotta get with the program.” “I’m to talk to a man who prepared cafe
Catholic, it goes against my morals”; Cubano and smoked Cohiba panatelas
2005 Beauty Shop, film: If you wish to to Radio Mambi on his ghetto box;
continue working here, I suggest that 2008 Terry Gavin: She finds time to
you get with the program and give me pack up her ghetto box
some proper respect; 2011 Los Angeles ghetto’d (or ghetto’d out) adj. typical of
Times: Harris has come under pres- the inner-city ghetto, especially if fla-
sure from the Obama administration shy or tasteless: 2002 Bimmer Forums:
to get with the program and agree to That car looks ghetto’d out. Not my
a settlement style at all; 2008 Chimp Out: It’s bad
ghetto v. to make something look to have to look at niggers in their
typical of the inner-city ghetto, espe- ghetto’d out saggy pants and baggy
cially by making it flashy or tasteless: T-shirts; 2011 When I Was 17, MTV-
2002 New Schoolers: It’s OK as long TV program: Selita got all ghetto’d out
as they don’t get to ghetto their style; for her prom
2007 Mazda World: I hate ghettoed ghetto’d out see above
cars; 2009 My Hattiesburg: Santa ghetto fabulous1 n. [1] someone who
ghettoed his sled out and went for a lives lavishly and whose life surpasses
test run the standard of living in an inner-city
ghetto bird n. a police helicopter, often ghetto (gs): 2003 Duke Chronicle:
used in inner-city ghetto cummunities Children growing up in this climate
(gs, jg, rk): 2006 Public Enemy: are constantly being bombarded by
I been around the world, seen a lot of the media with imagery of the rich
shit in my life, same sirens, same and famous or the ghetto-fabulous;
ghetto birds swirlin at night; 2007 2010 S2S Magazine: These friends
J. Cole: I look up the sky, see that quickly learn that living the lifestyle
ghetto bird circling; 2009 Whittier of the ghetto fabulous is not always
Daily News: I figured it was only a champagne wishes and caviar
matter of time until a ghetto bird dreams; 2012 Reddit: Nouveau riche
buzzed the neighborhood and the ghetto fabulous are the ones
ghetto blaster n. a large portable stereo who buy bling [2] lavish life surpass-
player (cm): 1983 Joseph Wambaugh: ing the standard of living in an inner-
That sucker is the fifth thief I seen this city ghetto (gs, rk): 1997 Money
morning with brand new ghetto Talks, film: I was just living ghetto
blasters; 1990 Graveyard Shift, film: fabulous; 2002 Baltimore News-
Leave the ghetto blaster back in the Tribune: Ghetto fabulous is part of
ghetto!; 1998 Glenn Harper: People in the same vibe, but it’s the new rich
Mexico, just like in the African- buying up; 2009 Love to Know:
American community, utilize the ghetto Ghetto fabulous is a slang term used
blaster in many ways to describe a lifestyle that includes
Glossary 193
the attendant for help and she gave me clever!; 2012 New York Times: He’s
an attitude; 2010 People Magazine: immensely talented and the secret to
When I would go into a store, the him is to give him some love and sup-
salesclerks would give me an attitude port, and then he flourishes
because I was asking for a size they give someone some skin phr. to shake
didn’t carry; 2013 Southland, TNT-TV hands with someone or slap someone’s
series: What was that? The rookie’s hand in greeting or congratulation (bk,
giving me an attitude? cm, gs, jg): 1988 Chicago Tribune:
give someone a play phr. to flirt or The man’s left hand was in the air,
express sexual interest in someone palm toward me. I was being invited
(jg, rk): 1993 Snoop Dogg: Why don’t to give him some skin; 2004 Ray, film:
you give me a play? I’ll give you all my There you go! Give me some skin!;
love today; 2008 Errol Shaw: Are you 2008 Belleville News-Democrat: Give
telling me that you just gave me a play, me some skin, bro!
and now you are telling me about your give someone some slack phr. to allow
husband?; 2011 Democratic Under- someone some leeway (cm, gs, jg):
ground: Perhaps the man stunk and 1993 What’s Love Got to Do with It,
that is why she didn’t give him any film: They’d get off my back, give me
play! some slack; 2010 Los Angeles
give someone a tude, give someone a Times: Kristen is only nineteen. Give
’tude see give someone an attitude her some slack; 2011 New York Times:
give someone five phr. to shake hands They’ve got to give him some slack. He
with someone or slap someone’s hand hasn’t thrown a ball in a game in
in greeting or congratulation (bk, cm, months
gs): 2005 Coach Carter, film: Give me give someone some sugar phr. to kiss
five! Just give me five!; 2009 Columbus someone (cm, gs): 2006 Chicago Sun-
Dispatch: I want to give him five and Times: She gave me some sugar; 2007
wish him well; 2010 City Pulse: “Give Two and a Half Men, CBS-TV series:
me five,” he shouts, left arm straight Come on, give me some sugar!; 2011
up with five fingers extended Big Bang Theory, CBS-TV series:
give someone some dap phr. to touch Give me some sugar, Betsy!
someone’s clenched fist with one’s glass dick n. potentially offensive
own, in greeting or agreement: 2004 a glass pipe used to smoke crack
Celebrity Cafe: When I finally got cocaine (gs, rk): 1991 New Jack City,
there, he said “what’s up” and gave film: People sit down and light that
me some dap (shook my hand); 2005 glass dick and take a hit; 2008 Insider:
ESPN: Everybody saw me putting on All you want to do is suck the glass
my uniform, they all came up and gave dick, right?; 2011 Cedar Rapids, film:
me some dap; 2005 St. Louis Post- It’ll make you feel better. Suck the
Dispatch: Give me some of that, give glass dick, dude
me some dap! God don’t like ugly phr. any negative
give someone some love n. to show behavior or feeling, especially envy,
someone one’s respect or appreciation is displeasing to God (gs): 2002 All
(gs, jg): 1994 U.N.L.V.: I’m givin’ a About the Benjamins, film: God don’t
lot of love to my niggas that are dead; like ugly, and you is an ugly mother-
2005 Madagascar, film: Give me some fucker; 2006 Big Momma’s House 2,
love! The plan worked! I’m very film: Girl, you got a mean streak in
196 Glossary
you, and God don’t like ugly; 2010 on! Wildcats in the house, everybody
Yahoo Answers: “God don’t like sing out!
ugly” is not referring to physical go upside one’s head phr. [1] to beat,
attractiveness. It means that God especially around the head (bk, cm,
doesn’t like ugly behavior gs, jg): 2008 Kansas City Star: He
go down v. to happen or be about to helped the big guy fall over and pro-
happen (bk, cm, gs, jg): 1995 Heat, ceeded to go upside his head; 2009
film: I know that something is going Black Voices: Tiger Woods’ wife can
down, Vincent; 2005 Honeymooners, go upside his head and he still treats
film: This is the place where it’s gonna her right; 2011 Chicago Tribune: And
go down; 2010 Examiner: You don’t just when you’re ready to go upside his
have to be a guru to think something’s head with a leg from the table that he
going down; all you have to do is read broke he hands you a check for
the Internet reports $100,000 [2] to defeat utterly: 1998
go for bad phr. to act tough, especially in Penny Mickelburry: Eldon went upside
order to scare or intimidate others (gs, his head once; 2007 South Florida Sun:
rk): 2009 Lottery Post: I feel all the The Oklahoma Sooners used it to go
prisoners who like to go for bad and upside their heads; 2009 Lipstick
shoot people ought to be sent over to Alley: She told me how she was gonna
Iraq; 2010 T.I.: I ain’t gonna go for go upside his head
bad, I ain’t looking for no trouble; gray1 n. very offensive a white
2010 Hip Hop Wired: A lot of them go person (bk, cm, gs, jg): 1996 Gerald-
for bad because they are not being ine Coleman: They were white and
disciplined at home I was black. We’d call them “ofays”
go through changes phr. to pass through or “grays”; 2010 Nah Right: They just
various emotional difficulties (bk, gs): can’t wait to beat the grays; 2011 OC
2006 Kansas City Star: She seemed to Connect: Guys in the AF I worked with
understand what I was going through called them “grays” or “pinks,” “red-
when I went through changes; 2009 necks,” lots of colorful labels, so to
Beaumont Enterprise: I know women speak
go through changes; 2010 Us Maga- gray2 adj. very offensive (of a
zine: Real women go through changes person) white (jg): 2000 Bamboozled,
in pregnancy film: You know how them gray people
got it going on (or got it goin’ on) phr. been tryin’ to trick us with their slick-
[1] to be successful or live well (jg, ery?; 2005 African America: It reminds
rk): 1993 Us3: Yo G, I got it goin’ on!; me of the “ofay” or “gray” mentality
2005 Be Cool, film: She sings, she of my youth. Those used to be code
writes her own stuff, she got it going words for white Europeans; 2008 Aver-
on; 2005 Hustle and Flow, film: You age Bro: That’s what most gray folks
the man. You got it going on [2] to do, test you to see how you react
perform in an excellent or admirable gray boy n. very offensive a white
way (cm, gs, rk): 1993 CB4, film: man, especially young (cm, jg): 1990
Dawn got it goin’ on; 1999 Sopranos, George Carlin: Doin’ It Again, film:
HBO-TV series: Some good guitar. I’m whitey, the blue-eyed devil, gray
Listen to that. They got it going on; boy, honkie, motherfucker myself.
2006 High School Musical, film: Wild- Don’t bother my ass!; 1992 Trespass,
cats sing along, they really got it going film: What you gray boys cookin’ up?;
Glossary 197
2008 Average Bro: I am certainly not I was growing up, we always referred
goint to let some gray boy do it to a “grit” as sort of between po’ white
G-ride (or G ride) n. a stolen automobile trash and redneck; 2013 Bubble News:
(gs, jg): 1990 Rookie, film: I love Avoid words like redneck, hillbilly,
chasing G-rides; 1997 Salt Lake Trib- cracker and white trash
une: They may not have known that a grits n. food (bk, cm, gs, jg): 1996 Get
“G-ride” is a stolen car; 2000 Rocky on the Bus, film: We’d be talking about
Mountain News: He planned to go see grits; 2009 Zazzle: Will you stay for
his girlfriend and get a G-ride, street some grits?; 2009 Modern Belle: I’ve
slang for a stolen car had really bad grits, and I’ve had
grill n. [1] the face (gs, jg, rk): 2006 absolutely yummy grits
Remy Ma: Bitch, don’t ask me why grown folk n. adults (gs): 1996 Tupac
I gotta a nice grill. This is just how Shakur: Next time grown folk talkin’,
my face is; 2010 University of Missis- nigga, close your mouth!; 2007 Ebony:
sippi student: Yo, check out his grill!; Grown folk should know better; 2010
2012 Facebook: I’m tired of looking SOHH: It’s the best song I’ve heard.
at her ugly grill every time she talks It’s for grown folks
[2] the mouth (gs, jg, rk): 1999 grub1 n. food (cm, rk): 1999 New York
Mr. Shadow: Face the motherfuckin’ Times: While the Army has never been
wall and shut your grill, I’m a paralyze known for tasty grub, there is no better
your heart and shove your ass under source for innovations in packaging
the hill; 2006 Randy Kearse: The ball and preservatives; 2009 Myrtle Beach
smashed ’em right in the grill; 2009 Sun News: Adults and kids will have a
Burbler: She opened her grill to give chance to eat some grub; 2011 News,
me a reply [3] a set of decorative CBS-TV program: A crowded college
veneers put over one’s teeth: 2013 cafeteria is a place to grab some grub
Atlanta Black Star: Jill Scott, known and also, potentially spread some
for her bombastic voice surprised her germs
fans when she posted a photo of her grub2 v. to eat (bk, cm, gs, rk): 2005
grill on Twitter; 2013 Rumor Fix: The West Seattle Herald: I know you like
rapper is known for his eccentric style to grub and I know you’re not a health
and sporting a flashy gold grill; 2013 nut; 2007 Hartford Courant: My food
People: Miley Cyrus found a way to was ready before the line went down
one-up herself with a special acces- and I wanted to grub; 2011 Los
sory: a gold diamond grill Angeles Times: If your dad loves to
grip n. money (gs, jg, rk): 1994 Above grub, he’s sure to have fun at this cool
the Rim, film: Grip, it’s all about grip; foodie festival
2009 Jam Personals: Some of you losers
are stuck with baby mamas who don’t H
have no grip, that’s why u feel
offended; 2009 Motorcycle: He has the hacked (or hacked off) adj. irritated (bk,
grip to pay for it all cm): 1999 Topeka Capital Journal:
grit n. potentially offensive a The farmer didn’t want to create undue
white person, especially from the hard feelings, but he was pretty hacked
southern USA (bk, jg): 2005 Urban off by the whole episode; 2007 Beacon
Dictionary: That’s where the grits Journal: He was hacked off that every-
hang out; 2006 Bluffton Today: When one in the country didn’t believe he
198 Glossary
could play at this level; 2008 Ebony: mean attitude. Remember, looks can be
A foul means someone actually got deceiving
hacked handkerchief head n. potentially
hacked off see above offensive an African American
half-ass1 adj. potentially offensive man who is subservient to whites or
done or made without enough effort, adopts their values and attitudes (cm,
care or enthusiasm (cm, gs): 2010 gs, jg): 2008 Bob Zellner: The kids are
Word Press: How does one respond going to walk out on that handkerchief
to such a half-ass apology?; 2010 You- head; 2008 Miracle at St. Anna, film:
Tube: It’s a half-ass effort so don’t “He calls me a handkerchief head!”
expect a masterpiece; 2010 Greater “What?” “An Uncle Tom”; 2013 Black
Long Beach: I wouldn’t say Jerry Planet: The handkerchief heads have
Brown has run a half-ass campaign lost their minds on this one
half-ass2 v. potentially offensive handle your business phr. to start taking
to do or make something without care of business (gs, rk): 1994 Above
enough effort, care or enthusiasm the Rim, film: Go, boy, go! Straighten
(cm): 2008 30 Rock, NBC-TV series: these motherfuckers out. Handle your
I feel we’re half-assing this!; 2011 business!; 2008 Ebony: Handle your
Stanford Daily: The players want to business, lovey, and stop acting like
be there just about as much I want to your mind is bad!; 2009 My Latino
watch them half-ass their way through Voice: I just told you who I was, go
the games; 2011 News, MTV-TV pro- handle your business
gram: Still, just like in his movies, hard rock n. a physically and mentally
Franco doesn’t half-ass anything tough person (gs, jg, rk): 1988 Sir
half-step v. to do or make something Mix-a-Lot: Death to competitors! You
without enough effort, care or enthusi- understand, motherfucker, I’m a hard
asm (gs, jg): 2001 Two Can Play That rock!; 2000 DMX: Most of these hard
Game, film: Tell her you wanna go to rocks turn out to be soft; 2004 Jim
that party. Because Shanté, she half- Jones: My nigga Zekey surely a hard
steppin’. And you got other options. rock, he survived them forty-some-odd
Stop pining over this woman; 2006 shots
Concord Monitor: For so long our hate (or hate on) v. to be envious and try
justice system has been half-stepping to prevent someone from doing some-
on the ways it deals with sexual devi- thing successful or funny (gs, rk):
ates; 2008 Mets Geek: He’s been half- 2005 Honeymooners, film: Ralph, stop
stepping since last year and I don’t hating!; 2009 Ebony: Don’t hate on the
think Amaro is going to be any aspiring actress. That’s just wrong;
different 2010 Saturday Night Live, NBC-TV
hammer n. a sexually attractive woman program: “It was bad, it sucked bad!”
(bk, cm, gs, jg): 2008 Media Takeout: “Y’all just hatin’”
I love Serena. Serena’s body is sick. As hate on see above
my brother says, “She’s a hammer”; hata see below
2010 Momentum Fathering: You still hater (or hata) n. an envious person who
work a day job and aren’t totally busting is trying to prevent someone from
up your cubicle with a sexy hammer doing something successful or funny
dressed in a superhero costume; 2010 (gs, jg, rk): 2000 Afroman: I’m the
My Space: I am a sexy hammer with a greatest, and all you haters, I’ll mash
Glossary 199
you like potatoes 2010 T-Mac: Man have papers see below
dem haters can’t stand to see a nigga have papers on (or have papers) phr. to
like me, they see dem gator boots and be legally married (bk, jg): 1986
Versace suits; 2010 New York Times: I Washington Post: I will not be number
couldn't care what these haters say two, I got papers on you; 2009 Baby
hat up v. to leave (cm, gs, jg): 2005 Names World: She said she had papers
Beauty Shop, film: Let’s hat up, y’all!; on him; 2010 LaDonna Smith: “His
2009 Speed Talk: I’m hatting up wife? You are not married anymore!”
and heading out for the Hot Rod “I am married to him and I have
Reunion; 2011 Facebook: Let’s hat up papers on him”
for the USA hawk1 (or Hawk) n. the cold winter wind
have a ball phr. to have a good time (bk, cm, gs, jg): 1995 Red Jordan
(cm): 1986 Tina Turner and Kurt Arobateau: Mickey waits outside on
Loder: Me and my friends were havin’ the steps, shielded from the cold hawk,
a ball: sneakin’ and smokin’ and drin- Chicago’s icy wind from over the lake;
kin’ and doin’ darn near everything; 1997 New York Times: Not even the
1998 He Got Game, film: We had a ball infamous winter wind, known here as
already; 2009 Ebony: They had a ball, The Hawk, appears likely to chill the
recalled Manning, who arranged the property market here; 2003 Democratic
meeting Underground: It’s way too early for the
have an attitude (or have a tude, have a hawk in Chicago
’tude) phr. to have an arrogant, con- hawk2 v. to stare at or observe closely
descending or confrontational attitude (cm, gs, jg, rk): 1992 Juice, film:
(bk): 2004 Chicago Tribune: Everyone I grew up on a sidewalk where
in the family has a tude; 2009 Birming- I learned street talk and then taught
ham News: He told me that if you had to hawk New York; 2006 Randy
an attitude, you wouldn’t get any- Kearse: I can’t go anywhere without
where; 2010 Buffalo News: This is him hawkin’ me; 2009 Anchorage
where our delegation needs to have Daily News: There were no ladies
an attitude and be prepared to do hawking me
battle hawkins (or Hawkins) n. the cold winter
have a tude, have a ’tude see above wind (bk, cm, jg): 2009 Barry Popik:
have game phr. to have the ability to Chicago’s wind is called “hawkins” or
deceive or manipulate (cm, gs): 2006 “the hawk”; 2010 Sewanee: Hawkins
Bring It On: All or Nothing, film: Jesse was the essence of cold, of terminal,
don’t have game like I do; 2010 Top destructive cold; 2011 Examiner:
Mac Nigga: It shows how important it A “Chicago Defender” article calls
is to have game; 2011 Wonkette: Who the Chicago winds “The Hawk or
would have thought that doughy, pasty Hawkins”
motherfucker had game? headlight n. potentially offensive a
have one’s nose open phr. to be infatu- light-skinned African American (bk,
ated with someone (cm, gs, jg): 2013 cm, jg): 1994 Clarence Major: Head-
Tumblr: Danny has had his nose open light [is] a light-complexioned Afro-
for her for a while; 2013 University of American girl — because she tended
California student: She had her nose to stand out in a crowd of darker
opened for him; 2013 Wattpad: She people; 1996 Connie Eble: A headlight
knew she had her nose open for Raven is a light-skinned black person; 2010
200 Glossary
Shout Out Clothing: She was a dis- drink the Henny straight; 2004 Method
tressed sexy headlight Man: We drinkin’ Henny ’til we flip,
Head Nigger In Charge (or Head Nigga poppin’ bottles ’til we sick. All y’all
in Charge, H.N.I.C.) n. very haters eat a dick!; 2009 Twitter: Who’s
offensive unless used by afri- gonna drink Henny with me?
can americans (often sarcastic) an hep see hip
African American person in charge hepcat see hipcat
(cm, gs, jg): 1992 Malcolm X, film: hepster see hipster
I’m the Head Nigger in Charge; 2001 herb n. marijuana (cm, gs, rk): 2003
Snoop Dogg and Tha Eastsidaz: Let my Gang Starr: I’m drivin home tipsy from
homies off the yard, I shall see the the club, puffin herb, vision blurred;
Head Nigga in Charge; 2003 How to 2006 Daytona Beach News-Journal:
Get the Man’s Foot Outta Your Ass, He doesn’t actually smoke herb up
film: “How do I look?” “H.N.I.C.” there; 2008 Orlando Sentinel: Never
“Head Nigga In Charge?” ‘Huh!” thought I’d see a knight, Sir Ben
head up v. to confront or attack (bk, gs, Kingsley, smoking herb with a member
jg, rk): 2000 Snoop Dogg: We could of the Wu-Tang Clan
go head up; 2010 All Hip Hop: You he-say she-say n. gossip or rumor (gs,
wanna head him up in a debate?; jg, rk): 2008 Hip Hop DX: Ignorant
2013 Twitter: If you don’t like me, head fools wanna bash another man
me up because of some he-say she-say; 2010
healthy adj. potentially offensive Trip Lee: Now I’d heard a lot of he-say
(of a woman) curvaceous (rk): 2009 she-say in my life; 2010 Black Hair
X Peeps: You don’t have to be fat, but Media: He is suing her for some
it is preferred that you are a healthy he-say she-say
bitch; 2010 Form Spring: They want a high five n. shaking hands with someone
real man, and that is why you will or slapping someone’s hand held high,
never get a nice, healthy bitch; 2010 in greeting or congratulation (cm, gs):
MizFit Online: I’d rather be a healthy 1991 Jungle Fever, film: see you later!
bitch than a skinny bitch High five!; 2007 Ebony: I saw two
hellified adj. extreme or total (gs, jg): matrons giving each other high five at
2008 New York Times: We’re getting the Olive Garden yesterday; 2008 A
a feel for how Matt’s playing. He’s Good Day to Be Black and Sexy, film:
playing some hellified ball; 2008 Los You used to give high fives to them
Angeles Times: We’ve got a hellified high-five v. to shake hands with someone
offense here; 2010 R.O.W.D.Y.: I’m a or slap someone’s hand held high, in
hellified nigga greeting or congratulation (gs): 2008
Hen Dog n. Hennessy V.S. cognac (gs): 30 Rock, NBC-TV series: “Right, Mr.
2001 D12: Forget the Moet, we’re drin- D?” “High-five!”; 2010 Evansville
kin’ Hen Dog all night; 2009 Black Courier Press: Everybody high-fived
Planet: Every weekend I drink Hen Zach and called him “Z-Man”; 2011
Dog with my dogs; 2010 Dime Wars: San Francisco Weekly: If we were in
No one forced him to show acts of drink- the room, we’d run onstage, Kanye-
ing Hen Dog straight from the bottle style, to high-five her
Hennie see below high yella, high yeller see below
Henny (or Hennie) n. Hennessy V.S. high yellow (or high yella, high yeller)
cognac (jg, rk): 1998 Jay-Z: I couldn’t n. potentially offensive a
Glossary 201
light-skinned African American, espe- series: You were a hipcat, you were
cially a sexually attractive young great; 2002 Max Decharne: He’s cool,
woman (bk, cm, gs): 1991 Jungle he’s a hepcat. That is one well-dressed
Fever, film: They called me a high dude [2] a devotee jazz or swing
yellow; 1993 St. Petersburg Times: She music: 1993 Swing Kids, film: Let’s
was called “a high yella”: too white to go, hepcats! Come on, that’s the way
be black, too black to be white; 2004 to swing!; 2010 Chubs: There’s a place
Washington Post: You think I’d be more where all the hipcats go, they dance
handsome if I were high yellow, like you? and frolic to and fro; 2010 Firehouse
hincty (or hinkty) adj. self-important or Swing: For over ten years, the Fire-
arrogant (bk, cm, jg): 1992 Washing- house Swing Dance has been the place
ton Post: You’ve got to understand in San Diego where all the hepcats
something here, something that all congregate
those hinkty liberals, pinhead academ- hip-hop1 n. [1] African American urban
ics and whiny feminists never get right; youth culture associated with rap
1994 Washington Times: These hincty music, breakdancing and graffiti (bk,
ladies were known for their marital cm, gs, rk): 2002 8 Mile, film: This is
linkages to prominent black men; hip-hop, you don’t belong here; 2003
1998 Michigan Citizen: They got us Bad Boys II, film: You like hip-hop?
into university and then we got hinkty I love it; 2011 San Francisco Weekly:
and didn’t want to talk about that They’re just dudes who have some
anymore thoughts on race, love hip-hop, and
hip (or hep) adj. [1] fashionable or popu- love getting drunk [2] rap music (bk):
lar (bk, cm, gs): 1986 Tina Turner and 1993 Us3: Feel the beat drop, jazz and
Kurt Loder: The people went some- hip-hop, drippin’ in your dome; 1999
where on the weekends, either to Ice-T: Then a music called hip-hop
Brownsville or to Ripley; Ripley was came along and saved my life; 2009
hipper; 2009 Attleboro Sun Chronicle: Statesman Journal: He’s a very big
Those green glasses were pretty hip; name in hip-hop, not just in the
2009 Ebony: The best Chinese restaur- Northwest
ants were not in fact in Chinatown but hip-hop2 adj. [1] characteristic of African
in Gastown, a hip emerging district American urban youth culture associ-
that borders Chinatown [2] aware, ated with rap music, breakdancing and
knowing or understanding (bk, cm, graffiti: 1993 Us3: A hip-hop junkie is
gs): 1995 Bad Boys, film: What hip what I am; 2009 Charlotte Observer:
individual inspired this visit to the Bitt- Merritt understood his students’
more?; 1998 Fear and Loathing in Las hiphop slang and knew their music;
Vegas, film: In my line of business it’s 2013 New York Times: They are deeply
important to be hep; 2002 Civil Brand, engaged in hip-hop culture [2] charac-
film: Guess what? I’m hip to that scam teristic of rap music: 2000 Tonight
about your boys Show with David Letterman, CBS-TV
hipcat (or hepcat) n. [1] a fashionable or program: It’s a hip-hop album; 2001
popular person (bk, cm): 1999 Wash- Snoop Dogg: This is one of the
ington Post: He’s a hepcat. At least he greatest hip-hop records of all time;
thinks he is, though he’s really a lonely 2009 Detroit Free Press: A hip-hop
guy beneath all that booze and bra- concert featuring rappers from across
vura; 2002 American Idol, Fox-TV the United States is set for tonight to
202 Glossary
benefit the son of a Muslim leader white girl; 1999 Ice-T: We hit skins all
killed in a shootout in Dearborn weekend. We didn’t even eat, we just
hip-hop hug n. a combined handshake hit em again; 2004 My Baby’s Daddy,
and one-armed hug between two film: Is it cool to still hit the skins
males, popular among African Ameri- during pregnancy?
cans: 2009 People Magazine: He also hit up phr. [1] to contact (gs, rk): 2006
told me how to give a proper hip-hop Randy Kearse: I was just about to hit
hug; 2011 Gawker: Joe did the hip-hop you up about that thing we talked
hug with them, because they’re black; about earlier; 2007 Weapons, film:
2013 Wiki How: Professor Neal Hey, when you need something, hit
describes the “hip-hop hug” he gives me up; 2010 Beatdown, film: Dude, he
to other African Americans: “a hand- hit me up like three times today [2] to
shake, you pull yourselves together, graffiti: 2005 Aaron Peckham: You, we
and you bump” headin’ out tonight to hit up the hood;
hipster (or hepster) n. [1] a fashionable 2007 Washington City Paper: One day,
or popular person (cm, jg): 1992 Los my friend and I were talking, saying
Angeles Times: Its biggest draw seems we’re going to hit up the White House.
to be Latino families, the local gay When I see my name, I’ll be so proud;
community and black-clad Hollywood 2013 New York Observer: Banksy
hepsters; 1997 New York Times: Ditches Retirement to Hit Up the Hell’s
Today’s hepsters share a shoulder- Kitchen Hustler Club
shrug at just about everything, a fash- hit upside one’s head phr. [1] to beat,
ionable ennui; 2010 New York Maga- especially around the head (bk, gs,
zine: The stereotype of a hipster is not jg): 2009 Global Grind: Pitbull was
something people aspire to anymore hit upside his head with a beer bottle
[2] a devotee of jazz or swing music: while performing at Planeta Mexico in
2002 Confessions of a Dangerous San Antonio; 2009 Storm Front: The
Mind, film: I just got fucked by this reporter declares that a student was
drummer cat. A real righteous Negro hit upside his head with a gym bag;
hipster; 2004 Ray, film: You’ve come to 2000 Chris Rock Show, HBO-TV pro-
the place where the hipsters hang their gram: “He’s hitting everybody upside
bebop hats; 2010 Michael Fitzwilliams: the head!” “Stay on the line, we’re
The patrons of the jazz scene were sending help!” [2] to defeat utterly:
called “hepsters” and heroin was 2006 Word Press: How hard do the
mostly acceptable in this venue American people need to be hit upside
hit it phr. to have sex (cm, gs, jg): 1994 their heads?; 2009 Emerging Minds:
Clarence Major: What’s happening Those people had been hit upside their
with us, baby, it’s been a while since heads for years, just as we have been,
we hit it; 1999 Nas: Don’t get with no until they adopted a different strategy;
young bitch and hit it. She PG-13, you 2013 Tampa Bay Newspaper: Everyone
rated R, she not permitted; 2009 can hit up upside our heads
R. Kelly: We hit it in the kitchen, that H.N.I.C. see Head Nigger In Charge
night, at my home ho’ (or ho, hoe) n. potentially
hit skins (or hit the skins) phr. to have offensive [1] a prostitute (bk, cm,
sex (bk, gs, jg): 1996 Get on the Bus, jg): 1998 Saturday Night Live: The
film: And nine times out of ten, the Best of Eddie Murphy, film: You can
honey he’d hit skins with, she’d be a make big money as a ho working for
Glossary 203
me; 2006 Waist Deep, film: I will slap a at these hos; 2007 David Austin: I’ll
ho in here; 2010 Vanessa Place: A pimp just holla at you tomorrow, and let
and his ho’s are referred to as a you know
family, with the attendant dysfunction homeboy n. [1] a close male friend (bk,
[2] a sexually promiscuous woman rk): 1994 Above the Rim, film: Come
(cm, gs, jg): 2002 Red and Black: If on, homeboy, let’s go!; 1999 Ice-T: I’d
a woman puts out, she’s a ho. If she like to send peace out to all my home-
doesn’t, she’s a prude; 2002 Yale boys; 2011 Washington Post: My home-
Herald: Well, let me set the record boy texted me [2] a fellow African
straight: she’s a hoe. Most of her time American man (bk, cm, gs, jg): 1997
spent in the office is on her knees, and Tupac Shakur: All my homeboys and
the rest? On her back; 2009 Mary Mor- my homegirls, stay strong; 1997 Toni
rison: Yet if a woman, irrespective of Morrison: It was not hard to persuade
her sexual orientation, was promiscu- other homeboys to repeat it; 2007 30
ous, she was a ho’, no explanation Rock, NBC-TV series: You’re my
needed [3] a contemptible or despic- homeboy! [3] a male member of a
able woman (bk, gs): 2002 Shield, criminal gang (gs, jg): 1990 Seattle
film: What you do is not hand it over, Times: Rival gang members had killed
you stupid ho’; 2004 Salon: Why do a homeboy, a fellow gang member
you say she’s a ho? To me, she seems from his neighborhood; 1992 Public
like a nice woman!; 2011 Us Magazine: Enemy: I got a homeboy who is out
No one cares what this stupid ho is on the block, he sells mo’ crack than
doing anymore! [4] a woman (gs, they sell fish at the dock; 1994 Pulp
jg): 2000 E-40: I bet you want that Fiction, film: Me and my homeboys
hoe to have your child; 2007 Debra are in the same serious fucking shit
Clayton: He constantly paraded his now
ho around town for everyone to see; homegirl n. [1] a good female friend (jg):
he didn’t even have the decency to hide 1998 New York Daily News: We didn’t
his affairs; 2009 My Yearbook: I love have to hire any actresses, those were
hanging out with my ho’s and I love our homegirls; 2008 Snoop Dogg:
meeting new people I know you remember me and my
hoe see above homegirl Tanya; 2009 Big Bang
Hog (or hog) n. a Cadillac automobile Theory, CBS-TV series: Another
(bk, cm, gs, jg): 1997 Jonathan round for me and my homegirl! [2] a
E. Lighter: The hustlers call them fellow African American woman (cm,
Hogs, Cadillacs; 2009 Newsweek: It’s gs): 1991 Boyz in the Hood, film:
Cadillac Escalade. 98% of the SUV Homeboys, homegirls, ain’t no need
drivers don’t need such a big hog; to be lax!; 1995 Coolio: The homegirl
2010 Sports Illustrated: I’ve got two down the street with the green eyes and
Cadillacs to drive. A lot of guys work big titties is getting thicker; 2009 Mal-
all their lives and never get to drive a colm X Park: They don’t seem to be
Hog involved with homegirls [3] a female
holla at see below member of a criminal gang (gs, jg):
holler at (or holla at) v. to contact (gs, 1988 Colors, film: “Danny, I’m a
rk): 1998 Snoop Dogg: I mean when homegirl!” “This is my barrio, remem-
I get lonely I’m a holler at you; ber?”; 2002 8 Mile, film: I’ll let a
2001 Baby Boy, film: Let’s go holler homegirl finish you off; 2009 News,
204 Glossary
Philadelphia Inquirer: They think I’m hoopty and be happy than a Lambor-
just a drug dealer from the hood ghini and get no sleep, work like crazy
hoodie see hoody trying to capture the American Dream;
hoodoo n. bad luck or a person or thing 2008 Chicago Tribune: She can’t pos-
that brings bad luck (cm, gs): 2002 sibly date a man who drives a rusted-
Below, film: I’m telling you, there’s out hoopty!; 2008 Virginian Pilot: If
some bad hoodoo on this boat; 2010 you are driving a hooptie passing
Craw Daddy: The blueswoman learns people on the road in newer models,
that someone’s put a hoodoo (or a don’t be jealous
curse) on her; 2013 New York Times: hot adj. sexually attractive and desirable
An old black maidservant tells Ann (cm, rk): 2000 Cosmopolitan: As
that she will continue to be a I waited for the train, I noticed an
“hoodoo” until the girl finds herself a extremely hot guy checking me out;
husband 2000 Hustler: I recently started dating
hood rat n. potentially offensive a this girl who is really hot; 2006 Two
sexually promiscuous woman from the and a Half Men, CBS-TV series:
neighborhood (jg, rk): 1999 Ice-T: You’re doing a hot twenty-two and
I still sell around the club, grips and you’re cheating on her?
bloods and hoodrats, all around me; Hotlanta n. Atlanta, Georgia (rk): 1996
2004 Hair Show, film: You have to Los Angeles Times: The city might be
handle these little hood rats yourself; called Hotlanta because that is where
2009 Press of Atlantic City: A hood rat the action is in the Deep South, but
is a woman known for sleeping around that nickname also could apply to the
with various men in a neighborhood summer climate; 1999 Englewood
hoody (or hoodie) n. a hooded sweatshirt Herald-Tribune: Michael has lived in
or top (rk): 2006 Jay-Z: I used to wear Hotlanta since graduating from Geor-
my hoody like dat; 2009 Washington gia Tech; 2011 AVN Magazine: Fans
Post: The man was often masked or who can’t make it to Hotlanta this
wore a hoodie, and many of the week can still experience Ms. Blue at
assaults occurred in the dark; 2010 her finest by viewing her sexy music
Brownsville Herald: A man in a hoodie video
and a UT Longhorn cap is wanted for Hound (or ’Hound) n. a bus of the Grey-
holding up a bank at a Brownsville hound Corporation (cm, jg): 1987
Walmart Stephen King: He would get on a
hoops n. the game of basketball (gs): Hound and see how things looked
2004 Two and a Half Men, CBS-TV down in Florida; 2011 Backpacker:
series: Hey, Jake, wanna go shoot Here in the Northwest, we’ve lost our
some hoops?; 2007 Are We Done bus services. I used to be able to hop
Yet?, film: Man, you know this boy on a hound at Stevens Pass or Sky-
got asthma. He can’t shoot no hoops; komish, but they don’t stop there any
2009 Ebony: College hoops, particu- more; 2010 Rail Forum: I took a Hound
larly the tournament, provide athletic to Vegas, the driver was cool but the
departments big bucks bus was creepy
hooptie see below house v. to take something from some-
hoopty (or hooptie) n. an old and battered one, especially by force or manipula-
automobile (cm, gs, jg, rk): 2008 tion (cm, jg, rk): 2006 Randy Kearse:
Marvin Lewis: I’d rather have a I can’t believe you let ‘em house you;
206 Glossary
2006 American Hardcore, film: Third lots of heroin and cash involved; 2011
time they came down, they got housed. Jay-Z and Kanye West: Whole world
And we sent them back to the suburbs; aiming at a nigga head, because I’m
2009 Urban Dictionary: Dude, Jared the illest motherfucker alive; 2011
got housed last night by those thugs Black Voices: They get on these
house nigga see below boards and say some of the illest crap
house nigger (or house nigga) n. very I ever heard [2] excellent or admirable
offensive unless used by afri- (bk, jg, rk): 1998 Gang Starr: You
can americans an African Ameri- were the illest man alive, now I’m
can who acts subserviently toward a reading your eulogy; 2009 My Space:
white employer, especially working in Yo man, I appreciate that, your stuff
a household (cm, gs, jg): 2000 Bam- sounds ill to me! Quality sound,
boozled, film: Julius, are you calling great man!; 2009 McGill Party: If you
your sister a house nigger?; 2006 know of an ill party or club event
Washington Post: Uncle Colin was a coming up, simply mail us and we’ll
house nigga, did what massa Bush told post it here
him to do; 2006 Public Enemy: These Illadelphia n. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
house niggaz go fight in Iraq, cryin’ to (jg, rk): 2004 New York Times:
their mamma now they wanna come Dressed in a turquoise tunic that read
back “Illadelphia” and a matching do-rag,
humping (or humpin’) adj. excellent or he was getting ready to go to work;
admirable (bk, gs, jg): 2006 Word 2007 Hip Hop DX: You wanted him to
Press: The music was loud and the slide through Illadelphia and do a
party was humping!; 2010 Blogspot: show; 2009 Body Building: I received
The music was humpin’ too. I think a couple samples from Illadelphia, so
they were playing ‘Booty Butt Cheeks’ I want to post up a review to show my
or something similar; 2010 Facebook: gratitude
She looks humpin’! illing (or illin’) adj. [1] inferior or bad
hydro n. marijuana (rk): 1998 DJ Clue: (bk): 2005 Simpsons, Fox-TV series:
Queen’s niggas rock ice and smoke Rappers stopped saying “illin” twelve
hydro; 2005 Waiting, film: Soon as we years ago; 2009 Blogspot: Yo, that
get the hydro, we can run this city like bitch was illin’ when she kicked me in
the fuckin’ mob; 2010 Grass City: My the bidness!; 2013 Twitter: Reagan was
question is, is it safe to smoke hydro? so illin’, yo! [2] excellent or admirable
(jg): 2003 Marci X, film: “You was
I illin’!” “I was da bomb!”; 2009 Access
Hip Hop: Damn, that sounds illin!;
ig (or igg) v. to ignore (cm, gs, jg, rk): 2010 TV Clip: The beat is so illin’
2006 Randy Kearse: You can’t ig me and real crazy all the way thru [3]
forever; 2007 David Austin: I’m not irrational or crazy (bk, gs, jg): 1985
trying to igg you or anything but Krush Grove, film: “You’ve been illin’
I gotta deal with a lot of stuff right lately!” “What you talking about?
now; 2010 My Space: You little nigga Nobody illin’. Chillin’!”; 1994
want to ig me? Fresh, film: Why everybody around
ill adj. [1] inferior or bad (bk): 1995 here illin’?; 2004 Urban Dictionary:
Bad Boys, film: Some major ill shit You, dat bitch was illin’ when she
happened down at the P.D. There’s kicked me
Glossary 207
ink n. cheap wine, especially red (bk, it ain’t a thang see below
cm): 2010 U-Turn Ho: I could drink it ain’t a thing (or it ain’t a thang) n. it is
that ink!; 2010 Spaces: Geez, how can no problem: 1998 Lil Troy: It ain’t a
you drink that ink? Gimmie an ice-cold thing to me. You say you changed, you
Corona!; 2013 Found SF: The cheapest look the same to me; 2006 Whiz Kha-
Italian restaurants served a full dinner lifa: I’m heavy in the game it ain’t a
and a glass of red ink for 25¢ thing to a pro;2009 Blogspot: I been
in the house adv. among us, especially in spending money like it ain’t a thing
the audience (gs): 1993 Ice-T: Peace to it’s on phr. something is about to start
all the MCs in the house; 2006 ATL, (gs, rk): 2008 30 Rock, NBC-TV
film: It’s gonna be a long night for series: This social experiment, it’s
some of y’all! We got the Warriors, on!; 2005 Beanie Sigel: Once it’s on,
the Preps and the Ones in the house nigga, bring the drama to ya lawn
tonight; 2010 Oprah Winfrey Show, nigga; 2010 Lil Wayne: You see that
ABC-TV program: The entire family’s coke turn to oil? It’s on, nigga, it’s on!
in the house
in the mix adv. involved (cm, jg, rk): J
1995 Friday, film: I can’t believe you
got me in the mix!; 2002 8 Mile, film: Jack D n. Jack Daniel’s whiskey (gs):
How can you even bring them in the 2009 My Space: You bring warmth to
mix?; 2009 Ebony: When God is in the my heart like my favorite drink Jack D;
mix, nothing goes wrong 2010 Yelawolf: Still sipping on Jack
ish n. [1] excrement (gs, rk): 2008 Net- D to my neck and my head starts feel-
work 54: If you have a dog, you can ing heavy; 2010 Burbler: I need some
bank on stepping in ish; 2011 Twitter: more Jack D in my flask
Someone stepped in ish; 2012 Face- jack move n. [1] a strange action or biz-
book: If it smells like ish, looks like arre behavior (gs, jg): 1992 Dr. Dre:
ish, then it must be ish! [2] nonsense Niggaz, they will do jack moves; 2003
(gs, rk): 2009 Yelp: I’ve had enough Cradle 2 the Grave, film: Only ques-
of this ish!; 2009 Twitter: You talk ish tion is, who’s behind this jack move?;
about everybody; 2011 Black Voices: 2003 Urban Dictionary: Tom made a
They are saying this ish to support jack move by selling his house and
your love of white folk and defend moving to Bermuda [2] a theft or rob-
white racism [3] something inferior or bery: 1996 Don’t Be a Menace to South
worthless (gs, jg, rk): 2009 Concrete Central While Drinking Your Juice in
Loops: I wouldn’t go so far as to say the Hood, film: All right, give it up! It’s
she sounds like ish; 2011 YouTube: a jack move, fool! Just don’t shoot;
Watch this ish, nigga. Fo real!; 2013 2005 Dirty, film: We’re gonna go in
Twitter: People who smell ish on the and make this jack move happen;
train should be fined [4] something 2006 Waist Deep, film: Get the fuck
irritating (gs, jg, rk): 2009 Black on the floor right now, nigga. It’s a
Voices: Why are they even uploading jack move!
this ish?; 2009 Bossip: I wouldn’t visit jack up v. to beat, strike or hit (cm, gs,
a fool either who is in jail for doing jg): 1993 Ice-T: I got backup to jack up
stupid ish; 2013 Young Money Enter- punks who try to act up; 1993 Us3:
tainment: A lyin’ nigga, that’s the ish One day he got caught in the act,
I don’t like shacked up and jacked up and taken
208 Glossary
downtown; 2009 My Space: They And she’s obviously into you; 2009 Ad
jacked him up real good Land: The song was jammin’
jam1 n. [1] a party or gathering where jammy n. a gun, especially a handgun or
musicians play improvised music, pistol (cm, gs, jg, rk): 1993 Fear of
especially jazz (cm, gs): 2001 Daytona a Black Hat, film: This is an Uzi.
Beach News-Journal: Biggest crowd This is a good jammy for beginners;
I ever played a jam for was 8500 in 1993 Run-D.M.C.: I’mma pull my
the O’Dome in Gainesville; 2008 New jammy out and I’mma murder the
York Post: Across the street, there was man; 1996 Jay-Z: Make sure your
this park and they used to play jams; jammy is full
2012 Parenthood, NBC-TV series: jazz v. [1] to have sex with (bk, gs, jg):
Sorry to interrupt the jam [2] a dance 1991 James David Horan: There was
party (cm, gs, jg, rk): 1997 Newport this jerk snorin’ like a buzzsaw along-
Daily Herald: Once a month, in place side of me and I’m tryin’ to jazz his
of their regular lesson, the students are wife!; 1991 Raphael Lafferty: He had
invited to a jam; 1998 Public Enemy: just come home a few minutes late and
This jam is number one; 2006 Randy had found two other fellows jazzing his
Kearse: I haven’t been to a good jam in wife Regina; 2013 XXX Black Clips:
a while Jayden Simone jazzes her mamma’s
jam2 v. [1] to play improvised music, admirer [2] (jazz up) to enliven or
especially jazz (cm): 1999 New Repub- make more exciting and stimulating
lic: I’m bringing him to do a little (bk, gs): 1999 Magnolia, film: I get
jamming; 2002 David Henderson: so fucking jazzed at these seminars;
I like to jam with other cats, but you 2004 Strategic Finance: Being around
just can’t do that over there some- too many people jazzed her emotions;
times; 2008 Ebony: Never just jamming 2010 Chicago Daily Herald: We’re
for jam’s sake, he cared if our brothers going to try and jazz it up
and sisters listened, if they understood jazz up see above
[2] to party or dance at a party (cm, gs, jazzy adj. [1] played in a jazz way: 1994
jg): 2004 Sydney Molare: I’ve jammed New York Times: They are not so jazzy,
to the beat, but I can’t say I’ve really more in a ragtime style; 2007 Washing-
listened to all the words; 2009 Love ton Post: The score is very jazzy at
Hurts, film: Get on the floor, boy. times, but it’s also very choral and
We’re jamming!; 2010 Sade Ferrier: has a big Broadway sound; 2008
The winning team grabbed their girl- Ebony: Check out the Turntable as we
friends and jammed to the beat spin the sounds of April Hill, the jazzy
jambox n. a large portable stereo player and soulful vocalist who is breathing
(bk): 2002 Fan Fiction: They don’t call new life into the soul music scene [2]
it a CD player, it is called a jambox; enlivening or exciting and stimulating
2005 Epinions: I had a jambox like that (gs): 1993 Snoop Dogg: I just love
in the 80’s; 2011 Rock Boat: Michael your jazzy ways, Doggy Dogg, your
was selling a homemade tape recorded love is here to stay; 2006 Waist Deep,
on a jambox in this bathroom film: We got a little event coming up.
jamming (or jammin’) adj. excellent or Wanna make sure she’s jazzy; 2008
admirable (gs, jg): 1990 House Party, New York Times: One entire wall has
film: It was a jammin’ party; 2004 been covered with a very jazzy wall-
Sideways, film: Jesus, she’s jammin’! paper he designed
Glossary 209
jects (or ’jects) n. housing projects for the The Jheri curl became a staple hairstyle
poor (jg): 2002 Wire, HBO-TV series: in African American communities
They dropped the body where we’d see jigga see below
it. To send the message to the jects; jigger (or jigga) n. very offensive
2009 Saigon: Respect to all the kids unless used by african ameri-
still trapped in the jects; 2010 Hood cans [1] a fellow African American
Up: Any of you niggas livin in the (gs, jg): 2005 Newgrounds: Those jig-
jects? gas from the club are gangstas. Better
jelly roll n. potentially offensive watch your back; 2013 Twitter: So
[1] the vulva (bk, cm, jg): 2009 Blues many opinions by so many jiggaz;
Matters: The woman brags of her 2013 Black Planet: What’s up my jig-
prowess as a lover by claiming that gas from the D? [2] an African Ameri-
her jelly roll is worth lots of dough can friend: 2013 Urban Dictionary: Yo,
and is fresh every day; 2009 Xroles: wassup, my jigga?; 2013 Body Build-
Her jelly roll can twist your soul, her ing: Feeling lonely, where my jiggers
eyes are big and brown; 2013 Japan at?; 2012 Facebook: Shout out to all
Tube XXX: Cute Jap whore gets her my jiggaz!
jelly roll banged [2] sex or the sex act jiggy adj. excellent or admirable (gs, rk):
(bk, jg): 1996 Dallas Observer: It’s 1999 Bowfinger, film: It’s all good, it’s
easy to have fun when you get to sing jiggy, baby; 2008 Free Republic: It
lyrics like, “I feel like a bitch ’cause sounds jiggy to me; 2009 My Space:
I’ve got an itch,” and “No more jelly You still alive? Hope things are
roll until you get control”; 2000 looking jiggy on your side of life
Thomas Wolfe: “If you want jelly roll, Jim Browski (or jimbrowski) n. the
you’ve come to the right place. I ain’t penis (gs, jg, rk): 2008 Nah Right:
kidding you.” “With niggers? Are You ever did so much coke and you
niggers good?” “There ain’t nothing had the flyest broad with you ever,
better”; 2009 Black 47: I really need and your Jim Browski wouldn’t
some jelly roll respond?; 2009 Access Atlanta:
Jeri curl see Jheri curl A mixed signal is when you saying no
jet (or jet off) v. to leave (cm, gs, jg, but you got your hand on my Jim
rk): 1999 Ice-T: Don’t forget it, grab Browski; 2010 Let’s Go Kings: DD is
the blow, then jet before that ho’ hit the so fat, he has to strategically place
door!; 2001 Swordfish, film: I gotta jet. mirrors just to find his Jim Browski
Thanks for the coffee; 2005 Surface, jim hat see jimmy hat
NBC-TV series: “I gotta jet!” “You jimmy n. the penis (gs, rk): 1991 New
should definitely come over sometime” Jack City, film: I had my jimmy waxed
jet off see above every day last week; 1997 Booty Call,
j-hat see jimmy hat film: “Give us your best condoms.”
Jheri curl (or Jeri curl) n. partially “Fine, fine. Lambskin. Very sensitive.
straightened kinky hair (bk, gs): 2004 Leaves some feeling for your jimmy”;
Two and a Half Men, CBS-TV series: 2003 Cheaper by the Dozen, film:
“I like your hair!” “It’s called the Jheri Sounds like someone got his jimmy
curl”; 2006 Milwaukee Journal Senti- whipped
nel: Afro died out and was replaced by jimmy hat (or jim hat, jimhat, j-hat) n. a
the Jheri curl, a modern, curlier version condom (cm, gs, jg, rk): 1993 Big
of the conk; 2009 Philadelphia Inquirer: Daddy Kane: I practise safe sex,
210 Glossary
with girls I lay next, in other words, the jive3 adj. deceptive or misleading (gs,
j-hat’s on the head; 1998 Can’t Hardly jg): 1997 Blackout, film: That’s real.
Wait, film: Yo, hold up! Do I put on a This here is jive; 2001 Joe Dirt, film:
jimmy hat now?; 2008 Extreme Movie, “Everything I said is true!” “No,
film: Hold on a sec, babe. Let me grab Brandy is jive. I want to ask her why
my jimmy hat she was playing games with you”; 2008
jive1 (or jive talk) n. [1] deceptive or Washington Post: For some reason,
misleading talk (cm, gs, jg): 1999 I’m not too surprised. I kind of thought
Time: The coverage was all about that Gibbs might be a jive dude
diversion, all about bright lights and jive artist see below
showtime and deflection. It’s all about jive-ass1 n. [1] (or jive artist) a deceptive
jive; 2005 Hustle and Flow, film: It’s or misleading person (jg): 1993 Miami
nothing but a bunch of jive and junk; Herald: For some, Coleman was a
2008 American Thinker: Who else charlatan, a jive artist; 2011 Facebook:
believes his highfalutin jive talk? [2] Don’t listen to these jive-asses tryin to
slang, especially African American pull you down; 2013 Memphis Flyer:
coined by jazz musicians (jg): 1980 Rufus was a jive ass who’d sell his
Airplane, film: Stewardess, I speak mother for a buck [2] deceptive or
jive; 1989 Meet the Feebles, film: I’m misleading talk (bk): 1991 Five Heart-
hip to your jive, but it don’t sound hip beats, film: I can see through your jive-
to me; 2001 Royal Tenenbaums, film: ass like glass, nigga; 1993 Phoenix
I’ll talk some jive like you’ve never New Times: Wolf is the king of jive-
heard ass; 2009 Tank Net: You take your jive-
jive2 v. [1] (or jive-talk) to deceive or ass and get the hell outta here before
mislead: 2004 Ray, film: “I’d like to I gets my fo-fo and bust your cap
discuss your future.” “Don’t jive me jive-ass2 adj. deceptive or misleading
now. I ain’t for sale”; 2008 Semi-Pro, (bk, cm, jg): 1993 Bound By Honor,
film: I’m not jivin’ you. I’ve never jived film: That old man was no jive-ass
you my whole life; 2009 Free Republic: punk; 2008 Paste Magazine: Get your
Stupid people always seem to be jive- jive-ass ghetto MF tush up on stage,
talked, hoodwinked and bamboozled and sing!; 2009 Elmore Leonard:
by the flowery speeches [2] (or jive- That’s where you learn the expres-
talk) to use slang, especially African sions, among the bad boys, the jive-
American coined by jazz musicians ass gangbangers showing off
(jg): 2010 Xbox 360 Achievements: jive talk see jive1, jive2
Wish I knew how to jive like in “Air- jock v. to like or admire (jg, rk): 1999
plane”; 2013 Richard Quarantello: Snoop Dogg: I don’t jock no chick;
This guy was now jive talking me like 2009 Notorious, film: Everyone was
a bro; I didn’t understand half of what jocking him ’cause he never lost a
he was saying; 2013 Exclaim: I was battle; 2009 That Grapejuice: First she
jive talking and I was just hip [3] to was jocking Gaga, now she’s going
joke or tease (bk, cm, gs, jg): 1983 after Madge
Streamers, film: I’m just jiving, you jodie, Jodie see below
know. Entertaining my own self; 2008 jody (or Jody, jodie, Jodie) n. a man
Democratic Underground: I’m just having an affair with someone’s wife
jiving!; 2011 Modern Drummer: He or girlfriend, especially someone who
was just jiving with us is in jail or went off to war (bk, cm,
Glossary 211
gs, rk): 2001 Baby Boy, film: Jody, are intensely (rk): 2005 Aaron Peckham:
you messin’ with my date?; 2007 Army She’s been jonesin’ for him for months;
Wives, film: A jody is a bad guy who 2010 Cleveland Plain Dealer: She
hooks up with all the mommies; 2009 sometimes finds herself jonesing for
Skinheads: I don’t mess with broads high-end designer duds; 2013 Los
that are in relationships. I am not a Angeles Times: You’re jonesing for an
goddamn jody ice cream but can’t get away from the
jone v. to tease, especially by provocative office
rhyming comments about the oppon- Jordans n. any of several brands of Nike
ent’s mother in a gamelike manner gym shoes (gs): 2011 Daily of the Uni-
(bk, jg, rk): 2000 James Haskins: versity of Washington: We got one guy
There are many different terms for wearing Jordans all the time; 2011
playing the dozens, including dissing, Wikipedia: No matter the occasion,
joning, ribbing, signifying and he was always seen in his Jordans;
sounding; 2006 Randy Kearse: I didn’t 2011 Nike Talk: Even if I don’t ball in
come here for ya friends to be jonin’ my Jordans, I would like the comfort
me; 2009 YouTube: He don’t know they were made for
how to jone these niggas juice1 n. influence or power (bk, gs, rk):
jones1 n. [1] a drug habit (cm, gs): 1998 1992 Juice, film: He got more juice
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: His jones than everybody else on the street;
devours his life; 2006 San Francisco 2004 Hair Show, film: Let me see what
Weekly: The narc succumbs to his kind of juice you got!; 2008 National
jones and eventually loses everything; Public Radio: He said your adminis-
2009 San Francisco Chronicle: I also tration has no juice anymore among
know that there’s not a law in the Republicans on Capitol Hill
world that can keep a junkie from his juice2 v. to trick someone out of some-
jones [2] an intense craving or desire thing (gs, rk): 2000 New York Times:
(cm, gs): 2005 Chicago Tribune: If you He was saying that she was trying
didn’t know any better, you’d swear to juice him for the money; 2001
that Tressel has a jones for drama; Los Angeles Times: Adams was trying
2006 Kansas City Star: Cookbook to juice him for money; 2006
author Marlena Spieler has a jones Randy Kearse: She been juicin’ dude
for cheese; 2010 New York Times: She for years
realizes that Liev Schreiber has a jones juke1 n. [1] (or jukebox) a coin-operated
for her record player in a bar (bk, cm): 2002
jones2 v. [1] to have a drug habit: 2000 Kerry Segrave: It easily became the top
Fort Worth Star-Telegram: “I had pick on the juke and before the end of
been jonesing all day,” he said, using the month it became popular on the
a slang term to describe a craving for radio; 2010 San Jose Mercury News:
drugs; 2009 House, M.D., Fox-TV It played on big-city jukeboxes across
series: He was jonesing for snow America in 1959; 2011 Dallas Obser-
white; 2010 New York Times: Just ver: “Stairway to Heaven” played on
wander down to Vancouver’s seedy the juke [2] liquor (bk): 1999 New York
Downtown Eastside neighborhood Post: He zigged and he zagged and
where you’ll find homeless people, he had too much juke; 2005 Narkive:
prostitutes and addicts jonesing for You are willing to risk imprisonment
illegal drugs [2] to crave or desire for another bottle of juke?; 2004
212 Glossary
St. Petersburg Times: We drink juke Enterprise Record: The club was one
out of glasses, not boxes of several juke joints in Southside
juke2 (or juke and jive) v. [1] to dance in where African Americans went on Sat-
a boisterous fashion (bk, cm, jg): 1997 urday; 2010 New York Times: “Last of
Poughkeepsie Journal: He was juking the Mississippi Jukes” is a documen-
and jiving during Vassar Brothers tary about blues and juke joints
Medical Center’s Halloween party; directed by Robert Mugge
2012 South Florida Sun-Sentinel: As is jumbo1 adj. very big: 1999 Chicago Sun-
his habit, he juked to the music, ges- Times: If you buy a jumbo SUV, you’ll
turing extravagantly; 2013 Lipstick pay a little more than that; 2004 New
Alley: I can’t tell you how many black York Times: It’s like they have moved
people were juking and jiving to his into a jumbo apartment; 2010 San
latest album [2] to deceive or mislead: Diego Union Tribune: I’ve heard it’s
2009 Michigan City News Dispatch: He difficult to refinance if you have a
taught me how to juke a lot of people; jumbo loan
2009 Charleston Gazette: In high jumbo2 n. the penis, especially if large:
school I just outran everybody or juked 2000 Paul Beatty: Uh-huh, you stepped
them; 2010 Black Voices: They want to on my jumbo!; 2011 Black Booty Bitch:
juke a person into thinking they are She gets on her knees and starts to
honorable men swallow his jumbo down her throat;
juke and jive see juke2 2013 iTimes: She acts surprised seeing
jukebox see juke1 his jumbo
juke house n. [1] a brothel (cm): 1994 jump bad phr. to become hostile, men-
Clarence Major: Jukehouse [is] a acing, or aggressive (cm, gs, jg, rk):
whorehouse; 1996 Los Angeles Times: 2002 Wire, HBO-TV series: We went
All the forms of that global cultural there all alone, jumping bad; 2003
juggernaut rock ’n roll were born in Esham: If he tryin jump bad, I’m a fade
black juke houses in the South or in the him; 2008 Robert Freedman: The last
ghettos of factory cities in the North; dude who jumped bad with me was the
2010 Bleep: He was unaware “juke one who ended up crying like a little
house” means a brothel [2] a bar with girl
a coin-operated record player, espe- jump salty phr. to get irritated, angry or
cially cheap: 1989 New York Times: hostile, especially suddenly (bk, cm,
The juke house or juke joint was just gs, jg): 2005 Word Press: They jump
about any place the music was regu- salty with each other; 2010 Ralph Elli-
larly performed; 2009 Taffi Stevens: son: First they jump salty with the truth,
He used to play in the juke houses and then they start yelling about justice;
down the South (a name for what they 2010 Psychology Today: I’ve never had
called clubs in the North); 2013 South- any use of it, and am liable to jump salty
ern Folklore: He played local juke at any time
house and parties throughout the ’30s junebug n. a boy who is named after
and ‘40s his father (cm, jg): 1994 Clarence
juke joint n. a bar with a coin-operated Major: Junebug [is] a variant of
record player, especially cheap: 1998 “Junior Boy,” nickname for one who
James Ellroy: A black-white stick-up is named after his father; 1997 Jackie
gang had been clouting markets and Brown, film: Yo, junebug! What’s
juke joints on West Adams; 2010 Chico up?; 2000 Bamboozled, film: “Come
Glossary 213
on, junebug!” “My father, I’m not mad 2003 Malibu’s Most Wanted, film:
at him” Keep it real and be proud of who you
Juneteenth n. June 19, the day when are!
African Americans celebrate emanci- keep on keeping on (or keep on keepin’
pation from enslavement (cm, gs): on) phr. to continue striving to reach a
2001 New York Times: The date, known goal despite adversity (cm, gs, jg):
as Juneteenth, is a day of reflection as 2010 Us Magazine: Ignore the losers
well as celebration; 2001 Los Angeles and keep on keepin’ on!; 2010 National
Times: For many blacks, Juneteenth is Post: We’re down to as thin a situation
the real Independence Day; 2011 Chi- as I’ve ever experienced in my years in
cago Tribune: Juneteenth is the oldest football, but you just have to keep on
known celebration commemorating the keeping on; 2010 Charleston Post
end of U.S. slavery Courier: It’s about improvement and
jungle fever n. an obssessive romantic or focusing on mistakes and keep on
sexual interest between an African keeping on
American person and a white person kick v. to inform or provide information
(gs, jg): 1992 Armistead Maupin: I’d (gs): 1992 Kansas City Star: Magic
slept with him out of affection and and I have gathered some of our part-
respect, not out of jungle fever; 1993 ners to kick some knowledge to the
USA Today: He’s a jungle fever homo- kids; 2005 Modesto Bee: It is a way to
sexual, he only likes white guys; 2011 inexpensively kick information to a
Vanderbilt Orbis: Some students in more accurate level; 2012 Facebook:
interracial relationships will still have They were cited for failing to kick info
to deal with epithets like “yellow about the operation
fever” or “jungle fever” kick a rhyme phr. to create rap lyrics and
junk in the trunk n. huge buttocks (jg): rhymes: 1993 Us3: I know that the way
2006 Hard Luck, film: Brothers like I kick a rhyme some will call me a poet;
some genuine junk in the trunk; 2007 2009 News, MTV-TV program: Carter
This Christmas, film: White girls ain’t playfully kicked a rhyme that showed
got junk in the trunk; 2009 Globe and her own musical skills; 2010 DJ BoBo:
Mail: A little junk in the trunk can be a It’s party time, that’s why I’m here
good thing kicking a rhyme
kick back v. [1] to be calm (bk, gs): 1999
K Ice-T: Pop the Remy and kick back!;
2008 Ebony: I kick back and listen to
keep it real phr. [1] to be oneself and music and get inspired from that; 2010
avoid pretending (gs, rk): 2003 Wire, Pontiac Daily Ledger: Kick back and
HBO-TV series: “Keep it real, yo!” take it easy! [2] to have a good time
“Whatever!”;2006 American Dreamz, (cm, gs): 1995 Bad Boys, film: Rent a
film: That’s my dawg right there! Keep movie. Something we can kick back to;
it real, man!; 2008 Tricia Rose: So, 2009 U-Stream: It’s a wonderful place
sometimes, keeping it real means to kick back; 2010 Forbes: The walk-
rejecting all the bling-bling [2] to stick way offers a welcome diversion, a
to one’s roots (gs, rk): 1998 He Got place to kick back and relax
Game, film: Boy, keep it real. Do what kick ballistics see kick the ballistics
a black man gotta do; 1998 Slam, film: kicking (or kickin’) adj. excellent
“Peace, black!” “Keep it real, man!”; or admirable (bk, gs, rk): 2005
214 Glossary
Bradenton Herald: This all-purpose film: I’d help you, man, but I got my
sauce tastes great on barbecued new kicks on; 2000 Bamboozled, film:
chicken or brisket but it’s really kickin’ Can I get some new kicks?; 2005 Per-
with ribs; 2009 Ear Sucker: The bass on fect Man, film: “How much your kicks
this thing is really kickin’ and it pro- cost you?” “I paid $50 for mine”
vides some awesome sound quality; kick science see kick the science
2011 Hop, film: It was great. Really kick the ballistics (or kick ballistics)
kicking! phr. to talk, especially giving valuable
kick it phr. [1] to talk to or with (gs, jg, information (gs, jg, rk): 1992 Wash-
rk): 1997 Trojan War, film: Let’s kick ington Post: Ice Cube kicked the bal-
it, homey. So where do you guys go to listics for an hour with his deejay
school?; 1998 He Got Game, film: Sir Jinx and two other rappers; 1993
I don’t think they heard you, Stephen. Us3: Sucker niggas don’t know that
Kick it to ’em again one more time; I can kick the mad ballistics plus I’m
2008 Ebony: We used to kick it a lot wreckin’ every show; 1996 Los Angeles
with this couple [2] to spend time, Sentinel: Before we kick the ballistics,
especially to waste time doing nothing first a few ground rules
(bk): 2005 Beauty Shop, film: Some kick the knowledge (or kick knowledge)
people just feel comfortable kickin’ it phr. to give valuable information (gs,
with people they have somethin’ in rk): 1993 Menace II Society, film: You
common with; 2011 Soul Surfer, film: tryin’ to kick some knowledge?; 2009
You can always come and kick it with News, MTV-TV program: A fan
us, we don’t have to wait for the wanted to know and Kellan Lutz kicked
action; 2013 Twitter: I’d rather kick it the knowledge; 2012 YouTube: He
by myself than have a whole crew of kicks knowledge on the current state
bullshitters of hip hop
kick it with someone phr. to be sexually kick the science (or kick science) phr. to
involved with someone, especially to give valuable information (gs, rk):
have an affair (gs, jg, rk): 2006 ATL, 2007 Austin Chronicle: We’ll let news
film: I don’t wanna see you, talk with editor Michael King kick the science;
you, kick with you; 2006 Randy Kearse: 2008 Ebony: There is a way to drop the
How long y’all been kickin’ it with knowledge and kick the science with-
each other?; 2007 Afro Samurai, film: out offending anyone and still keeping
I’m thinking, shit, I’m even gonna find it funny and right on point; 2008
me a hottie to go kick it with Final Call: The rap race will be lost
kick knowledge see kick the knowledge without a trace or a clue, but what to
kicks n. [1] a good time or pleasure (cm, do? Stop the violence and kick the
rk): 2009 Washington Post: They’ve science!
apparently done this before, just for kick to the curb phr. to reject (cm, gs,
kicks; 2010 News, Fox-TV program: jg, rk): 2010 Deseret News: Often
I’m not just some asshole who’s here when they get in trouble or seriously
to get his kicks telling you what to do; hurt, they are kicked to the curb, and
2010 New York Times: Sharon is a someone replaces them; 2010 Washing-
tease, and the only way she can get ton Post: President Obama wants to
her kicks is to play men like suckers kick to the curb a lot of tax breaks for
[2] shoes, especially athletic shoes the nation’s wealthiest families; 2011
(cm, gs, jg, rk): 1990 House Party, Big Bang Theory, CBS-TV series: Kick
Glossary 215
him to the curb with a smile on your stop all forms of birth control and con-
face! tinue to knock boots and, boom, you
King Kong n. cheap and strong liquor are pregnant!
(bk, jg): 2005 Straight Dope: My Kong n. cheap and strong liquor (bk, cm,
hands are shaky and I ain’t feelin’ well jg): 2009 Mirrevenge: You’ve been
from drinkin’ King Kong and cheap drinkin’ Kong!; 2009 View More Pics:
muscatel; 2010 City of Recovery: That’s what you get for drinking
We’ve been drinking King Kong, beer, Kong!; 2013 Gamespot: All that is
and even whiskey; 2013 Dazed Digital: happening is Max drinking Kong and
You wake up in the morning and the talking about how terrible his life is
world is going round, high from drink-
ing King Kong, and your troubles L
won’t come down
kinks n. extremely tight curls of natural, L n. a life sentence without the possibility
unstraightened African American hair of parole (rk): 2005 Prison Talk: The
(gs): 2007 Blogspot: We don’t want reality of my “special” situation with
Jill’s beautiful kinks to be permanently my man doing an “L” hits me the
straight; 2009 Loop: They never had hardest at that time; 2006 Randy
kinks or a fro, but straight, relaxed Kearse: Dude’s lookin’ at an L this
hair or perfectly tempered curls; 2010 time around; 2008 Feed Fury: If you
Washington Post: I combed her hair want to know what it’s like to be
hard, I rushed through her kinks too young, black, gangsta and serving an
quickly L (life sentence), you have to check out
knock v. [1] to criticize (cm, gs, rk): this
2004 New York Newsday: He did Lac (or ’Lac) n. a Cadillac automobile
what’s right for him, for the right (jg, rk): 2001 South Park Mexican:
motives. Not one reason to knock him I used to drive a Lac sipping gin and
for that; 2005 Box Office Prophets: You juice; 2009 YouTube: You wanna be
knocked him for his relatively soulless with a nigga who be drivin’ a Lac;
performance in “Attack of the 2009 Cadillac Forums: I drive a Lac!
Clones,” but Hayden proves that he That’s what matters!
can be a respected actor in “Shattered lace v. to shoot (rk): 2003 Love Don’t
Glass”; 2010 Sporting Life: He Cost a Thing, film: You trying to get
knocked me for not shooting, and at laced, Al?; 2007 Army of Pharaohs: My
the end of the day, I took a wrong whole team got laced; 2013 Twitter:
option [2] to give (bk, cm, jg): 1994 A nigga got laced and is going to the
Clarence Major: Can you knock a dime hospital
on me till payday?; 1995 Clueless, film: laid-back adj. calm or relaxed (cm, rk):
Knock me a little kiss. See you!; 2007 2007 Ebony: The process is generally
Flickr: Knock us a kiss, darlin’! fast and security is very laid-back, very
knock boots phr. to have sex (cm, gs, jg, Canadian; 2009 New York Times: The
rk): 1994 Chicago Sun-Times: They guide combined the laid-back attitude
just want to knock boots and father- of a surfer with the taxonomic com-
hood is not the ultimate goal; 2000 mand of an evolutionary biologist;
Bamboozled, film: Y’all together? 2010 Tampa Bay Newspaper: Gulfport
Y’all knocking boots?; 2008 Houston is a very laid back community and the
Chronicle: So theoretically, you just residents like it that way
216 Glossary
leave him hanging; 2010 YouTube: Joe to let it all hang out [2] to talk frankly
wanted to give me a high-five and and candidly (bk, cm): 2010 TV
I totally left him hangin’; 2010 Twitter: Squad: The 61-year-old star talked
High five! Ah, left me hangin’! [2] to about making the decision to let it all
ignore or disrespect: 2009 Indianapolis hang out in the book; 2010 Hollywood
Star: That wasn’t the only time he left Reporter: Lerner is an anomaly who
him hanging; 2009 30 Rock, NBC-TV isn’t afraid to let it all hang out; 2013
series: You do not leave a brother Miami New Times: He really let it all
hanging!; 2010 Two and a Half Men, hang out in his autobiography
CBS-TV series: Are you gonna leave Lex n. a Lexus automobile (jg, rk): 2002
me hangin’? Ali G Indahouse, film: Time to have
Left Coast n. West Coast: 2003 Stuck On sex, jump in my Lex!; 2003 Andre
You, film: You know, it’s his first time 3000: My nigga had a Lex; 2010 Black
on the Left Coast; 2005 Aaron Peck- Planet: I may or may not be what you
ham: Arnie must feel very alone on the expect, but by the time I turn eighteen
Left Coast; 2011 Black Voices: Greet- I plan to be driving a Lex
ings, big bro on the Left Coast! lifted adj. [1] drunk (gs): 2009 Twitter:
legal adj. meeting the statutory age limit He got lifted off the Henney; 2010 Uni-
required to legally consent to sex (rk): versity of Mississippi student: The
2006 Randy Kearse: You don’t look motherfucker was lifted and could
legal to me, let me see some ID; 2007 barely walk; 2010 Posting and
Shield, FX-TV series: “Hey, looks Toasting: The guy was totally lifted
like Moses finally made it to the land [2] under the influence of a drug (gs,
of milk and underage honey!” “She rk): 2002 Urban Dictionary: School’s
legal, and all kind of willin’!”; 2010 out! C’mon, let’s go get lifted!; 2006
McStories: The bitch was legal, she Randy Kearse: Yo, they got madd lifted
had a tight pussy and she clearly on his birthday; 2009 Game Faqs: Yes-
wanted it from him terday me and my friends made a bong
lemon n. potentially offensive a and got totally lifted
light-skinned sexually attractive Afri- like a mojo phr. extremely or totally (cm,
can American woman (bk, cm, jg): jg): 1989 Pamela Munro: He was
2008 Blogspot: I have later learned scoring like a mojo; 1998 Do or Die:
that the skank that wishes she was The fo-fo blew the mutherfuckin’ head
a lemon is now dead; 2009 Yahoo like a mojo; 2005 Home Recording:
Answers: Luckily I found out that she This seems to be working like a mojo
was a lemon; 2009 Tom Dalzell: like motherfucker (or like mothafucka,
Lemon [is] a light-skinned black like muthafucka) phr. very offen-
person sive extremely or totally (jg, rk):
let it all hang out phr. [1] to be free and 2009 My Space: It started raining
unrestrained (bk, cm, jg): 2010 News, like motherfucker; 2009 Prince: Damn,
CNN-TV program: I love people who that bitch’s fine like muthafucka!;
let it all hang out and are not afraid to 2012 Twitter: I breakdance like
do so; 2011 News, ABC-TV program: motherfucker
When we’re with the guys we just let it like stank on shit phr. potentially
all hang out; 2011 Aspen Daily News: offensive clinging to or following
We have normal, conservative, regu- as closely as possible: 2006 Black
lar jobs, but sometimes we just have Snake Moan, film: That gal be on your
218 Glossary
dick like stank on shit; 2011 Antonio hoes cuz you know we both done seen
Styles: Immigration was on my ass like ‘m all [3] a member of a criminal gang
stank on shit; 2011 Democratic Under- (jg): 2000 Nefarious: You sayin you a
ground: I’d be all over that like stank loc but never gang-banged, you ain’t
on shit no muthafuckin mobsta; 2011 Z-Ro:
like white on rice phr. clinging to or I’m a loc and my loc niggaz need me;
following as closely as possible (gs, 2013 Hood Up: A lot of fake crip nig-
jg): 1980 Tina Turner and Kurt Loder: gas think they a loc
You’re the finest girl I ever saw in my loc2 (or lock, lok) adj. insane, irrational or
life, I want to stick to you like white on mentally unbalanced (gs, jg): 2001
rice; 2008 30 Rock, NBC-TV series: Tha Dogg Pound: Do I give a fuck?
From now on, I want you like white Hell, no. I’m a loc nigga; 2002 Urban
on rice; 2010 News, CBS-TV program: Dictionary: I wouldn’t talk to that
They’re going to be all over you like bitch, she’s so loc; 2013 iPhoneogram:
white on rice because you can’t afford I know he a loc nigga, I was just
to say “no” expecting it when I downloaded it
listen up v. to pay attention and listen loc’d out (or locked out, loked out) adj.
carefully (bk, gs): 1990 Rookie, film: insane, irrational or mentally unbal-
Hey, listen up! I need two volunteers; anced (jg, rk): 1995 Crips: Baby
2010 New York Post: Listen up, haters Gangsta Bone is a loc’d out young
and ignorant people, you have no idea nigga; 2009 Rumors on the Internet:
what is going on in that man’s head; His first wife gets totally loc’d out
2011 News, Fox-TV program: Guys, when these rumors are aired; 2013
listen up. A new study says it is actu- University of California student: The
ally healthy to stare at a woman’s bitch looked pretty loc’d out
breasts lock see loc1, loc2
living large (or livin’ large) phr. success- locked out see loc’d out
ful and living well (cm, gs, rk): 1999 locs (or lokes) n. sunglasses (gs, jg):
Dr. Dre: I’m livin’ large like a fat 2006 Urban Dictionary: I was chillin
bitch; 2000 Ebony: Why are so many on the bloc wearin my locs; 2008
sisters living large?; 2005 Young Brown Pride: He put on his locs and
Jeezy: I’m livin’ large, I got a million left; 2012 Word Press: He had locs on,
worth of cars up in the garage he had the clothing
loc1 (or lock, lok) n. [1] a close friend (jg, locks (or ’locks) n. a hairstyle of loose
rk): 1999 South Central Cartel: I’m thick braids, created by growing hair
your dog, you my loc, and that’s for- without combing it for a long time (gs,
ever, sho’; 2013 Phear: Paulie is my jg): 2009 Wahida Clark: She was
homie and he’s out on bail. It’s good wearing a silk burgundy pantsuit and
to see my best loc walkin’ out; 2013 her locks were wrapped with a bur-
Twitter: How you doin, loc? [2] a gundy scarf; 2013 YouTube: How
fellow African American (jg, rk): lovely are my locks, you ask; 2013 Ras-
1998 King Tee: Yo, loc, hear the beat tafarianism Info: She stated that it was
I’m displayin?; 2010 Larry Hill: a natural hair style and that she liked
“Who’s that loc?” “This is ol girl her locks
you thought I couldn’t knock, fool”; lok see loc1, loc2
2013 Black Planet: Keep on doin what loked out see loc’d out
you doin loc, fuck all these hoodrat lokes see locs
Glossary 219
lousy-ass adj. very inferior or bad (cm, preseason, low-fived each other and
gs, jg): 2006 Village Voice: Another went to the sideline smiling; 2009
lousy-ass flop of a Janet Jackson Tumblr: Somewhere around this time,
record!; 2010 Topix: You’re doing a Jennifer makes it a personal mission to
lousy-ass job; 2013 New York Post: low-five everyone in sight; 2009 Cres-
I think he’s doing a lousy-ass job ton News Advertiser: They low-fived
love n. respect or appreciation (gs): 1994 and smiled wide
U.N.L.V.: I walk in the club givin’ dap low-life adj. unpleasant, contemptible or
to my boys because I got much love; despicable (gs, jg): 1989 Willie Dee:
2005 Hustle and Flow, film: You better Your gal’ll find another nigga, cause
show me some love for this one, man; the low-life bitch ain’t nothin but a
2010 XXL Magazine: He’s seen all gold-digger; 1990 Poison Clan: That’s
aspects of hip hop and has never all she’s worth to me, the low-life
gotten the love he deserves whore; 1991 My Own Private Idaho,
love bone n. potentially offensive film: She met that guy from Reno, that
the penis (gs, jg): 2003 Urban Diction- low-life, gamblin’ cowboy fuck
ary: She really likes my love bone; 2012
Twicsy: Dan has a big love bone; 2013 M
Mommy Tube: He can’t wait to stick
his love bone in her pussy mac see mack1, mack2
love muscle n. potentially offen- mac daddy see below
sive the penis (rk): 2007 News, mack1 (or mac, mack daddy) n. [1] a
CNN-TV program: That Bobbitt dame pimp (cm, gs, jg): 1991 Boyz in the
took a sling blade to her husband’s Hood, film: Who you calling wannabe
love muscle, did she not?; 2009 Ninja mack daddy?; 2006 Cecil Brown: You
Dude: I would bend Amanda over, lick would see black gals and white gals
her fish hole, then pound that sweet coming in the club to meet their macks;
love muscle; 2010 Varsity Online: The 2008 CSI: NY, CBS-TV series: Danny
damage to his manhood did thus con- tells her mack was trying to protect her
tinue until his love muscle lost a sinew from it; [2] a seducer or womanizer,
low five n. shaking hands with someone especially if very skillful (gs, jg,
or slapping someone’s hand held low, rk): 2001 San Antonio Express-News:
in greeting or congratulation (gs, jg): Being a mack daddy in his late 50s and
1999 Daytona Beach News-Journal: becoming an actual daddy in the pro-
He turned toward Stack and gave cess, he’s brought this upon himself;
him a low five with his left hand; 2008 North Adams Transcript: If you
2001 Scrubs, ABC-TV series: Give are good with the opposite sex you are
yourselves the old low five!; 2008 a mack daddy; 2009 Ebony: He’s a
San Francisco Chronicle: When they long-legged mack daddy [3] an influ-
passed each other along the ropes ential man (jg): 1995 Friday, film: He
at the next hole, Woods offered a thinks he’s a mack; 2001 King of the
low-five Hill, Fox-TV series: I am the mack
low-five v. to shake hands with someone daddy of Heimlich county. You get the
or slap someone’s hand held low, in hell of my hood!; 2007 Sound Click:
greeting or congratulation (jg): 2005 I’m a mack when it comes to rap
USA Today: The two stars, who mack2 (or mac) v. [1] to be a pimp (cm,
weren’t on speaking terms in the gs): 2001 Too Short: I been macking
220 Glossary
hard since eighty-eight; 2002 MNMsta: on, you know you’re my main man!;
I been macking hoes since day one; 2008 Ebony: I hate to quibble with my
2005 San Francisco Chronicle: Being main man, Eric Easter, but I’m not
a mack isn’t easy. It takes discipline, quite sure this bailout is necessary;
dedication, focus. All those things one 2008 Snoop Dogg: I’d like to dedicate
might apply toward a career if one this record right here to my main man
weren’t too busy macking [2] to be a maintain v. [1] to be calm, even in the
seducer or womanizer, especially if most adverse circumstances: 2002 Paid
very skillful (rk): 2004 Girl Next in Full, film: Y’know what I’m sayin’?
Door, film: I will always remember Live and maintain!; 2002 Wire, HBO-
all the great times with the dirty dozen, TV series: We just need to maintain!;
and macking all the honeys; 2006 2013 Dizzy Wright: Don’t run away
Randy Kearse: I been mackin’ since from your problems or your partner,
high school; 2006 Flyer Talk: He had maintain! [2] to stay in touch (rk):
been macking and wanted to use the 2006 Randy Kearse: Yo dawg maintain
club access to help out his game and I’ll holler at you later; 2010 Actio-
mack daddy see mack1 next: Kill that game, but still, main-
mad (or madd) adv. [1] a lot of or plenty tain!; 2011 Black Planet: Brothas,
of (gs, jg): 1994 Notorious B.I.G.: maintain!
I got mad friends with Benzos; 2005 major figures n. a lot of money (rk):
Elle: Everyone knows you’ve got mad 2003 Don Juan: They blind to the fact
talent, but in July you’re going to have we countin major figures; 2009 You-
to prove yourself; 2011 Black Voices: Tube: Who would ever figure that this
I have madd respect for you [2] little weasel nigga would be stackin
extremely or totally (gs, jg): 1994 major figures?; 2009 Wu-Tang Clan:
Public Enemy: This is madd real; We make major figures
1996 New Yorker: I’m mad talented; make bank phr. to make a lot of money
2008 New York Times: In that one pic- (gs, jg): 2009 Democratic Under-
ture the studio took, I look mad stupid ground: I like this song a lot! I can
madd see above see he’s going to make bank on it
maggot n. potentially offensive a too!; 2010 Nashville Scene: As he got
white person (bk, jg): 2000 Global older, he found other ways to make
Threat: Bastards dragged a black bank; 2010 XXL Magazine: If that
man with a truck, and his body nigga is trying to make bank, good
smashed. Those two racist maggots for him
should get ropes around their necks; make no never mind phr. to make no
2009 Spank Mag: Vote for me, mother- difference or be insignificant (bk):
fucking maggots!; 2013 Facebook: 1997 Con Air, film: As long as I make
Dem maggots ain’t loving us! it home on time, it makes no never
main adj. favorite or beloved (bk): 2011 mind; 2003 Miami Herald: The Cubs
Twitter: I’m chillin with my main had a god named Sammy Sosa on their
nigga; 2011 Yahoo Music: I made it in side, but that didn’t make no never
memory of my main homie who passed mind; 2005 New York Daily News:
away; 2011 Run4Life: I was walking The idea is to catch the ball, and it
down the street with my main nigger makes no never mind how it’s caught
main man n. a close friend (bk, cm, gs, mama (or mamma) n. [1] a woman,
jg, rk): 2006 Dreamgirls, film: Come especially sexually attractive (cm,
Glossary 221
jg): 2000 Snoop Dogg: Little mama, distinction (gs): 1993 Simpsons, Fox-
don’t you start!; 1999 3rd Rock from TV series: You’re the man, Homer!;
the Sun, NBC-TV series: Every hot 1996 Barb Wire, film: “Nice work,
mama here was checking him out; Mr. Big Fatso!” “I’m the man!”;
2006 Rebecca Buckley: Ain’t ya goin’ 1996 Broken Arrow, film: “You’re the
to introduce me to this good-looking man!” “I’m the man!”
mama? [2] a girlfriend, wife or female Man n. a white person, especially a
lover (cm, jg): 1999 Silk: Got little person in power, such as a police offi-
something for my sexy mama; 2004 cer (bk, cm, gs, jg): 2005 Aaron Peck-
Ray, film: Come to bed! Mama ain’t ham: It’s just the Man trying to hold
finished yet; 2010 Black Planet: You me down!; 2009 Stephen Calt: I’d
have a young sexy nigga who is rather be sloppy drunk, sitting in the
looking for a sexy mama can, than to be out in the streets, run-
mama-jama (or mamma-jamma) n. [1] nin’ from the Man; 2013 Parenthood,
a sexually attractive woman: 1981 Carl NBC-TV series: You don’t wanna
Carlton: She’s a bad mama jama, just work for the Man!
as fine as she can be; 1994 Da Brat: Mandingo n. a strong and big-built Afri-
Y’all know I’m the real mama-jama; can American man (gs, jg): 2010
1996 Snoop Dogg: She had a hoe with Public Agenda News: I am proud to
her named Bama, a big bad mamma- say that I am a Mandingo; 2010 Adult
jamma; [2] an excellent or admirable DVD Empire: My wife is banging a
thing: 2009 Yahoo Voices: The price is mandingo; 2012 Django Unchained,
nothing compared to the picture qual- film: Them motherfuckers ain’t here
ity you get when you buy this mamma- to buy no Mandingos. They’s here for
jamma; 2011 Hub Pages: I played three the girl
racing games when taking this mama- mannish adj. acting overly tough or
jama for a test drive; 2011 Blogspot: aggressive (cm, gs): 1999 Dr. Dre:
You can view it online, but really, I got this bitch speakin Spanish, I’m
you’re going to want to download this mannish; 2008 Ebony: The Tops were
mama-jama for your iPhone or iPad no second banana, all driven by the
mamma see mama expressive, totally mannish voice of
mamma-jamma see mama-jama Levi Stubbs; 2009 Queer ID: I was
man n. [1] any man, especially a stranger going to try see if they’d wax me if
(gs): 1999 Late Show with Conan I acted mannish, but I’m too much of
O’Brien, NBC-TV program: Chicks a wimp
dig it, man!; 2004 Ray, film: We’re in man with a paper ass n. potentially
L.A., man, the place where the Negro offensive an insignificant man (bk,
comes to spread his wings; 2010 XXL jg): 2009 Zim Dog: He described the
Magazine: I’m tired of niggas lying, irresponsible speaker as talking like a
man. Quit faking! [2] a close friend man with a paper ass; 2009 Glock
(rk): 2000 Bamboozled, film: I’m just Talk: You talk like a man with a paper
tired of waitin’, man; 2002 Paid in ass!; 2009 Boston University Daily
Full, film: I saw your man, man!; Free Press: He’s talking like a man
2010 Urban Dictionary: Look, man, it with a paper ass
means like we brothas you know marinate v. [1] to relax and have a good
what I’m sayin’? [3] an excellent time (gs, rk): 1997 Lost Boyz: I’m
or admirable man, especially a man of lovin’ you, you lovin’ me, we be
222 Glossary
marinatin’!; 2005 Aaron Peckham: I Blogspot: The bitches enjoy the thin
was gonna go to class but I got high veneer of danger that comes with a
and decided to marinate instead; 2010 McGangsta; 2007 Minneapolis Star
My Space: I like to marinate with my Tribune: “Alpha Dog” has a jagged,
family and friends [2] to think deeply bewildering take on McGangstas; 2009
before responding (gs): 2005 Honey- Urban Dictionary: When presented
mooners, film: Just give me some time with a situation such as this, the
to marinate on it; 2005 Hitch, film: Just McGangsta will react with anger and
let me marinate for a second!; 2009 hostility
Ebony: On this Independence Day, let’s McNasty n. a sexually promiscuous
marinate on what we call freedom, and woman (rk): 1995 E-40: Filthy
what it looks like, feels like now [3] to McNasties at the bus stop are hitchhi-
wait for something to happen (gs, rk): kin’ it; 2009 Smart Pakquine: She is
2000 Zoe Valdes: She’s been marinat- now a McNasty; 2013 Twitter: If she
ing for fifteen days; 2006 Blogspot: ain’t down with rubbers, then she is a
They’ve been marinating for years; McNasty
2011 Black Voices: They are out there mean adj. excellent or admirable (bk,
marinating for a man like myself cm, gs, jg, rk): 2005 Aaron Peckham:
marshmallow n. potentially offen- That Cadillas Escalade is one bad-ass
sive a white person, especially fat ride. I love the rims, they make that shit
(bk, jg): 2003 50 Cent: So you know look mean; 2006 Dreamgirls, film: I’m
you’re not dealing with some fuckin’ gonna take a mean ride; 2010 Skate-
marshmallow; 2009 Urban Dictionary: land, film: It’s gonna be a mean bike,
That bitch is a marshmallow; 2013 maybe the baddest we ever built
Steam Community: I’m white, so mean-ass see above
someone called me a marshmallow mean green n. money (bk): 2006 Walker
max (or max and relax) v. to relax and Payne, film: All right, boys, time to pay
have a good time (gs, jg): 2006 Boys the rent. Let’s see that mean green;
and Girls Guide to Getting Down, 2009 Da Original: Earn mean green!;
film: All I do all day is max and relax, 2011 Facebook: I wish you the best of
and smoke pot; 2012 Hype Beast: I’ve luck! Hope you raise a lot of mean
been maxin in the sun, eating pizza, green
pasta, spaghetti, all those; 2013 A.J. Mecca n. Harlem, New York (gs): 1996
Crew: I be chilling out and maxing Get on the Bus, film: You was with
with these chicks Malcolm in Mecca; 2009 Ebony: The
max and relax see above restaurant is located in Mecca; 2010
may like v. to pretend (gs): 2000 Geneva Uptown Chronicle: I am speaking to
Smitherman: She may like she was my people from the heart, from
sick, but she wasn’t; 2013 Roleplay Mecca – we call it Mecca in Harlem
Gateway: Around guys she may like Medina n. Brooklyn, New York (jg, rk):
she becomes a bit clumsy and not as 2002 J-Live: I landed in Medina as a
confident as she usually is; 2013 City teacher; 2007 Wu-Tang Clan: They are
Data: She may like she never saw my hungry hyenas from Medina; 2009
email Atlantis School: I have lived in Medina
M.C., MC see emcee1, emcee2 (Brooklyn)
McGangsta n. an average or typical mellow1 (or mellow-back) adj. calm and
member of a criminal gang: 2009 relaxed (cm, jg): 1991 Jungle Fever,
Glossary 223
film: I’m a cool type of fellow, cool, 2011 Black Voices: I’m so tired of
calm, and mellow; 1992 Malcolm X, hearing about this MF’er [2] some-
film: I am about as mellow as I can thing irritating, especially if problem-
be; 2007 Ebony: Harry was all at once atic or difficult (cm): 2008 Free
mellow, happy, carefree, and sad Republic: Memory is a real MF’er;
mellow2 n. a close friend (cm, gs, jg): 2013 Jalopy Journal: How do you
1998 Tribe Called Quest: Some of my remove the brake booster on a 1956
mellows lost their mothers and their Buick? I recall there is a nut on the
brothers, for them I feel empathy; inside of the firewall that is a real MF
2009 Prison Talk: He told me one of to get to; 2013 Facebook: Jealousy is a
his mellows let him borrow them; 2009 real MF [3] an excellent or admirable
Moon Battery: Their mellows will con- man or thing (cm, gs): 2008 Ebony:
tinue to be harshed For me, my stepfather was the coolest
mellow back v. to be calm and relaxed: MF I have ever known; 2009 Body
2007 Los Angeles Times: He’ll mellow Building: Even if I weren’t a handsome
back and understand the organization MF’er, my confidence would still score
is trying to make the right moves; 2009 me some chicks; 2013 YouTube: I love
Blogspot: Y’all need to mellow back this MF and wouldn’t want to trade his
and come together; 2010 Rap Music: Spanish ass for anything
Before then I was replying to every- MF’er see above
thing, I mellowed back out now MF’ing1 adj. very offensive [1] con-
mellow-back see mellow1 temptible or irritating (bk, gs): 2010
melon n. the head (rk): 2008 House, Bossip: I know it’s a MF’ing recession;
M.D., Fox-TV series: It means some 2012 Yahoo Sports: Scott yells at
poor sap’s getting his melon sliced at Thomas for breaking the boycott,
the VA for no reason, and he’s gonna calling him a MF-ing sellout; 2013
be dead by the end of the week; 2008 Twitter: Unless someone is a MF’ing
Bolt, film: “You got hour head stuck doctor, I don’t want to hear a word
pretty good, huh?” “Hey guys, check about my weight; [2] excellent or
this out! He’s got his melon stuck!”; admirable: 2011 Kentucky Sports
2013 Criminal Minds, CBS-TV series: Radio: I am the MF’ing winner!; 2011
“Concussion? How’s your melon?” Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Of all the
“It’s all right” colossal idiots I have seen commenting
member n. a fellow African American on these blogs, you are the MF’ing
(bk, cm, gs, jg): 2000 Geneva champion, hands down; 2013 Game
Smitherman: Member [is] any African Faqs: MGS4 is a MF’ing masterpiece
American; 2010 McGruff: Right now it MF’ing2 adv. very offensive
ain’t nothin lavish for my members; extremely or totally: 2012 Corvette
2013 Twitter: “Where my fellow Forum: I have no idea on the price,
members at?” “Right here, nigga” but that’s a MF’ing cool car; 2013
MF (or MF’er) n. potentially Washington Monthly: It’s time for
offensive [1] a contemptible or Dems everywhere to remind voters that
despicable man (bk, cm, gs): 2009 the GOP is MF’ing crazy; 2013 Twit-
Mobile Salon: That MF was ready to ter: Lenny Kravitz is too MF’ing sexy
kill his own son because he heard MIA (or M.I.A., Mia) n. Miami, Florida
voices in his head; 2010 Ebony: (rk): 2011 City Data: Where to live in
I remember calling someone an MF; Mia?; 2012 Twicsy: He was born in
224 Glossary
MIA; 2013 Yahoo Answers: Does Mista Wind see Mister Wind
anyone know anything about living in Mister Charlie (or Mista Charlie, Mr.
MIA? Charlie) n. potentially offen-
Mickey D’s (or Mickey D) n. a McDo- sive a white person, especially
nald’s restaurant (gs, jg): 2002 8 Mile, regarded as an oppressor of African
film: I got him out of flipping burgers Americans (bk, cm, gs, jg): 2008
at Mickey D’s; 2004 Super Size Me, Postmodern Negro: Mista Charlie is
film: There are more Mickey D’s in on the rise and he is as a roaring lion;
Manhattan than anywhere else in the 2004 New York Beacon: They were
world; 2011 Los Angeles Times: willing to do whatever Mister Charlie
Mickey D’s is going high-tech by told them to do; 2007 Ebony: “Miss
replacing cashiers with touch screens Anne” and “Mister Charlie” date back
mic master n. a performer of a rap song: to the late 19th century when they
1993 Us3: Come flow with the sounds became generic
of the mighty mic master, rhymin’ on Mister Hawkins (or Mista Hawkins,
the mic I’ll bring the suckers to disas- Mr. Hawkins) n. the cold winter wind
ter; 2009 Zazzle: Not only are you a (cm, jg): 1990 Alan Dundes: I’m out
mic master, but a funky fresh one at here with Mister Hawkins, wringling
that!; 2013 Grim: I be the militant mic- and twisting, ducking and dodging,
master makin’ moves and skulking close to the buildings;
Miss Ann (or Miss Anne) n. poten- 1994 Clarence Major: Mister
tially offensive a white woman Hawkins [is] a cold winter’s wind;
(cm, gs, jg): 2007 Ebony: “Miss 2009 Ultra Lingua: Mister Hawkins is
Anne” and “Mister Charlie” date back cold wind
to the late 19th century when they Mister Wind (or Mista Wind, Mr.
became generic versions of the formal Wind) n. the cold winter wind (gs,
address even the most lowly white jg): 1987 Philadelphia Daily News:
person warranted; 2009 Yale-New The Hawk, you know him sometimes
Heaven Teachers Institute: Reverend as Mister Wind; 2006 Fiction Inter-
Abernathy’s humorous depictions of national: Time to leave Mista Wind,
“Miss Ann” and “Mr. Charlie,” Afri- Hawk, behind; 2009 Yahoo Answers:
can American folk designations of Mister Wind was blowing
white women and white men, energized Mo see Moe
many; 2011 Black Voices: Ever since modulate v. to relax and have a good
we’ve been in America, from slavery time: 2008 Blogspot: I’ve been modu-
onward, we have been taking care of latin’. Everything’s cool; 2010 My
the needs of Miss Ann Space: I’m modulatin’ with my niggas,
Miss Thang see below hoopin, and playing Playstation;
Miss Thing (or Miss Thang) n. a self- 2010 Bebo: I hate niggas who ain’t
important or arrogant woman (cm, gs, modulatin’
jg, rk): 1999 Dr. Dre: Miss Thing tried Moe n. [1] Moet champagne (rk): 2006
to scream on my brethren; 2004 Hair Nah Right: We be drinkin’ Moe, doin’
Show, film: Hi, Miss Thing! I like your dances on that hoe; 2009 Royal Flush:
hair!; 2005 Aaron Peckham: My sister, First you drinkin Snapple, now you
Miss Thang, is getting on my nerves drinkin Moe; 2010 Twitter: That’s why
Mista Charlie see Mister Charlie I drink Moe, for I can think more
Mista Hawkins see Mister Hawkins [2] (or Mo, ’Mo) the Fillmore area in
Glossary 225
San Francisco (jg): 1992 JT the Bigga [3] sex appeal or sex drive (bk): 1995
Figga: Bitches in the Moe ain’t good; Pinky and the Brain, WB-TV series:
2007 Socket Site: The ’Mo is the Fill- That man gets my mojo workin’!; 2004
more area, which is not exactly the Stephanie Rose Bird: The glazed look,
same but overlaps with it; 2009 Murder sophomoric grin, and gleam in his eye
Dog Magazine: I’m not from the Fill- when he mentions his mojo is insulting;
more, I’m from the Mission District. 2008 Ebony: It has negatively influ-
But I’m really linked down with my enced much of the industry, despite
boys from ’Mo the success of those models of color
mo-fo (or mofo) n. potentially who were allowed to work their mojo
offensive [1] a contemptible or over the last thirty years
despicable man (bk): 2009 News, moma (or momma) n. [1] a woman,
CBS-TV program: This mo-fo over- especially sexually attractive (cm, gs,
simplified highly complex issues with jg): 1988 Lou Aronica: I got there just
the typical sprinkling of bad rhetoric; as he was walking out with a good-
2007 Rolling Stone: R is one ugly mo- looking momma on his arm and a
fo; 2008 Johnstown Tribune Democrat: dreamy smile on his lips; 2007 Jay-Z:
Yo mo-fo, what you doing makin us Stay out of trouble, momma!; 2008
Dems look so bad, yo! [2] something Ebony: That’s who Gloria is: she’s a
irritating, especially if problematic or loveable, hefty momma [2] a girlfriend,
difficult: 2005 Blogspot: Smiling is dif- wife or female lover (jg): 2012 Google
ficult, talking just looks weird, and Plus: This is for my sexy momma; 2012
chewing is a difficult mo-fo; 2009 Yelp: Twitter: Tell’m I’ll be his new mama;
This one mo-fo cost me the game and 2013 Blogs: They broke up but she still
I lost $20; 2009 Cheapass Gamer: The thinks she’s his momma [3] an excel-
downside being that I lost my rental lent or admirable thing (bk): 2007
car key, and that mo-fo cost me $150 Camcorder Info: I wasn’t expecting
to get a copy of it! [3] an excellent or much even though paying nearly
admirable man or thing: 2009 Sixth $2000 for this momma. What I got
Axis: Just think of the amount of was a bunch of professional features
pranks you can play with that mo’fo!; that make film making a pleasure; 2008
2009 Stick Am: Who’s that sexy mo- Gigaom: I am more impressed with the
fo?; 2011 Pocket Lint: The Panasonic high power G55 laptop and its quad-
FT3 is a seriously tough mo-fo core processor. Now that’s a fast
mojo n. [1] a charm or amulet worn momma; 2011 Auto Trader: This
against evil (bk, cm, gs): 1998 He momma has other options
Got Game, film: This mojo works! It momma see above
worked on your ass!; 2009 Stephen Calt: mo-mo n. a motel (gs, rk): 2006 Randy
Mojo is one of the few locutions with Kearse: We stopped at the nearest mo-
apparent African pedigree; 2013 My mo; 2007 Bizzy Bone: Don’t take my
Space: I used to wear a mojo around photo in a mo-mo lookin’ out the
my neck [2] influence, power or cha- window!; 2009 Arcade Museum: Sure
risma (bk, gs, jg): 2005 Aaron Peck- you would have to find a cheap mo-mo,
ham: I can get any girl if I just use a bit but its still way less than driving from
of the old mojo; 2007 Two and a Half a far distance
Men, CBS-TV series: The girl digs my money (or money grip) n. a close friend
mojo; 2009 Ebony: Prince lost the mojo (cm, jg, rk): 1991 Del the Funky
226 Glossary
Homosapien: First he was my money 1996 Rock, film: This mother’s gonna
grip, then he stole my honey dip. Mis- blow big!; 2009 Maclean: This thing is
tadobalina is a serpent; 1993 Poison a mother to take apart by yourself;
Clan: Hoes ain’t worth it, money grip!; 2013 Yahoo Answers: The struggles
2001 Fat Joe: My money lookin happy of life can be a real mother [3] an
with his wife excellent or admirable man or thing
money grip see above (bk, cm, gs, jg): 2003 Elf, film: Time
mos def (or mos deaf) adv. definitely (jg, for me to get on the mike, and make
rk): 2000 Bamboozled, film: Let me this mother of a party hype!; 2004
get the whole Hilfiger hookup, huh? Starsky and Hutch, film: He’s old but
Definitely, mos def; 2002 Wire, HBO- he’s one tough mother!; 2011 Face-
TV series: “You’re gonna make this book: He’s one strong mother
right?” “Mos def!”; 2009 TL Planet: motherfuck1 (or mothafuck, mutha-
Mos def man I’m gonna try and get it fuck) excl. very offensive [1] I
done am irritated (jg): 1998 Lisa Scottoline:
moss n. hair, especially unstraightened Motherfuck! Everything was fucked
African American hair (bk, cm): 1994 up! It was all that bitch’s fault; 2003
Clarence Major: Moss [is] kinky hair; Virgin, film: They’re gonna lock me
African hair; 2009 Urban Dictionary: up. Motherfuck!; 2007 Jay Pinkerton:
Dennis had some serious moss in the Oh motherfuck, you want to fuck his
80’s; 2009 Fan Fiction: Trista used her fucking mother, motherfucker! I bet
delicate fingers to comb them out of you motherfucking like that! [2] I am
her long moss surprised (jg): 1996 Sleepers, film:
mostest adv. most (bk, cm): 2011 Polit- “Take a good look!” “Motherfuck!
ico: It’s our job to follow her lead That’s him!”; 2004 Rude Pundit: Oh,
because she is the mostest realest motherfuck, that’s funny! Goddamn,
American of all; 2011 Scuba Toys: the Rude Pundit is just doubled over
You are like the mostest coolest person in laughter; 2007 Brothers Solomon,
on this forum; 2011 YouTube: I am film: Motherfuck! We finished the
probably not the mostest stupidest procedure
person in the world motherfuck2 (or mothafuck, mutha-
motha see mother fuck) v. very offensive [1] to curse
mothafuck see motherfuck1, motherfuck2 someone of something, especially in
mothafucka see motherfucker anger (jg): 1989 Do the Right Thing,
mothafucking see motherfucking1, film: Motherfuck him and John
motherfucking2 Wayne!; 1989 Willie Dee: Motherfuck
mother (or motha, mutha) n. poten- the KKK!; 1995 Vampire in Brooklyn,
tially offensive [1] a contempt- film: “Rita belongs to me!” “Mother-
ible or despicable man (bk, cm, gs, fuck you, man!” [2] to not care about:
jg): 1994 Public Enemy: My man X is 1997 Blackout, film: Motherfuck it, I’ll
a bad mother; 1995 GoldenEye, film: get straight to the point; 1999 Summer
“Who is the competition?” “An of Sam, film: “Motherfuck the Mick!
ex-KGB guy. Tough mother”; 2009 Willie Mays was the man!” “Get outta
Facebook: Vincent, he’s a real mother! here! Mick was the guy!”; 2004 Chris
He puts me on the hitlist every time he Rock: Never Scared, film: Fuck you,
plays [2] something irritating, espe- I don’t need you, motherfuck you! [3]
cially if problematic or difficult (cm): to harm, especially as punishment or
Glossary 227
red one? With the naps?; 2004 Yahoo for the new and the old school; 2002 8
Groups: We’ve been taught to not like Mile, film: I lead the new school,
anything associated with our black- you’re a buster without the rhymes;
ness, especially naps; 2009 All Experts: 2009 Wikipedia: The new school was
I want to soften her naps into curls initially characterized in form by drum
Nation n. a religious group known as the machine led minimalism
Nation of Islam (gs): 1998 Nah Dove: N.I.C. see Nigger In Charge
He joined the Nation and so did she. nice adj. [1] drunk (gs, jg): 2008 VW
This decision helped her abandon Vortex: You were nice and passed out
street life; 2003 New York Times: He in the car, so we kept drinking; 2011
often repeated the view of some Heroes Mush: He’s a little nice right
members of the Nation that the white now from delicious drinks; 2011
man is the devil; 2013 Tumblr: Clay Forums: Nigga got nice and damaged
joined the Nation and received the [2] under the influence of a drug (gs,
name Muhammad Ali jg, rk): 1994 Notorious B.I.G.: You
natural n. African American hair that is smoked the blunts and got nice; 2006
not chemically processed (bk, cm, gs, Randy Kearse: These kinds of chicks
jg): 2009 Essence: You are not more don’t get nice; 2010 Drug 3K: So I get
black if you wear a natural; 2009 Face- nice and I just pass directly out
book: “Good hair. Is this why black nig see nigger
men favor white women?” “I wear a nigg see nigger
natural, and I love it. So none of this nigga see nigger
applies to me”; 2009 Black Voices: Nigga In Charge see Nigger In Charge
I wish I could wear a natural or braids niggalicious adj. very offensive
natural-born adj. extreme or total (bk, unless used by african ameri-
cm): 1994 Clarence Major: I laughed cans [1] (of an African American)
till I cried, that boy is a natural-born sexually attractive (jg): 2004 Urban
comedian; 2009 Huffington Post: Being Dictionary: Yo, that bitch look so damn
married to a natural-born meditator niggalicious I’d do her out back!; 2009
has its drawbacks; 2009 Root: Foolz: She’s niggalicious; 2013 Black
According to the mainstream media, Planet: Make sure to stop by and show
black folks apparently acted like me some luv. You’re so niggalicious
natural-born fools [2] excellent or admirable, especially
Negro n. very offensive unless if connected with African Americans:
used by african americans a 2010 YouTube: I hope you have a
fellow African American (cm, gs): Niggalicious Christmas; 2013 Facebook:
1994 Pulp Fiction, film: You’re send- How’d you get to be so niggalicious?;
ing Wolf? Great! Hey, Negro, that’s all 2013 Tumblr: It looks so niggalicious!
you had to say!; 2000 Bamboozled, nigga please see nigger please
film: There are millions of Negroes in niggarette (or niggerette) n. very
this country with that same mentality; offensive unless used by afri-
2004 Ray, film: We’re in L.A., man, the can americans a fellow African
place where the Negro comes to American woman: 1997 Wu-Tang
spread his wings Clan: The niggarette gave me gonor-
new school n. newer style of rap and hip- rhea; 2009 Get Big: I don’t think that
hop, beginning in the end of 1980s niggarette is so damn sexy; 2013 Face-
(cm): 1993 Ice-T: I got much respect book: Every nigga needs a niggarette
230 Glossary
nitty-gritty n. the most crucial and basic Boxden: What part of No Coast you
aspects or elements (bk, cm, gs, jg): from?; 2009 Urban Dictionary: Port-
1998 Alice Walker: That would sound land is OK, but it’s great to be in No
fine in a philosophy course, but what Coast again
is, as you say here, the nitty-gritty?; not give a motherfuck (or not give a
2008 Ebony: When you get down to mothafuck, not give a muthafuck)
the nitty-gritty, his score with the just- phr. very offensive to be indiffer-
ice system is one win, one loss; 2010 ent or not care: 2008 Prodigy: Tell
New York Times: In delving into the the Feds I don’t give a mothafuck,
nitty-gritty of health care negotiations, you niggas; 2008 Lil Wayne: I might
Obama risks alienating members of the go crazy on these niggas, I don’t give
labor movement a motherfuck; 2010 Facebook: Ink
nizzle n. a fellow African American: 2004 my whole body, I don’t give a
State: Snoopafly is working on an muthafuck
album with his nizzles; 2007 Provi- not give a shizzle phr. to be indifferent or
dence Journal: Manny is my nizzle!; not care: 2006 CNET: Big Brother
2007 News, CBS-TV program: In the doesn’t give a shizzle what you are
process, they gave white men a viable looking at; 2007 Body Building:
and edgy alternative to the N-word, my I cheated like mad earlier but I don’t
nizzle? give a shizzle; 2013 Facebook: I don’t
N.O. n. New Orleans, Louisiana (cm, gs): give a shizzle about politics
1998 Snoop Dogg: Much love from the nut v. to have an orgasm (gs, jg, rk):
N.O.!; 2009 Amazon: I was born in 2006 Randy Kearse: Soon as I started
N.O., live in South Louisiana, and to nut, I called out another chick’s
lived in N.O. for five years; 2009 City name; 2001 D12: Trepare to suck, even
Data: I lived in N.O. before the storm if the nigga don’t care to nut; 2012
No Coast, No’ Coast see North Coast Tumblr: Oh shit, I’m bout to nut!
noise n. music, especially instrumental N-word (or N word) n. an African
music rather than vocals (gs): 1999 American: 1997 Toni Morrison: Once
Public Enemy: Bring the noise!; 2004 the jurors heard the tapes it was clear
Hair Show, film: Ladies and gentle- that he had indeed used the N-word;
men, make some noise!; 2009 Ebony: 2007 30 Rock, NBC-TV series: He
They still bring the noise called me the N-word!; 2011 Aurora
N.O.L.A. (or NOLA) n. New Orleans, Sentinel: The N-word is perhaps the
Louisiana: 2011 Philadelphia City most powerful word in the English lan-
Paper: We really only treated our- guage. It carries 400 years of brutal
selves to one upmarket dinner in American history
NOLA; 2011 Yahoo News: While it
might be some time before I’m able to O
get back to N.O.L.A., I look forward to
stepping up to the oyster bar at Felix’s; Oaktown n. Oakland, California (cm, gs,
2011 Slashfood: I’m having my bach- jg, rk): 1993 CB4, film: They come not
elor party in NOLA during Jazzfest out of Oaktown, but out of a small
North Coast (or No Coast, No’ Coast) n. town called Locash; 1999 Ice-T: You
Midwestern USA: 2009 Bebo: If you’re might see me in Oaktown; 2009 Fran-
from the North Coast and you’re kenhood, film: I just moved down here
proud, put this on; 2009 Slumz from Oakland. Oakland? Oaktown!
232 Glossary
O.C. (or o.c.) adj. out of control (jg, rk): the chain; 2006 Randy Kearse: I hate to
2006 Fan Fiction: This story started out tell you but ya shortie is off the chain;
as a good one, but it just got so O.C., 2007 Black Planet: That nigga is off the
and things just don’t make sense any- chain!
more; 2006 Randy Kearse: Shortie off the hook adj. excellent or admirable
been o.c. since he was about twelve; (gs, jg): 1997 Snoop Dogg: Cuties
2008 Rap Music: This nigga was O.C. walkin’ in the door, come shakin’ ass
O.E. (or O.E. 800) n. Olde English all across the floor. It’s off the hook!;
800 malt liquor (gs, jg): 2003 Brotha 2008 LL Cool J: Met this little girl, she
Lynch Hung: I’m upstairs, starin’ out was off the hook, I got cold chills when
the window, drinkin’ O.E.; 2004 Viktor her body shook; 2013 Twitter: These
Vaughn: I’m drinkin O.E., hopin pigs hoes off the hook!
don’t see; 2012 Twitter: I’m drinking O.G. see original gangsta
OE and listening to Outkast oil n. liquor (cm, gs, jg): 2007 Urban
ofay n. very offensive a white person Dictionary: I’m tryin’ to get on dat
(bk, cm, gs): 1988 Elmore Leonard: It oil; 2009 Gaia Online: They like to
is a nice integrated neighborhood, drink oil and smoke pipes; 2013 Flickr:
ofays, Arabs, a few colored folks; Nigga can’t drink oil all day
1992 Malcolm X, film: I wish your Olde E n. Olde English 800 malt liquor:
mother and father could see you now. 1993 Poetic Justice, film: “They don’t
And that ofay you’re gonna marry; have no eightball? Y’all ain’t got Olde
2005 Washington Post: The ofays E?” “They don’t sell that outside the
[whites] were not used to seeing black neighborhoods”; 1994 Alkaho-
colored boys liks: Too much Olde E will make you
off v. [1] to kill (bk, cm, gs, jg): 1992 pee; 1997 Blackout, film: I toke weed
Trespass, film: I don’t know nothin’ sippin’ on my Olde E
about nobody gettin’ offed; 2003 Basic, old head n. an older person (gs, rk): 1987
film: And now I should feel bad about New York Times: It’s time for the old
someone who offed him?; 2007 Zodiac, heads to step down; 2005 Prison Break,
film: He offed a few citizens [2] to have Fox-TV series: Stretch your legs, old
sex with (bk): 2013 Tumblr: I wanted head; 2010 Root: Some old head,
to off that bitch Brooke so damn bad; experienced in the ways of civil rights
2013 University of California student: challenges, should have told him that
He says he offed that sexy bitch; 2013 old school n. older style of rap and hip-
Facebook: She’s offing her imaginary hop, beginning in the 1970s (gs, jg,
friends rk): 1993 Ice-T: I got much respect for
off the chain phr. [1] excellent or admir- the new and the old school; 2007 30
able (jg, rk): 1998 Lil Rob: My chick Rock, NBC-TV series: “I’m Tracy
is off the chain, enough to drive a Jordan, I’m old school!” “Yeah, I’m
grown man insane. 36 24 36, she’s familiar with this”; 2009 YouTube:
got the perfect frame; 2013 Word That’s why I only listen to old school
Press: This concert must be off the on E phr. lacking something, especially
press; 2013 Twitter: The band was off money (gs, rk): 2006 Randy Kearse:
the chain last night. So glad You have to look out this time, I’m on
I discovered this place! [2] crazy, E ’til next Friday; 2006 Rap Music:
irrational or out of control (jg, rk): I swear half the niggaz on this board
2006 T-Pop: I’m a gangsta nigga, off create post like they been on E half
Glossary 233
their life; 2010 Time: That’s annoying on someone’s case phr. irritating or nag-
because I’ve been on E for over two ging (bk): 2005 Coach Carter, film:
and a half years She was always on my case about
one-eighty-seven1 (or 187) n. a murder every little thing; 2005 USA Today:
(gs): 1991 Boyz in the Hood, film: Maury’s been on my case to get out
“Look out, nigga! What’s up, punk?” of the house and get back to work; 2006
“Possible one-eighty-seven at corner Seattle Times: This is quite a hassle,
of Crenshaw and Century”; 1992 Fort- and my wife has been on my case to do
ress, film: “Do you know what one- something about it
eighty-seven means?” “Murder”; on T see on time
2010 This Is 50: He did a one-eighty- on the DL see below
seven on a muthafuckin cop on the down low (or on the DL) phr.
one-eighty-seven2 (or 187) v. to murder secret, covert or clandestine (gs, jg):
(gs, jg): 1996 Get on the Bus, film: 1999 Blue Streak, film: I was under-
Your daddy got one-eighty-seven’d by cover, on the down low; 2007 Illegal
a brother and you Five-O in South Tender, film: You know how much the
Central?; 2010 Twitter: I wonder how government is willing to spend to
many niggas got one-eighty-seven’d?; relocate us and keep us on the DL?;
2013 YouTube: Those that disliked this 2008 Pineapple Express, film: Keep it
are about to get one-eighty-seven’d! on the down low. Don’t tell anybody
one love excl. greetings (rk): 1996 Tupac where you got it
Shakur: To the truest shit I ever spoke, on the real phr. truthfully or seriously
one love to my true thug niggas!; 2003 (jg, rk): 2005 Coach Carter, film:
One Love, film: “Call me!” “All right. Yo, on the real, Hercules is weak, B,
One love, people!”; 2010 Vox Commu- and y’all barely beat them; 2007 Bring
nications: One love to my people in the It On: In It to Win It, film: So, on the
hood! real, what happens if we don’t?; 2008
on full phr. having a lot of something, Wackness, film: I got mad love for you,
especially money (gs, jg): 2000 shorty. That’s on the real
Geneva Smitherman: On full [is] on the strength phr. truthfully or ser-
having plenty of something; 2013 iously (gs, jg, rk): 1993 Mobb Deep:
J. Cole: I got my pockets on full, stom- On the strength that I had to hurt
ach on full, I got full coverage; 2013 something, I’m a cool nigga but don’t
Nino Brown: I’m doin my thang, let me start buggin; 2010 DMX: On the
pockets on full strength that they don’t know what
on GP (or on G.P.) phr. for no reason or they holdin; 2010 Wu-Tang Clan: On
just because (jg): 1998 MC Ren: the strength, we giants!
Compton niggas be takin pussy on on time (or on T) phr. at the right time
GP from CPT all day; 2005 Gucci (gs, jg, rk): 2001 Ja Rule: Baby, I’m
Mane: I’m a bust his muthafuckin head not always there when you call, but
on GP; 2013 Lil B: They suck my dick I’m always on time; 2006 Randy
on GP, it’s all good Kearse: That was on time dawg; 2011
on point phr. exactly or precisely (gs, Webbie: Just hit me up when it’s on
rk): 1994 Above the Rim, film: Bobby, time
you’re on point!; 2004 Wu-Tang Clan: oofus n. a stupid or silly person (bk, cm,
Each line be on point when I speak jg): 2009 Urban Dictionary: John
mine; 2010 Ebony: He was on point thinks his jokes are funny, he’s such
234 Glossary
pail n. the stomach (bk, cm, jg): 2006 pay dues phr. to have a hard life or
Brawl Hall: I think you should give experience hardships and difficulties
him a shot in the pail; 2009 Tom Dal- (cm, gs): 2008 YouTube: I got shit to
zell: Pail [is] the stomach; 2009 lose, I’m a nigga out here payin’ my
Scribed: His blood on his pail made it dues; 2010 Burbler: I got nothin’ to
real somehow lose, payin’ dues; 2010 Terror Squad:
paper n. money (gs, rk): 1997 Orlando Who them niggas that be breakin
Sentinel: I penciled a note stating that rules? Now who them niggas that be
he owed me paper; 2005 Coach Carter, payin dues?
film: “I got some paper for you!” “Now pay no mind phr. to be indifferent to or
we’re talking!”; 2006 Crossover, film: consider insignificant (cm): 2004 Super
That’s a lot of paper, dawg Size Me, film: I never pay no mind to
paper bag test n. a criterion for admis- what calories are; 2009 Wonderful
sion to a club or organization, based on World, film: Pay no mind to what he
skin color (bk): 2009 Austin American- says; 2010 My Space: I pay no mind
Statesman: Obama is light enough to ’cause they’re not worthy my time
pass the paper bag test, while brown- peace excl. [1] hello (rk): 1993 Us3: The
skinned first lady would flunk it; 2010 “peace dude shit ain’t sayin’ nothin”;
Fredericksburg Free Lance Star: For 1998 He Got Game, film: “Peace,
the federal government to ask school bro!” “What’s up, man?”; 2000 If
officials to make a visual judgment These Walls Could Talk 2, film: “Good
smacks of the Jim Crow-era paper morning!” “Peace, man!” [2] (or
bag test; 2010 Washington Post: peace out) goodbye (gs, jg, rk):
I hope the old paper-bag test is a thing 2008 Big Bang Theory, CBS-TV series:
of the past “It’s always nice talking to you, Shel-
paper chase n. the pursuit of money (gs): don!” “Peace out!”; 2009 Brooklyn’s
1998 Scarface: Me and the homie’s all Finest, film: “I’m going home to see
on paper chase; 2004 Lil Wayne: I’m my lady.” “Peace, man!”; 2009 Never
on a paper chase until my toes bleed; Surrender, film: “Call us if you need
2009 Urban Dictionary: That nigga is anything.” “All right, guys. Peace,
on the paper chase fo’ sho, he got bills bro!”
to pay peace out see above
parlay v. [1] to have a good time (gs, jg, peck see peckerwood
rk): 1999 Snoop Dogg: We parlay, peckawood see below
parlay everyday; 1995 Tupac Shakur: peckerwood (or peckawood, peck) n.
Come on to keep my temper low. potentially offensive [1] a poor
I parlay with my friends. There’s really southern white, especially a farmer
nowhere else to go; 2000 Mr. Dalvin: (bk, gs): 2002 New York Times: He
I gotta take you underground, parlay has flicked away critics, calling them
all day with the niggas from the Bass- a bunch of peckerwoods; 2001 Char-
ment sound [2] to wait patiently (gs, lotte Observer: You won’t get a fair
rk): 1995 Friday, film: So y’all just shake from those peckerwoods; 2007
parlaying in here, huh?; 2004 Jamie Ebony: “Peckerwood” was applied to
Lowe: Pookie was parlaying in poor whites and eventually became
Durham now that I was home; 2010 associated with whites in general [2]
Huffington Post: Juan has been any white person, especially from the
parlaying too long southern USA (bk, cm, gs, jg): 1999
236 Glossary
Held Up, film: All you other pecker- Theory, CBS-TV series: I got some
woods, don’t fire unless you’re fired chicken for my peeps
upon!; 2003 Cincinnati Enquirer: peep things out phr. to observe, examine
Those peckerwoods don’t know what or notice what is happening (gs, jg):
they’re doing; 2011 Black Voices: 1993 Philadelphia Daily News: I peep
Who helped those peckerwoods load things out more when I’m blunting;
us onto the ships? 2008 Omar Tyree: I already peeped
peep v. [1] (or peep out) to observe, things out; 2009 Silverados: I peeped
examine or notice (gs, jg, rk): 2002 things out and here is what I found
Men in Black II, film: Did you peep people (or peoples) n. friends (cm, rk):
that drop-top thing out front?; 2002 2002 Wire, HBO-TV series: Call one
Barbershop, film: Yo, peep this out. of his peoples!; 2003 Bad Boys II,
You got a reward if you turn this in; film: Two bags? You embarrassed me
2004 You Got Served, film: Are you in front of my people; 2007 Public
peeping this, man? They’re taking all Enemy: Way back, my peoples gave
our moves [2] to discover or uncover, me pride
especially something meant to be people of color phr. non-white people
secret (gs, jg, rk): 1998 Jay-Z: (gs): 1994 Public Enemy: We runnin
I peeped those and my mind is so outta time, people of color!; 2009
advanced; 2006 Randy Kearse: Ebony: For many years the bad guys
I already peeped that about you; 2009 were people of color; 2009 New York
Atlanta Housewives: I peeped that Times: It’s not hard to find gifts
about Lisa last season and I’m so sure created for and by people of color this
that she is going to rise again [3] to holiday season
pay attention and listen carefully (jg, peoples see people
rk): 1998 Can’t Hardly Wait, film: perpetrate v. to pretend to be something
I mean, peep this: they say in here one is not (gs, jg, rk): 2001 Supafly:
92% of honeys at UCLA are sexually I see niggaz perpetratin’ like they
active; 2000 Bamboozled, film: Peep lovin’ L.A.; 2009 Gucci Mane: You
this. I’ll give you a thousand dollars fuckin player hater, bird-brain-ass
if you can name who the fuck number nigga perpetratin the boss; 2013 Jon
twenty-four is right there; 2005 Apoc- Connor: A lot of these rap niggas
alipps: Well, peep this, I ain’t even perpetrate
have to use the nine, I just picked up phat adj. excellent or admirable (bk, gs,
them briefcases like they was mine jg, rk): 2000 Colorado Springs Gaz-
peeps n. [1] friends: 2000 Bamboozled, ette: Hernandez said the incident
film: I know all about my peeps, my began over the boys’ desire to steal a
niggas in the ghetto; 2005 Beauty Shop, phat car; 2000 Bamboozled, film: I’m
film: Now, since y’all my peeps, I’ma trying to live in a phat crib; 2002 8
let you ladies pick Helen’s topic for the Mile, film: We need fine bitches and
day; 2010 Examiner: Do you really phat rides
know who your peeps are? [2] family piano n. spareribs, especially a single
(gs, jg): 1998 He Got Game, film: section of boiled or barbecued sparer-
“These are my peeps right here.” ibs (bk, cm, jg): 1994 Clarence
“Yo, man, it’s your pops”; 2006 Air Major: Piano [is] spareribs; 2003
Buddies, film: I got mad love for my New York Times: It includes a glossary
peeps right here; 2009 Big Bang of Harlem slang, in which piano on
Glossary 237
a platter [is] spare ribs; 2009 E- pimp juice!; 2005 Aaron Peckham: see
Subjects: Piano means spareribs that shorty? She wants my pimp juice;
pimp1 n. [1] a man who exploits or is 2010 Astraweb: She wanna get me for
supported by a woman (cm, gs): 2005 my pimp juice [2] champagne, espe-
Be Cool, film: The way you’re dressed, cially Crystal (rk): 2006 Snoop Dogg:
you’re either a pimp or a limo driver; It’s a ninety percent chance she gon’
2010 Minneapolis Star Tribune: At the get pimp juice; 2006 Chicago Tribune:
time, it wasn’t too clear that he was a Anyone find around 500 cases of pimp
pimp; 2013 Newark Star-Ledger: Gan- juice under their Christmas tree?; 2008
dolfini was cast as a pimp [2] a seducer Little Britain USA, HBO-TV series:
or womanizer, especially if very skill- We would chill for a bit, have a glass
ful (gs, rk): 1991 Ricochet, film: or two of pimp juice
I punch hos and I smack up niggers, pimp ride n. an expensive luxury auto-
because I’m a pimp and a player; 2009 mobile, especially if additionally
Bridge to Nowhere, film: I remember accessorized (cm, jg): 2007 VW
back in the day, I was a pimp; 2010 Vortex: I will never drive his pimp
Twitter: Bitch, you lookin’ at a real ride; 2009 Dorrough: Ask around, bet
pimp! they tell you that I been fly, I had a
pimp2 v. to exploit or take advantage of pimp ride; 2007 Baltimore Sun: He
(cm, gs, rk): 1992 Arrested Develop- should not be driving a pimp ride in
ment: They do dirty work and get the hood
pimped by mobsters; 2009 Field Negro: pimp-slap v. to slap someone with the
Some are pimping ideology, some are back of one’s hand across the face
pimping fear, and some are even (cm, gs, jg, rk): 2006 Scary Movie 4,
pimping religion; 2009 Ebony: Pimping film: No one pimp-slaps Brenda!; 2009
technology in the 21st century has Democratic Underground: I’m going to
made many things more convenient pimp-slap the next person who says
pimpalicious adj. excellent or admirable: that; 2009 I Can Do Bad All By Myself,
2005 Young Buck: You gettin’ tempted film: Say one more thing, and I will
cuz I’m pimpalicious; 2006 New York pimp-slap you
Times: The show ends with the owner’s pimptastic adj. excellent or admirable
first glimpse at the pimpalicious ride; (jg): 2005 Off Road: I got some new
2009 Urban Dictionary: Man, that new pimptastic wheels; 2006 Super Cars:
car you bought is pimpalicious Seattle is a pimptastic place; 2011
pimped out adj. elegant, stylish or well- Urban Dictionary: That dress is
dressed (jg): 2004 My Baby’s Daddy, pimptastic
film: You look different, all pimped pimp walk n. a male style of walking or
out; 2006 Snoop Dogg: Which one of strutting with a slight dip in the stride,
y’all was checkin out this pimped out especially characteristic of pimps (cm,
playa?; 2010 Bright Side: I don’t actu- jg): 2009 Yada Yada Bible: Well, that’s
ally know what Pau was wearing but where he got his pimp walk; 2009 Lib-
I am very confident that he was pimped erty News Forum: I don’t like his pimp
out walk. It’s unprofessional; 2010 Funny
pimp juice n. [1] anything exciting and Junk: You call that a pimp walk? It
attractive to the opposite sex, espe- looks like you need to take a dump
cially money or status: 2003 Love Don’t pink (or pinkie, pinky) n. potentially
Cost a Thing, film: Gotta have the offensive a white person, especially
238 Glossary
a woman (bk, cm, jg): 1996 Outkast: rk): 2000 Jay-Z: He’ll try to play you
The pinks moved in; 2013 AntiRacist twice; 2003 Wire, HBO-TV series: You
Workshop: The term was created by think brother played me? Can’t read
pinks to deny responsibility for sys- lying eyes after all these years’; 2011
temic racism; 2013 Dead State: You Mechanic, film: They played you so
just proved your racism by pigeon- easily, that’s what bothers you
holing all whites (you say pinks) and playa see player
Republicans playa hata see player hater
pinkie, pinky see above player (or playa) n. a womanizer who
pink toe (or pink toes) n. potentially takes advantage of women (cm, gs,
offensive a white person, especially jg, rk): 2004 Two and a Half Men,
a woman (cm, gs, jg): 2010 Urban CBS-TV series: I’m a bad man, I’m a
Dictionary: Brother, I met this fine pink player; 2005 Aaron Peckham: Lamar is
toe last night; 2010 All Hip Hop: such a playa, I seen him with Nikki last
Everybody in here is saying they don’t night but I know he’s with Amber, and
find pink toes attractive. You fools is Latasha thinks she’s his girl. He’s
gay! If one nigga can be honest so can playin’ them all; 2009 Topix: Do you
I: I love them!; 2011 Black Voices: The continue with a guy knowing he’s a
last thing I will do is to teach a pink toe player?
how to satisfy my black kings player hater (or playa hata) n. an envi-
pink toes see above ous person who is trying to prevent
pitch a bitch phr. potentially someone from doing something suc-
offensive to complain (cm, gs, jg, cessful or funny (gs, rk): 2006 Phila-
rk): 2002 New York Post: That way delphia Inquirer: In his former
nobody can pitch a bitch about a teammates’ eyes he’s essentially a
late starting time; 2007 Gothamist: player hater; 2009 News, CBS-TV
A New Yorker would be the first to program: Shame on you Mr. Lee and
pitch a bitch; 2009 Talk: My kids wer- any one else who is a player hater on
en’t allowed to pitch a bitch for any creative people; 2010 Washington
reason Post: Don’t be such a player hater
PJ’s n. housing projects for the poor (bk, and give credit where it’s due
jg, rk): 2002 Wire, HBO-TV series: play out v. to lose value, meaning or
What you doin’ down in the PJ’s? interest (gs, jg): 1995 Jayo Felony:
You lost?; 2004 Everyday People, film: Will I ever play out? Nigga, you know,
The people from the PJ’s ain’t gonna never would; 2011 Atlanta Journal-
be spending their benjamins at Banana Constitution: The whole “keeping it
Republic, right?; 2010 My Space: real” got played out after the first epi-
Wyclef’s ‘PJ’s’ video was filmed in sode; 2013 Amazon: I thought it played
Marlboro projects in Brooklyn out fast
play v. [1] to womanize and take advan- play past phr. to circumvent obstacles or
tage of women (gs): 1988 Too Short: difficulties (cm, gs, jg): 1994 Clarence
What is life? It is too short. I play Major: The bitch is stubborn, but I can
bitches like it’s a sport; 2003 Three 6 play past her bullshit; 2010 University
Mafia: You play bitches and I mack of Alabama student: You gotta play
hoes; 2012 New York University stu- past this stuff; 2012 Natural Freedom:
dent: Playing is not for me. I’m not a Most of the books tell you how to play
playa [2] to deceive or outsmart (gs, past that shit
Glossary 239
play pussy and get fucked phr. very Dope: The P.W.T. were not on the
offensive to act weakly and suffer bottom, the blacks were
the consequences (gs, jg): 2008 Word poot1 n. potentially offensive [1]
of South: They played her, she played expulsion of intestinal gas through
pussy and got fucked; 2009 YouTube: anus (bk, cm): 2009 Blogspot: Does
Play pussy and get fucked. That’s his poot smell like mine?; 2009 Otaku
life; 2011 Facebook: For those who Booty: I didn’t necessarily hear a
don’t know me, play pussy and get poot, but I feel like someone might
fucked! have pooted; 2012 Imperfect Enjoy-
play the Dozens phr. to tease, especially ment: He muffled his poot by pulling
by provocative rhyming comments in a his ass cheeks apart [2] excrement
gamelike manner (gs, jg): 2006 Bobby, (bk): 1986 Village Voice: Did she think
film: You Mexican boys can’t play the I usually walked around festooned in
Dozens; 2010 Bleacher Report: After pigeon poot?; 2009 Green Daily: I’ll
all, who in their right mind wants to have to ignore you like a pile of dog
hear Cornette and Russo play the poot and ask you to mind your own
dozens?; 2011 Entertainment Weekly: business; 2009 Yahoo Answers: Why
It meant to boost Fat Neil’s self-esteem does my dog step on its own poop
and dishing out more nasty comments when he goes outsie? [3] a contempt-
than Don playing the dozens ible or despicable person (bk): 2009
pluck n. wine, especially cheap white Net Cees: This site doesn’t revolve
(cm, gs, jg): 1995 U.N.L.V.: I didn’t around you, you stupid poot!; 2011
give a fuck, I was drinkin’ pluck; 2006 Renn List: Previous owner has been a
Afrocentric: They see them standing on real poot. Didn’t tell me about some of
the corner drinking pluck; 2009 Wil- the things that were wrong with the
liam Flores: These older hustlers car, until today; 2013 Date Hookup:
would grandstand on the Boulevard Aw come on, don’t be such a poot
while drinking pluck in plain view poot2 v. potentially offensive to
po-lice (or PO-lice) n. police (gs): 1994 expel intestinal gas through the anus
Tupac Shakur: Hoes snitched to the (bk, cm, gs): 2006 ATL, film: Which
PO-lice; 2009 Democratic Under- one of y’all pooted?; 2009 Twitter:
ground: You’re wanted by the po-lice, I picked up my cat and he pooted on
and my wife thinks you’re dead; 2010 me!; 2009 Fark: The real question is,
Chappelle’s Show, WGN-TV pro- does your dog poot then turn and look
gram: A black man would never dream at its butt in surprise?
of talkin’ to the po-lice high, that’s a poot around v. potentially offen-
waste of weed! sive to waste time doing nothing (bk):
poor white trash (or po’ white trash, 2004 Newsarama: Heck, I’d like to poot
P.W.T.) n. potentially offen- around all the time too but you go to
sive a poor white person or poor white work to do a job; 2009 YouTube: I’ve
people, especially from the southern got some great locations for you to
USA (cm, gs, jg): 2010 Atlanta poot around!; 2009 Blogspot: It was
Journal-Constitution: It was just those the first time in a very long time that
people, uneducated hillbillies, red- he and I went off like this for a whole
necks, crackers, poor white trash; day just pooting around
2011 Entertainment Weekly: They both poot-butt n. potentially offensive
are poor white trash; 2013 Straight a lazy, unmotivated or stupid person
240 Glossary
(bk, cm, gs, jg): 1998 King Tee: projects, and he might say some real
You’ll look like a poot-butt!; 2001 Mal- shit from time to time; 2009 30 Rock,
colm Kelly: “Some dudes just ain’t cut NBC-TV series: I was a kid living in
out for this type of lifestyle.” “Are you the projects
saying I’m a poot-butt?”; 2005 Afro- propers see below
centric: People are such poot butts props (or propers) n. proper respect (bk,
po-po n. police (jg, rk): 2002 CSI: cm, gs, jg, rk): 1993 Ice-T: I get much
Miami, CBS-TV series: I don’t need props because I roll with the hardcore
no po-po telling me what to do; 2008 Gs; 1993 Us3: You’ve got to give me
Snoop Dogg: The po-po know, that’s props, I’m on the way to the top; 2009
why they on my dick; 2009 Southland, Ebony: I give you props for your jour-
NBC-TV series: “Where’s the girl? nalizing style
Where’s she at now?” “Po-po came pump up v. to enliven or make more
and got her” exciting and stimulating (gs, jg):
posse n. a group of young people (cm, gs, 1999 Bowfinger, film: If I had more
jk, rk): 1991 New York Magazine: scenes with Kit, then that would really
Children call their circle of friends pumped up our scenes; 2012 Mac Daily
“crews” or “posses,” just like the News: I hear that Vince is available if
dealers do; 2006 American Dreamz, Apple needs to pump up the presenta-
film: Omer likes to hang out at the tion a bit; 2013 Los Angeles Times:
mall, where his posse all know him; They have wonderful source material,
2013 Los Angeles Times: Evan and his yet there is some need to pump it up
posse stop at the Harley-Davidson pump up the volume phr. to play loud
museum music (gs): 2010 News, CMT-TV pro-
pound v. to drink alcohol in large gram: Lynyrd Skynyrd pumped up the
amounts, especially beer (gs, jg): volume with the lascivious “What’s
1994 Los Angeles Times: He doesn’t Your Name”; 2010 Olympian: It was a
drink much of the hard stuff, but he small audience, but they pumped up
sure can pound beer; 2012 Atlanta the volume, ending with a standing
Journal-Constitution: Did Clay have ovation; 2011 Daily Maverick: I won’t
to pound beer the entire time?; 2013 complain if you start to pump up the
Blogspot: Smokin’ pot, pounding volume
vodka and hangin’ with hookers – punk-ass adj. weak, timid or cowardly
and he’s still a better mayor than (jg, rk): 2002 8 Mile, film: Fight me,
Olivia Chow would be you punk-ass bitch! I could end your
po’ white trash see poor white trash shit now and nobody would even miss
profile phr. to boast or act in a showy way your ass; 2005 Hustle and Flow,
(bk, cm, gs, jg, rk): 1995 Mobb film: There you go, running off to your
Deep: Real niggas don’t try to profile; boys. Because you ain’t nothing but
1998 Mean Green: You out there profi- a punk-ass bitch!; 2012 YouTube:
lin’ for them bitches; 2009 Topix: Quit Punk-ass nigga runnin away, callin
your profiling, you really are a jerk for backup
projects n. housing projects for the poor put someone on front street phr. to
(cm): 1998 Wu-Tang Clan: He’s an expose someone’s secrets in public
ordinary cat from outta projects; 2004 (gs, jg, rk): 2006 Randy Kearse:
Dave Chapelle: For What It’s Worth, I won’t let you put me on front street
film: Cosby is a nigger from the like that; 2008 Black Planet: They know
Glossary 241
how to take care of they man and don’t race woman n. a female African Ameri-
put him on front street; 2009 Hip Hop can activist (gs, jg): 1992 Los Angeles
DX: He tried to use her as a joke, and Times: Billie Holiday referred to her-
she put him on front street self as a race woman; 2002 New York
P.W.T. see poor white trash Newsday: I am a race woman, too, but
of a different sort; 2008 Ebony: A race
Q woman, she addresses the complexities
of miscegenation, inter-racial identity,
quick, fast and in a hurry see below and bi-racial identity
quick, fast, in a hurry (or quick, fast Rada see below
and in a hurry) adv. very quickly or Rado (or Rada) n. a Cadillac Eldorado
fast (gs, rk): 1995 Major Payne, film: automobile (cm, gs, jg): 2004 Ultim-
I’m gonna fix that up quick, fast and ate Car Page: I’d have a big grin if
in a hurry; 1998 Los Angeles Times: I got to drive a ’Rado everyday; 2008
Quick fast in a hurry, I was makin’ Car Lounge: Should I chill out cause
crazy dollars; 2006 Big Momma’s I drive a rado?; 2012 Tumblr: Howzzit
House 2, film: I don’t care when it you drive a Rado? I’mma get one soon
is, day or night, you just call me, rain v. to complain (bk, cm): 2006 Public
okay? And I’ll come runnin’ quick, Enemy: We rain on Babylon; 2010
fast, and in a hurry New Schoolers: He rained on your
quiet as kept, quiet as it’s kept stupid thread sweep; 2010 Papers Past:
see below Shells began to rain about it
quiet is kept (or quiet as kept, quiet as raise (or raise up) v. [1] to leave (bk, cm,
it’s kept) excl. let us keep it secret or gs, rk): 1993 Menace II Society, film:
confidential (gs, jg, rk): 2003 E-40: Nigger, hurry up! Come on, man! Let’s
Quiet as it’s kept, I wanna retire but raise up!; 2000 Paul Beatty: You four
I can’t; 2006 Randy Kearse: Quiet is motherfuckers need to raise. You all
kept, I did hit dude’s girl over the ain’t none of my social support net-
summer; 2013 Twitter: Quiet as it’s work; 2012 Obie Trice: Nigga raise
kept, Steebie just paid off his debt! up, you can get bucked [2] to leave
someone alone (jg, rk): 1993 Geto
R Boys: Think about it quick, and raise
up, bitch!; 2006 Randy Kearse: Raise
race man n. a male African American up dawg, can’t you see I’m busy; 2010
activist (gs, jg): 1998 New York Times: New York University student: Raise
What a race man signifies for the white up motherfucker!
segments of our society is not neces- raise up see above
sarily how a race man is defined for rap1 n. [1] a style of African American
various black constituencies; 2008 music where songs are rapidly spoken
News, CBC-TV program: In America, rather than actually sung, rooted in
a race man is a black man who is African American verbal tradition
fiercely proud of his race and deeply (cm, gs): 2003 Los Angeles Times:
committed to the political and social Whether you like rap or not, Eminem
advancement of blacks; 2009 Ebony: has about as much claim to the top
Despite his nerdy, oddball personality, Grammy as the winners of best spoken
he is a race man, caught up in all word or liner notes; 2005 Village
matters racial Voice: It’s a good thing that white
242 Glossary
hipster kids listen to rap; 2008 Milwau- they’re in a huddle just outside the
kee Journal Sentinel: I listen to con- front entrance, surrounding two
temporary rap [2] a song that is rapidly among them in the heat of a freestyle
spoken rather than actually sung, rap battle
rooted in African American verbal rapper n. a performer of a rap song (bk,
tradition (bk, cm): 1993 Us3: Yo, if cm): 1996 Get on the Bus, film: He’s a
you’re proud and black, you’ll listen rapper, not an actor; 1996 USA Today:
to the rap; 2006 Public Enemy: We I think a lot of rappers will pay
back with the rap that packs the room; homage to Tupac on their records;
2009 Rolling Stone: He did a rap on 2008 Ebony: I’ll say that 90 percent of
one of Kool Moe D’s first albums [3] a rappers grew up without fathers
talk or conversation, especially with a rap song n. a song that is rapidly spoken
member of the opposite sex (cm, gs, rather than actually sung (bk): 2006
rk): 1991 Chicago Tribune: I thought Jay-Z: I’m singin’ dirty rap songs;
his rap was garbage; 2006 Randy 2008 Ebony: In numerous rap songs
Kearse: Ya man’s rap is some trash; rappers boast about their harems;
2008 Philadelphia Inquirer: It was an 2009 Dallas Morning News: In the
interesting rap about how the fastidi- video, Bennett performed a rap song
ous USA Network detective started a that included profanity
resurgence in TV shows Rasta n. a Rastafarian, member of a cul-
rap2 v. [1] to peform a rap song (bk, cm): tural and religious Jamaican movement
1995 Tampa Tribune: A week later, originating in Ethiopia, associated with
they were rapping original songs like reggae music (gs): 1984 Bob Marley
“Ain’t It A Shame”; 2000 Bamboozled, and the Wailers: The Bob Marley
film: We rap better than most niggers; Story, film: Do you think any of the
2004 Snoop Dogg: I know you dig Rastas have been involved in the kill-
my rappin [2] to talk or converse, espe- ings?; 1998 Half Baked, film: If you
cially with a member of the opposite desperate, you can get it from the Ras-
sex (cm, gs, jg, rk): 1995 Melrose tas at Washington Square Park; 2010
Place, Fox-TV series: “Am I interrupt- News, ABC-TV program: Among Bib-
ing you?” “No, we were just rapping”; lical verses Rastas quote as justifying
2010 Huffington Post: Meetings often the use of cannabis is Genesis 1:11
involved women going around the raw1 adv. potentially offensive
room and rapping about issues in their without a condom (gs, rk): 2005 Real-
own lives; 2013 Two and a Half Men, est Niggas: There’s a chick that I mess
CBS-TV series: “I had a tought morn- with that has her tubes tied, so I’ll go
ing!” “You wanna talk about it? Let’s raw with her; 2006 Randy Kearse: You
rap!” mean you tell me you went raw with
rap battle n. teasing, especially by pro- Shortie?; 2010 New York Daily News:
vocative rhyming comments in a Tiger is a fool to go raw with her but
gamelike manner: 2010 Prefix Mag: I guess Tigers don’t get AIDS!
According to Busta, he lost a serious raw2 n. cocaine (gs, rk): 1997 Jay-Z:
rap battle to Jay-Z in high school; 2010 I got that uncut raw; 2004 Master P:
Hip Hop DX: One day, it was like at You snort raw, I got Peruvian pure;
the end of the school year, and we had 2009 Comeup BMX: We used to sniff
a rap battle in the middle of the school; raw at his house every night cuz he
2010 Minnesota Daily: Minutes later, lived next to my dealer
Glossary 243
raw dog1 (or raw dawg) n. poten- and see where I’m comin from; 1994
tially offensive sex without a Above the Rim, film: Recognize,
condom (gs, jg): 2006 Perry Halkitis: motherfucker!; 2008 Big Bang
I just always called it raw dog, I didn’t Theory, CBS-TV series: “So in your
know barebacking. Different people world, you are cool guys?” “Yep.
have different slang; 2009 Twitterific: Recognize!”
Him and Tila are having raw dog; 2010 Red, Black and Green n. a color com-
Actionext: Straight up the ass, raw dog bination suggesting strong identifica-
with the rash and I don’t fuck wit the tion with African Americans and their
condoms experience (cm, gs): 1999 Black World
raw dog2 (or raw dawg) adv. poten- Today: I dream of the day when the
tially offensive without a Red, Black and Green will be on proud
condom (gs, rk): 1997 Wu-Tang Clan: display by countless millions of Afri-
She wanted niggaz to fuck her raw can people in this country; 2006 Hip
dog; 2007 Where God Left His Shoes, Hop Project, film: I see this brother
film: You’re gonna have to bag it, with a kufi on, red, black, and green;
because you can’t go raw dog these 2011 Press of Atlantic City: They
days; 2009 Omar Tyree: She lets me gathered to raise the Pan-African flag,
fuck her raw dog now, and cum all with its bold colors of red, black and
up in her until her ears pop green, and to celebrate the successes
realest adj. very real and authentic: 2008 of African Americans
Realest Niggas: That makes him the red bone n. potentially offensive a
realest rapper alive; 2010 All Aca- light-skinned African American (cm,
demic: This is the realest ghetto shit jg): 1994 Nathan McCall: Liz thought
ever filmed; 2011 LA Weekly: This is I preferred red-bones; 2004 Johnson
one of the realest reality shows on TV Family Vacation, film: “You is a hot-
real nigga see below buttered red bone! Look at you, girl!”
real nigger (or real nigga) n. very “Uncle Earl! Come man, that’s my
offensive unless used by afri- wife!”; 2009 Bernard Satterwhite: The
can americans an African Ameri- pretty red bone squinted her eyes at
can who is righteous, honest and Calvin
trustworthy: 2007 Urban Dictionary: red eye n. a long and aggressive stare (gs,
You don’t have to be a real nigga, jg): 2007 Blogspot: My cat is giving
but it helps; 2012 Hopsin: A real nigga me the red eye; 2009 Flickr: I feel a
stays out of jail, handles shit, and he little bit scared of his red eye; 2010
keeps focused; 2013 Twitter: I respect University of Mississippi student:
real niggas, not these niggas that shoot What’s with the red eye? What did
at people I do?
rec n. a good time (rk): 2001 Lox: Some Remy n. Rémy Martin cognac: 1996 Jay-
niggas live for peace and some niggas Z: My function is to make much and
live for rec; 2006 Randy Kearse: This is lay back sippin Remy on the rocks;
how I do my rec; 2010 Hoops Hype: 1999 Ice-T: Pop the Remy and kick
I’m not playing for rec. I’m playing to back; 2001 Mac Dre: We drinkin’
win and I’ll do whatever it takes Remy, doin’ heavy drugs
recognize v. to show due respect and rent party n. a party held to raise money
recognition (gs, rk): 1993 Snoop to pay rent by charging guests for
Dogg: Y’alls, niggaz, better recognize attendance (bk, cm): 1992 Wayne’s
244 Glossary
World, film: You got five bucks, you CBS-TV series: “We’re the bros and
can come to the rent party; 1993 Irving this is our hood!” “Right on!”; 2007
Lewis Allen: One important aspect of Black August, film: “Let’s give it up
Harlem’s indigenous nightlife grew for Angela Davis!” “Right on!”
from the custom of rent parties; 2001 rilla (or ’rilla) n. a street tough guy or
New York Times: It was actually a rent thug (rk): 2008 Axe Murder Boyz:
party to help the organist Y’all know me, I keep it real for the
rep see below rillas, bustin’ off bullets in you sinners,
represent (or rep) v. to represent, support we the God’s killas; 2009 Highlifter:
and defend the reputation, especially of You betta get you some rillas; 2010
where one lives (gs, rk): 2004 Wu- Black Planet: You sayin’ you a rilla
Tang Clan: I rep Brooklyn, home of when you knowin’ you not
the gangsta; 2003 Beaumont Enter- rinctum n. the rectum (bk, jg): 2007
prise: Though I rep my hood and Thumblogger: To let his massive organ
rep my city, my music was for every- dig deeper into mama’s rinctum, fella
body from California to Cleveland holds her thighs tight; 2007 Blogspot:
to Chicago to Washington DC to Don’t badmouth me, you mother-
New York; 2012 Los Angeles Times: fucker. I’ll skin your rinctum; 2009
I think this generation of youth wants Wikipedia: Rinctum is apparently
to be able to “rep the hood,” as they slang for the rectum
say rip it phr. [1] to have a good time (gs):
ride n. an automobile (cm, gs): 1991 Boyz 2009 My Space: You guys ripped it.
in the Hood, film: Is this your ride? I had an awesome time, nice meeting
I want to drive it; 2000 Car and Driver: you all; 2010 Kool G. Rap: Look at my
Many of us regard BMW as the world’s life baby, I’m a eighties man rippin’ it,
finest ride; 2005 Underclassman, film: legendary cat play the path for y’all to
Vintage ’65 Stingray! Whose ride is get with it; 2013 Facebook: Last night
this? we was rippin’ it at the Fifth with
righteous adj. excellent or admirable Guest DJ EFX! [2] to perform in an
(cm, gs): 1998 Wu-Tang Clan: Who is excellent or admirable way (gs, rk):
these righteous motherfuckers with 2008 XXL Magazine: Kanye ripped it
their flags out?; 2005 Aaron Peckham: last night; 2010 Rhymefest: We was
Man, that lasagna was righteous!; rippin’ it every night, givin’ fans their
2009 Two and a Half Men, CBS-TV fill; 2011 Black Voices: I saw them last
series: This is some righteous chronic month and they ripped it
righteous moss n. non-kinky hair, espe- rip off v. [1] to swindle or cheat, espe-
cially hair of a Caucasian sort (bk, cm, cially by over-pricing (bk, cm, gs):
gs, jg): 2000 That ’70s Show, Fox-TV 1991 My Own Private Idaho, film:
series: This righteous moss is a gift Who ripped me off?; 2007 Two and a
from God; 2007 Demopedia: You mean Half Men, CBS-TV series: You’re just
“righteous moss,” white peoples’ trying to rip me off; 2009 Ebony:
hair?; 2009 Democratic Underground: Jewish, Arab and Korean shop owners
Righteous moss is white people’s hair had ripped off urban communities for
right on excl. I approve or agree (bk, cm, years, selling us stale bread, and bad
gs, jg): 2000 Bamboozled, film: “A meat and wilted vegetables [2] to make
small victory, is it?” “Right on, a copy of or imitate something, espe-
man!”; 2006 Two and a Half Men, cially if done illegally (cm, gs): 1998
Glossary 245
Philadelphia Inquirer: Did Joseph Here I was, all ready with the bile,
Heller originate Catch-22 or did he ready to rip on the Grammys for giving
rip it off from another writer?; 2008 the trophy to Lady Gaga
Washington Post: Why buy mobile roach (or ’roach) n. potentially
content when you can just rip it off offensive a police officer (bk):
from the Web?; 2011 House M.D., 1991 Naked Lunch, film: The roaches
Fox-TV series: I’ve seen “Pulp Fic- will shit themselves to death; 2008
tion,” you’re totally ripping off Snoop Dogg: I done seen a lotta
ripoff (or rip-off) n. [1] a swindle, espe- roaches; 2010 YouTube: I guess the
cially by over-pricing (bk): 1991 Simp- roach wanted his chance at stardom
sons, Fox-TV series: Eighteen bucks road dog (or road dawg) n. a close
for this? What a rip-off!; 2007 Gaines- friend, especially one who spends
ville Sun: Another gigantic ripoff much time with you (bk, gs, jg, rk):
happened years ago when oil com- 2007 People Magazine: Usher was my
panies lobbied politicians to fund the road dawg. I’d seen him love, and I’d
interstate highway system; 2010 Atlan- watched him date women who were
tic Monthly: It seems like a ripoff to not worthy of him; 2007 Philadelphia
pay around $100 [2] a copy or imita- Daily News: I’m Lisa and I have the
tion, especially if illegal: 1997 South pleasure of introducing my best friend,
Park, Comedy Central TV series: my boo, my road dawg, did I leave
Dude, these dolls are cheap rip-offs; anything out?; 2010 Style List: I have
2007 Free Republic: They seem to have my childhood friends and Hollywood
done a good job combating the Chi- friends and my homeboys and my road
nese ripoffs (one of which I’m now dogs and my office staff
wearing); 2009 Ebony: The movie was rock the house phr. to perform in an
a rip-off of the more expensive 1967 excellent or admirable way (gs, rk):
“The Dirty Dozen,” costarring the 2008 Ebony: Barack Obama was fash-
ultimate definition of black masculinity ionably late to Denver but promptly
Jim Brown [3] (or ripoff artist, rip-off rocked the house; 2010 Montgomery
artist) a swindler, specially the one County Courier: He rocked the house
who over-prices (bk): 2007 State: This playing a lot of his most popular songs
guy was saying I was a ripoff; 2008 mixed in with some of his new mater-
New York Daily News: Prosecutors ial; 2010 Boston Globe: Live bands
say Warshak is a ripoff artist, while rock the house every weekend
defense lawyers suggest he was a Rokee (or ’Rokee) n. a Jeep Cherokee
victim of his own success; 2009 automobile (gs): 2005 Monkey Cage:
Sacramento Bee: She fears she’ll fall He drives a Rokee; 2009 Wow 4X4:
in with a ripoff artist who will take It’s less work and cheaper to go buy
advantage a new Rokee; 2009 Jeep Forum: This is
ripoff artist, rip-off artist see above an old Rokee I used to have
rip on v. to criticize and disrespect (jg): roll (or roll out) v. to leave (gs, rk): 1999
2008 ESPN: He’d rip on me for being Blue Streak, film: Let’s roll! Let’s get
short and I’d fire back after he said out of here; 2003 Love Don’t Cost a
something stupid; 2011 Mesquite Local Thing, film: I really wanna roll out
News: In fact, during Xmas time I with you guys; 2006 Monk, NBC-TV
had a hater rip on me for using the series: Are you ready to roll?
term “Xmas”; 2011 Los Angeles Times: roll out see above
246 Glossary
roughneck n. a street tough guy or gs, jg): 2008 Word Press: Sapphires
thug (rk): 1997 Charlotte Observer: are blamed for the weak position of
Recently he felt it had attracted some their men in society; 2012 Beyond
roughnecks; 2010 Saturday Night Live, Black and White: That’s because
NBC-TV program: He’s a roughneck, you’re an angry black woman, a Sap-
but he looks like a young Denzel; 2013 phire to be exact; 2013 Answers: One
Los Angeles Times: She knew he had a of the most pervasive stereotypes of
criminal past. This chick liked African American women, Sapphire is
roughnecks an overly aggressive, domineering
rusty-dusty n. the buttocks (bk, cm): female
1999 B.B. King: Get up off your big, say what excl. give me more information
fat rusty-dusty, don’t you hear me (bk, cm, gs): 1995 Heat, film: Say
woman?; 2009 Bossip: No one forced what? You said his name was Slick?;
him to get up off his rusty-dusty and 2001 Baby Boy, film: “I want to get
file that; 2010 Dolemite Ebonics: Get saved!” “Say what, bruh?”; 2009
off your ole’ rusty-dusty and bring me Ebony: Whoopi says it wasn’t rape-
back some cognac, biyatch! rape. Say what?
scag see skag
S scaggy see skaggy
scandalous adj. untrustworthy and
saddity see seddity deceitful, especially if ruthless (gs,
salt-and-pepper adj. interracial, espe- jg, rk): 2002 8 Mile, film: I heard that
cially occupied or patronized by bullshit. Wink is scandalous, dawg;
both African Americans and whites 2006 Randy Kearse: Thanks to your
(cm, jg): 1996 Tuscaloosa News: sister and her scandalous friends, my
Whites and black live together harmo- girl found out; 2009 Ebony: She’s a
niously. I like living in a salt and scandalous beauty
pepper neighborhood; 2002 Dark Blue, scank see skank
film: It was a salt-and-pepper team. scanky see skanky
A safecracking spook and a blue-eyed scratch n. money (cm, gs, rk): 2009
peckerwood; 2011 AZ Central: She Babylon: If we sell these bottles, we’ll
loves her salt-and-pepper neighbor- have enough scratch to buy cigarettes;
hood, even though some buyers would 2009 New York Times: We owe every
shy away from the Palomino area bookmaker at the track, and now we
where she lives are out trying to raise some scratch to
salty adj. irritated, angry or hostile (bk, pay off; 2010 PC World: He didn’t even
cm, gs, rk): 1996 Set It Off, film: have enough scratch to afford a ticket
“Fuck all y’all!” “Cleo, don’t get scream on v. to criticize and disrespect
salty!”; 2009 Police World: You (gs, jg, rk): 1999 Dr. Dre: Then Miss
shouldn’t get salty toward me from Thing tried to scream on my brethren;
talking down on these particular offi- 2001 News, MTV-TV program: They
cers just because you yourself are a heard the album, now they want to
cop; 2013 Bitch Magazine: People are scream on me; 2009 World Star Hip
salty because she has the nerve to Hop: Niggaz should scream on him
show her real-woman boobs on TV for that
Sapphire n. a contemptible or despicable seddity (or saddity) adj. self-important
woman, especially if aggressive (cm, or arrogant (cm, jg): 1994 Atlanta
Glossary 247
film: A murderer is wandering around most original soundz comin out from
loose on my set SFC
seven digits (or 7 digits) n. a telephone shiznit n. [1] excrement (rk): 2005 Kid
number (jg): 1999 Washington Post: Robot: I woulda taken a shiznit on the
You didn’t just go up to a girl and floor right there; 2009 Us Magazine:
ask her for her seven digits; 2002 8 Obesity is a way bigger problem than
Mile, film: Wink got more than seven anorexia or bulimia and yet who gets
digits from your bitch; 2007 Sartorial- more shiznit?; 2013 University of Cali-
ist: I need his seven digits cause this fornia student: The place reeked of
guy is fly shiznit [2] nonsense (rk): 2007 Zach-
seven-thirty (or 730, 7:30) adj. insane or ary Scribe: I was confounded by all
mentally unstable, especially if danger- this Mormon shiznit; 2010 Us Maga-
ous (jg, rk): 1998 DMX: I got an army zine: You haters that believe that shiz-
of 730 niggas that come through and nit are just as bad as the tabloids;
worry niggas; 1999 Kelis: Word is he’s 2010 Palm Beach Post: When I said
seven-thirty, all I know this so-called it, I wasn’t talking shiznit [3] some-
psycho never hurt me; 2011 Pure Graf- thing inferior or worthless (jg, rk):
fiti: What 730 bitch came up with that 2008 Body Building: Who in the effing
shit! hell would buy this shiznit?; 2010
sex v. [1] to have sex (rk): 2004 Dirty Yahoo Answers: Throw that shiznit
Shame, film: Let’s go sexing!; 2009 away before you hurt yourself; 2014
Yahoo Answers: If you have been Twitter: This Shiznit is just too much
sexing for a while, then she probably [4] something irritating (rk): 2005 PB
feels like a slut; 2010 Facebook: He Nation: I need to get rid of this shiz-
had a really interesting tattoo on his nit; 2009 Facebook: I’m sick and tired
penis and then oooppps! We were of this shiznit; 2013 My Space: Keep
sexing! [2] to have sex with: 1997 that shiznit away from me [5] an
Jay-Z: I know what they want, they excellent or admirable person or thing
want to sex me; 2007 Voice: The inci- (jg, rk): 2005 Aaron Peckham:
dent occurred in October, when she Damn! Your new ride is the shiznit!
discovered her husband had sexed Lemme borrow it to drive by Mya’s;
her niece; 2009 Squidge: He has been 2009 CNET: If you are a gamer
careful and has been using condoms looking for a laptop that is under
every time he has been sexing her $800 then this thing is the shiznit;
sexcellent adj. attractive, especially sexu- 2010 My Space: She is the shiznit
ally (rk): 2004 OC Weekly: That’s not and she is super sexy!
what we all want to learn about the shizzle1 n. [1] excrement: 2006 Wake
sexcellent Tawny K!; 2005 Aaron Peck- Skating: I didn’t quite make it to the
ham: That was some sexcellent paral- bathroom on time and now I gotta
lel parking; 2009 Wordnik: Wow, that clean the shizzle off the back of my
is a really sexcellent unit calves; 2010 HF Boards: Hey, man,
SFC (or S.F.C.) n. San Francisco, Cali- we’re stopping for a shizzle; 2010 Uni-
fornia (jg): 2009 Bay Undaground: versity of Alabama student: Dude, you
How did you hook up with San Quinn got shizzle on your shoe [2] nonsense:
and Sky Balla from SFC?; 2010 City 2007 Muckracker: They are so full of
Data: I am interested in purchasing a shizzle: every week it’s this and that
home in SFC; 2010 Rap Music: The based on top secret evidence; 2009
Glossary 249
Wake Skating: How did I ever listen to shoot the shit phr. potentially
this shizzle?; 2009 Big Bang Theory, offensive to talk or chitchat (gs):
CBS-TV series: Bernadette, say some 2005 Coach Carter, film: Yo! I’d love
shizzle about the dizzle! [3] something to shoot the shit with you bitches all
inferior or worthless: 2002 Esato: Let night, but I gotta go; 2007 Time Out
the piece of shizzle drain itself; 2007 New York: We shoot the shit, I make
My Space: I would also like to meet dinner, and we watch TV; 2010 Village
girls who are fun to hang around with Voice: He’s shooting the shit with guys
not sluts or hoes or any of that type of on the corner
shizzle; 2008 Blogspot: I take full short n. an automobile (cm, gs): 2003
responsibility for this shizzle [4] some- Tom McArthur: Homeboy be steady
thing irritating: 2000 University of Ten- drivin dat short!; 1994 Clarence Major:
nessee student: Get rid of this shizzle, Short [is] an automobile; 2006 Tom
it’s useless; 2006 Kentucky Krawlers: Arnold: “Cool short?” I asked. “Yeah,
I’m trying to get rid of this shizzle; cool short. You know, nice car”
2006 Denver Broncos: Karma is a shiz- shortie see below
zle [5] an excellent or admirable person shorty (or shortie) n. [1] a young person
or thing: 2007 I Could Never Be Your (jg, rk): 1998 Wu-Tang Clan: The
Woman, film: It’s called the “shizzle.” shorties are watchin’; 2000 Jay-Z:
It means the new cool stuff; 2009 My What’s the problem, shorty?; 2004
Space: Dude that place is the shizzle!; Wire, HBO-TV series: Can you see
2010 CNET: Steve Jobs may try to say that shorty sitting tight there? [2] a
that the iPad is the shizzle, but let’s all young woman, especially one’s girl-
admit that he gets an A for creativity friend (gs, jg, rk): 2006 ATL, film:
shizzle2 adj. certain: 2005 Pearl Drum- We knew everybody from the security
mers Forum: Give us an honest guards to the hottest shorties; 2009
answer. Are you shizzle?; 2008 Fargo Dancehall Reggae: You know my ex
Hardcore: I’m not shizzle if you shortie. I think your new girl looks
noticed, but it’s May 10th; 2010 Bebo: bettah; 2009 Ebony: You can be my
Everything is shizzle shorty [3] a child (jg, rk): 2000 Paul
shoot the gift phr. [1] to rap very well Beatty: Look at y’all niggers, niggers
(cm, jg): 1988 Big Daddy Kane: As I’ve known since back in the day when
I shoot the gift, MC’s stand stiff, while we was shorter than shorties; 2006
my rhymes stick to you like Skippy and Randy Kearse: I’m expecting a lil
Jif; 1992 Das EFX: Crazy Drayzie shot shortie in November; 2012 Twitter:
the sheriff, and I shot the gift; 2005 This was my nigga when I was a
Shad: Maybe he could tell me if I got shortie
the talent. All I wanna do is shoot the shout-out n. an acknowledgment given to
gift [2] to talk or chitchat, especially in someone via the media, especially on
a graceful or convincing way (cm, gs, the radio or television show (gs, rk):
jg, rk): 2006 Randy Kearse: Yo go 1993 CB4, film: Give ’em a shout-out!;
over there and shoot the gift to them 2006 Snoop Dogg: I gotta send this
cuties; 2008 Google Groups: It would shout-out to the Brownside too; 2009
be great to shoot the gift with you; 2009 Ebony: I have to say, getting a shout-
Notorious B.I.G.: I ain’t got the time to out from the Vice President is definitely
shoot the gift to hoes, I’m tryin to take one way to end your trip on a positive
bankroll note
250 Glossary
show and prove phr. to provide hard and USA Today: Having just completed
concrete proof (gs, jg, rk): 1993 Ice- his set, Mark Murphy is shucking and
T: You got black skin, still you gotta jiving in the dressing room; 2000 Bam-
show and prove, friend!; 2000 Jay-Z: boozled, film: You’ll go singing and
Y’all always pull that shit, but its time dancing, shucking and jiving, good
to show and prove; 2011 Hip Hop fun home entertainment; 2008 Atlantic
Press: He is an Asian American rapper Free Press: You can’t shuck and jive at
who stands to show and prove that a press conference
race is irrelevant as long as you have shuck and jive see above
will and talent sick adj. excellent or admirable (rk):
show someone some love n. to show 2002 Big Fat Liar, film: He bought like
someone one’s respect or appreciation the sickest pad in the 90210. We’re
(gs, rk): 2002 Wire, HBO-TV series: talking mondo bucks; 2003 Old School,
Show me some fucking love, McNulty!; film: Everybody loves those guys. They
2002 Paid in Full, film: You know, the throw the sickest parties; 2009 Team
nigga definitely showed me some love; Ninja: The new Bugatti is one sick car!
2003 Black Planet: Show me some love, sick dick phr. potentially offen-
don’t be a baller-blocker sive a sexually transmitted disease
shuck1 n. [1] deception or misleading (rk): 1993 Onyx: He got too slick,
(bk, jg): 1996 Heaven’s Prisoners, now he got a sick dick; 2007 Perez
film: He was trying to give me some Hilton: You would never look at a hot
sort of shuck about one of the people piece of ass like her and think you
on the plane; 2009 Democratic Under- could get a sick dick but you can;
ground: Sounds more like he wants to 2009 Media Takeout: He got cursed
do a shuck; 2010 White Negro: Elec- with the sick dick
tions are rigged and the whole polit- sig (or sigg) v. to tease, especially by
ical game is a shuck [2] someone who provocative rhyming comments in a
deceives or misleads: 1998 My Giant, gamelike manner (cm, gs, jg): 1989
film: I may sell Cadillacs, but I’m not a Henry Louis Gates: He defines sigging
shuck; 2008 Hot Rodders: It isn’t that as “language behavior that makes
I feel something about the owner like implications of baiting or boasting, the
he is a shuck or something; 2010 Kites, essense of which is making fun of
film: “How much do you want?” “I’ll another’s appearance, relatives”; 1994
give you twenty thousand dollars.” Chicago Tribune: It’s sometimes called
“You sick shuck!” “I’ll give you one “capping” or “sigging,” which is short
million dollars” for signifying. The universal term is
shuck2 (shuck and jive) v. [1] to deceive playing the dozens; 2003 Urban Diction-
or mislead (bk, cm, jg): 2008 Wire, ary: This nigga be siggin cuz!
HBO-TV series: No shucking, no signify v. to tease, especially by provoca-
jiving, just honest police work, how tive rhyming comments in a gamelike
about that, Jimmy?; 2008 Washington manner (bk, cm, gs, jg): 2000 James
Times: Several Obama folks cried that Haskins: There are many different
“shuck and jive” is racial code for terms for playing the dozens, including
deceit and cheating; 2011 Norman dissing, joning, ribbing, signifying
Spinrad: Sophia was right about you. and sounding; 2009 Old Cop: He said
Don’t try to shuck me any more [2] to he’d been drinking in Rabbit’s and
joke or tease (bk, cm, gs, jg): 1991 someone started signifyin’ on him;
Glossary 251
2010 Nathaniel Turner: We are the skaggy (or scaggy) adj. unattractive, and
masters of the dozens and signifying often sexually promiscuous (jg): 2009
silk n. potentially offensive a Gamespite: Basically, she’s portrayed
white person, especially a woman as a skaggy middle-aged lady that every-
(bk, cm, gs, jg): 1987 Carsten Stroud: one tolerates because they need to meet
Did the silks on the Knapp Commis- in her bar; 2009 USA Sex Guide: There
sion ever ask about the rate of drug was this very scaggy, skinny ho hanging
busts?; 1994 Clarence Major: Silk [is] out the door; 2009 Holy Lemon: She’s a
a white girl or woman; 2010 Gaia skaggy whore
Online: Who’s a silk who keep doin skank (or scank) n. [1] an unattractive
that? woman, especially if also sexually pro-
silly-ass adj. very silly (cm, gs, jg): 1996 miscuous (bk, gs, jg): 1994 Reality
Ice-T: The silly-ass bitch is runnin Bites, film: That pales in comparison
around with a gold chain; 2007 Black to the tweaked-out little skanks you
August, film: Dress me up in that silly- date; 2001 John Moore: Man, she was
ass uniform and string metals around a real skank in high school; 2006 Joey
my neck!; 2009 News, MTV-TV pro- Hendrix: She’s a scank, I wouldn’t of
gram: They are the main people you even touched her after you left [2] a
need in your life right now, not some prostitute (bk): 2007 Shield, FX-TV
silly-ass boyfriend series: All the scanks you hired are
since day one phr. from the very begin- light-skinned with fine bodies; 2008
ning (gs): 1993 Us3: My main man and Cook, film: Those scanks will probably
me, we’ve been cool since day one; end up gang-raped; 2009 Detroit Free
2011 Muncie Star Press: They’ve been Press: My fiancée, who is very beauti-
there since day one; 2011 Computer- ful with a vivacious personality, has
world: I’ve had an iPad since day one begun dressing like a total skank
sis see sister skanky (or scanky) adj. unattractive, and
sista see below often sexually promiscuous (bk, jg):
sister (or sista, sis) n. an African Ameri- 2006 Dennis Rodman: I’m just not
can woman (bk, cm, gs, jg): 2002 8 gonna go through that anymore over
Mile, film: If we don’t respect our some skanky chick; 2010 Us Magazine:
sisters, who will?; 2004 Snoop Dogg: I’m sick of having this truly beautiful
The cute lil sista with the fever blista woman compared to scanky Jolie; 2011
said that I dissed her; 2009 Urban Hollywood Life: If you asked me to
Daily: There’s nothing like a sexy describe Brooke, words like “skanky”
sister. I’m no racist, but I must admit and “insecure” would quickly come to
I don’t even look at white women in a mind
sexual matter skate v. [1] to leave: 1980 Blues Brothers,
skag (or scag) n. an unattractive woman, film: Everything’s gonna be all right.
especially if also sexually promiscuous Let’s skate; 2000 Jay-Z: It wasn’t fair
(bk, cm, jg): 2000 Lawrence Journal- to tell you to wait, so I told you to
World: You looked like a real skag; skate; 2000 Snoop Dogg: I appreciate
2010 My Space: We all know she’s a the way y’all skate when the clock hit
skag except for her ass; 2011 Chimp eight [2] to get away with something,
Out: I’ve had women a lot better especially to avoid paying a debt
looking than either of these scags, (bk, cm, jg): 1991 David Simon: They
and I’m ugly like ten mofos could both skate any controversy by
252 Glossary
scarificing Worden; 2009 Southland, high ability in any area (gs, jg): 2011
NBC-TV series: You know how many ZDNet: It took some very clever
times we tried to take her away? She hacking skillz to crack that terrible
skates every time; 2009 Michigan Windows security shell; 2011 Chicago
Credit Lawyer: Consumers beware! Tribune: Po is a sixth member of the
You may have skated past the creditor, Furious Five, meting out justice with
but you may not be as lucky with the his mad kung fu skillz; 2013 Facebook:
I.R.S. Wow, sista had skillz!
skeeze1 n. a sexually promiscuous woman skin and grin phr. to act in an overly
(jg): 1985 Krush Grove, film: I heard friendly and happy manner (gs, jg):
you was with some skeezes last night; 2005 Blogspot: They’ll skin and grin
2002 Crossroads, film: Everyone thinks while they are getting what they want
you’re a trailer-trash skeeze; 2008 from you; 2007 Berkeley Daily Planet:
Tenth Circle, film: Man, what do you I’ve always been about doing my job,
care? She’s just some skeeze you never about skinning and grinning in
dumped front of the camera; 2011 Atlanta
skeeze2 v. to have sex with (gs, jg, rk): Journal-Constitution: I’m pleasant but
2006 Randy Kearse: All he’s tryin’ to I don’t skin and grin
do is skeeze you; 2009 Baller Alert: skins n. [1] sex or the sex act (gs, rk):
I don’t know whether he married her, 1999 Ice-T: We hit skins all weekend.
or just skeezed her; 2009 Film Bug: We didn’t even eat, we just hit em
I wish I could skeeze her again; 2006 Randy Kearse: How was
skeezer n. a sexually promiscuous the skins?; 2009 Notorious, film: Give
woman (bk, cm, gs, jg, rk): 1992 me the skins without askin’ [2] women
Dr. Dre: The bus is full of skeezers; as sex objects or partners (gs): 1993
1993 CB4, film: I am not a girlie, a Us3: I don’t give a damn anyway,
skeezer, a hoochie or a stunt. And most hey, skins are skins!; 1998 Belly, film:
certainly, not a ho; 2002 25th Hour, Make them skins cry!; 2013 Twitter: We
film: She ain’t nothing but a spic ain’t lookin for skins, we lookin for
skeezer beautiful women with their head on
skeezy adj. sexually promiscuous: 1990 skrill (or skrilla) n. money (jg): 2005
Grand Daddy I.U.: My man Easy Rick Aaron Peckham: Shit, even with this
picks a skeezy chick; 1999 10 Things job, I need more skrilla; 2006 Blue
I Hate About You, film: I’m a crack Light: The mothafucking G’s making
whore who should have made my plenty of skrill; 2008 XXL Magazine:
skeezy boyfriend wear a condom?; It’s good that he’s lookin’ for alternate
2008 Word Press: His skeezy girlfriend routes to obtain some skrilla
is a sexual magnet for everyone except skunk n. very strong marijuana (jg, rk):
him 2000 Snoop Dogg: I got fat bags of
skillz n. [1] ability to rap very well (gs): skunk; 2007 Washington Post: He
1994 Michigan Daily: However, Da had been suffering from paranoid
Brat’s rapping skillz aren’t all that; schizophrenia and regularly smoked
2005 Louisville Courier-Journal: skunk; 2009 Notorious, film: I’m far
Shaq’s rapping skillz are indeed ques- from cheap, I smoke skunk with my
tionable; 2010 Rap Weekly: He is an peeps all day
inspiring and talented emcee who is slam v. potentially offensive to
constantly improving his rap skillz [2] have sex with (gs, jg, rk): 1997 Liar
Glossary 253
Liar, film: You had sex with her? You I were slapping skins; 2009 My Space:
slammed her?; 2009 Word Press: You Ruksie went to The Game concert last
want to slam her butt; 2013 Literotica: night, fucking slapped skins with him!
Davey continued to slam her from slap someone five phr. to shake hands
behind with someone or slap someone’s hand
slam dunk n. something or someone cer- in greeting or congratulation (bk, cm):
tain to win, especially with ease (cm, 1999 New York Post: He would always
gs): 2011 Cherry Hill Courier Post: give me a hug or slap me five or what-
Emerson was confident his pick was a ever; 1999 Kansas City Star: He
slam dunk; 2011 Pittsburgh Post- slapped me five and we went on; 2010
Gazette: It was a slam dunk a couple DMX: You don’t gotta slap me five or
of weeks ago that Pitt would win the give me a hug
Conference; 2011 News, KGBT-TV slap someone some skin phr. to shake
program: I thought it was a slam dunk. hands with someone or slap someone’s
I really thought I had the job hand in greeting or congratulation (jg):
slam-dunk v. to win or defeat someone 2007 Yahoo Answers: Your boss tries
easily: 2011 Indianapolis Star: We’ve to dentify with you by saying “slap me
been given a closer look at the Repub- some skin, bro”; 2009 Atlanta Metro-
lican agenda that would have been mix: Slap me some skin, buddy!; 2010
slam-dunked, with only a minimum of Huffington Post: Slap me some skin,
debate; 2011 Motley Fool: Its deal baby!
could lure in new customers while slap the skins see slap skins
slam-dunking some of Starbucks’ plans slave n. a job (bk, cm, gs, jg): 1986 New
for a better foothold in the market; York Magazine: You got a job, man.
2011 NOLA: Yes, we can do it, we You got a slave; 1990 Scott Newhall:
want to slam-dunk the test He couldn’t get a slave, he apparently
slamming (or slammin’) adj. excellent or drank all the travel money up; 2009
admirable (cm, gs, rk): 1992 Juice, Experience Project: Are you looking
film: “Was the last party serious?” for a new slave?
“It was slammin’”; 2009 Scrubs, slide v. to leave (cm, gs, rk): 1992 Dr.
ABC-TV series: Elliot has a slammin’ Dre: Don’t think I forgot and I’ll let
tushie; 2009 Spring Breakdown, film: you slide; 1998 He Got Game, film:
“Gayle, what are you wearing?” “My Let’s slide off to A.C., J-man!; 1999
boo loaned it to me. Slammin’, huh?” Lil Keke: Let’s slide and ride, hit a
slang v. to sell drugs (gs, jg): 2004 T.I.: mall or two!
Niggas slanging blow, pimping hoes; smart-ass adj. annoyingly knowledge-
2007 Urban Justice, film: That way able and arrogant (cm): 1986 Young-
I can get a bird’s-eye view of my terri- blood, film: He’s just a smart-ass kid;
tory. I can watch the little soldiers 1996 Black Sheep, film: Donnelly had a
slanging and banging; 2012 Currensy: smart-ass comment to make after
My young niggas slanging where them everything I said; 2013 Huffington
users is Post: You’ll find somebody making a
slap skins (or slap the skins) phr. to cynical, hateful, or smartass remark
have sex (jg): 2009 Urban Dictionary: smash1 v. potentially offensive to
I wanna slap skins with Tanya real have sex with (gs, rk): 2004 Snoop
bad; 2009 Vagrant Cafe: I also Dogg: I come to smash yo’ ass; 2006
dreamed that Beth Jackson and Randy Kearse: How long did it take
254 Glossary
you to smash shortie?; 2010 Campus dozens. Call it a sense of humor; 2008
Gossip: She was a virgin, my nigga Frontlines: It’s the little bitter snap you
smashed her made before you took the time to post
smash2 n. wine (bk, cm, jg): 1994 Clar- your honest opinion that got the
ence Major: Sam can’t get along with- intended reaction; 2011 Kent Harmon:
out his smash first thing in the He seemed to ignore his snap and
morning; 2009 Art Primo: I’m gonna continued
do a vid of me drinking smash; 2010 snow1 n. potentially offensive a
Orbiter Forum: He may have had too white person, especially a woman
much smash at that point (cm, gs, jg): 1994 Clarence Major:
smoking (or smokin’) adj. excellent or Snow [is] a white female; 2007 Trik
admirable (rk): 2000 Ice Cube: Forum: I hate those fuckin’ snows,
I can’t exactly blame him: she’s one especially that fuckin fag; 2005 Urban
smokin’ ho’; 2008 Wrestler, film: Dictionary: Let’s go pick up some
Damn, look at you! You are really snows to bang
smokin’, baby!; 2008 Chattanoogan: snow2 adj. potentially offensive
How about that smokin car in the (of a person) white (jg): 2012 Brown
commercial? Pride: Do I need to state the obvious?
snake1 n. a traitor, especially an inform- She’s a snow girl. I’m not into white
ant (cm, gs, rk): 2006 Dreamgirls, chicks; 2012 SOHH: Z-RO has more
film: Boy, you’re a real snake!; 2007 talent than Ti but Ti sells more records
Wu-Tang Clan: Keep niggaz outta ya because the snow girls like Ti and if
face who are snakes; 2009 Jay-Z: He’s the snow girls like you, you’re going to
a fuckin’ snake, you niggaz are fuckin sell records; 2013 YouTube: It leads to
blind to facts! an affair with a sexy snow vixen
snake2 v. to betray, especially by being an snowball n. potentially offensive
informant (rk): 1986 Delta Force, [1] a white person: 2007 Forum Site:
film: Those bastards snaked us, boss! I’m white but if someone called me a
I’m gonna go get ’em!; 2006 Sherry snowball, I would laugh; 2010 All
Baby, film: You snaked me with that Recipes: If the woman was here, you
bitch, Bobby. I can’t trust you; 2010 wouldn’t call her a snowball, would
Runways, film: I’ve got some bad you? Of course not, we don’t know her
news. He snaked us ethnicity; 2011 Tumblr: Niggas always
snap1 v. to tease, especially by provoca- tryin to start shit wit dem snowballs [2]
tive rhyming comments in a gamelike an African American man with white
manner (bk, cm, gs, jg, rk): 1994 hair (cm): 1994 Clarence Major: Snow-
Philadelphia Inquirer: Snapping is ball [is] a “Negro” male with white
closely related to other forms of verbal hair; 2012 Columbia University stu-
expression common among black folk; dent: They called him a snowball
2000 Outkast: We be readily rappin’ because his hair was white; 2012
and snappin’; 2009 Twitter: I’m a Django Unchained, film: Who the hell
person who loves to snap are you calling a “snowball”?
snap2 n. a retort or provocative rhyming snow bunny n. potentially offen-
comment made in a gamelike manner, sive a white woman, especially young
especially in order to tease (cm, gs, jg, (gs): 2003 Shredder, film: Look at the
jk): 2006 John Ridley: He used to snow bunny! Hey, hottie! Over here!;
crack wise. Call it snaps, call it the 2005 Hustle and Flow, film: I got a
Glossary 255
snow bunny and a black girl too. You brother!; 2006 Los Angeles Times: This
pay the right price and they’ll both do was right after the riots, so it was scary
you; 2009 YouTube: I got these two for a soul brother like me on the streets
snow bunnies in Venice Beach soul brutha see above
snowflake n. potentially offensive Soul City n. Harlem, New York (bk, cm,
a white person (jg): 1986 Vamp, film: jg): 1998 Boston Herald: Guests got to
I thought that snowflake had killed hear some great live music from Soul
you; 2005 Prison Break, Fox-TV City; 2006 Black Issues book review:
series: You think you can play me, Welcome to Soul City!; 2010 Book
snowflake?; 2009 All Hip Hop: It don’t Reporter: We’re paying tribute to Afri-
matter if I marry Suzie, the fuckin’ can American history and pop culture
snowflake in Soul City
some n. sex or the sex act (cm, gs): 2000 soul food n. food characteristic of and
Geneva Smitherman: She was actin all preferred by African Americans (bk,
evil, girl musta need some; 2002 For da cm, gs, jg): 2006 New York Daily
Love of Money, film: There’s three News: An eclectic spread of soul food
future baby mamas up in here tonight. and a house full of family and friends
If you had some rhythm, maybe you’d await Lil’ Kim when she arrives home;
be gettin’ some; 2004 Snoop Dogg: 2009 Buffalo News: If Obama has a
I just gotta know before you let me craving for soul food, the smothered
get some pork chops at Gigi’s will give him the
sorry-ass adj. pathetic or contemptible strength to go on; 2009 Ebony: Gullah
(jg): 1995 Strange Days, film: Pussy- spices make meals taste differently
whipped, sorry-ass motherfucker!; than traditional soul food
2008 Rocky Mountains News: He is soul language n. African American Ver-
not going to win this election, the nacular English or, broadly, African
Republicans are a sorry-ass party, American speech (cm, jg): 1982 Sports
but the Dems are even worse; 2010 Illustrated: He was very hip black
Pro Football Talk: Sean Jensen is a fellow who spoke soul language; 1987
sorry-ass replacement for Brad Biggs Pittsburgh Press: They’ve got soul lan-
on the Chicago Sun-Times Bears beat guage. I envy the black person who
soul n. the essence of blackness, espe- can do soul; 2008 News, BBC-TV pro-
cially instinctive and emotional qual- gram: He could talk the soul language
ities (bk, cm, gs, jg): 2001 Busta of a black man
Rhymes: Feel the soul up in my raps; soul patch n. a small patch of facial hair
2004 Rochester City Paper: The boy just below the lower lip, popular espe-
proved he’s got soul when he threw cially among African American musi-
out a little Sam Cooke; 2013 University cians (jg): 2001 Josie and the
of California student: The kid’s got Pussycats, film: Everybody knows
soul when he dances I shaved into a soul patch for the
soul brotha see below video; 2002 Tuxedo, film: “If I were
soul brother (or soul brotha, soul you, I’d get rid of the mildew on the
brutha) n. a fellow African American chin.” “My soul patch?”; 2011 Just Go
man (bk, cm, gs, jg): 1987 Full Metal with It, film: “His name is Brian.”
Jacket, film: She says no boom-boom “The guy with the grey soul patch?”
with the soul brother; 1998 Fat Boy soul shake n. an intricate handshake to
Slim: Check it out now, funk soul demonstrate solidarity, popular among
256 Glossary
African Americans (cm, gs, jg): 2007 It took place in North Philly, in a place
Schenectady Daily Gazette: Foster is they called Soulville; 2013 University
not sure if the soul shake is completely of California student: This part of town
out of fashion; 2010 Sports Illustrated: was called Soulville
Scott Levy Mark exchanges a soul sound v. to tease, especially by provoca-
shake with Ryan McCarthy; 2010 tive rhyming comments in a gamelike
Esquire: He gives the guy a strong soul manner (cm): 2000 James Haskins:
shake followed by a hug There are many different terms for
soul sista see below playing the dozens, including dissing,
soul sister (or soul sista) n. a fellow joning, ribbing, signifying and
African American woman (bk, cm, sounding; 2010 Black Voices: The
gs, jg): 2000 St. Louis Post-Dispatch: game, always always played by teen-
Beck is armed with a pair of singing age males of inner cities, is known as
soul sisters; 2000 Rat Race, film: It’s a “sounding” (hurling a direct insult at
sizzling, three-way, backdoor action the opponent); 2010 Miss Info: Shyne
featuring two sexy soul sisters; 2011 shouldn’t be provoking anymore
Black Planet Universe: That requires sounding
a real soul sister who can embody the spike v. to shoot (bk): 1990 Death War-
role rant, film: He was my friend who got
soul sound n. a moving form of popular spiked in the head. Maybe you know
music rooted in African American who did it; 2009 Sox Blog: I think what
tradition, especially rhythm and blues scared us is we thought he got spiked;
(cm, gs): 2011 Boston Standard: The 2010 Shroomery: You should spike the
group guarantee to fill the dance floor motherfucker who did it, that’ll show
and create a great party atmosphere ’em what’s what!
providing a big soul sound; 2011 USA splib n. a liberal African American who
Today: Lauren Turner goes for a retro opposes racial discrimination but will
soul sound with Etta James; 2011 not challenge the status quo (bk, cm,
Boston Globe: It gave birth to an espe- gs, jg): 1995 Ricardo Cortez Cruz: He
cially rhythmic soul sound in the 1960s called me a splib, then grabbed his
Soulville n. [1] Harlem, New York (cm): dick and gave me the finger; 2009
2006 James Short and Lorine Hughes: Topix: One time, this whitey called
They were less prone to appropriate me a splib; 2009 Slate: Throughout
the symbolism of African American the Marine Corps blacks were known
gangs in Los Angeles than their Afri- as “splibs”
can American peers in Soulville; 2009 split (or split the scene) v. to leave (bk,
Yahoo Groups: I was born in Soulville, cm): 1996 Get on the Bus, film:
so I guess I appreciated the change; I figured that if I just split, then the
2010 Soul Source: Bless everyone out problem would go away; 2003 Human
there in Soulville! [2] any African Stain, film: He tried to fuck me, that’s
American neighborhood (cm): 2010 why I split; 2006 New York Newsday:
Donna Murch: The AAA organized Angel keeps goading him to split the
marches from one library to another scene with her
to popularize themes of education in split the scene see above
Oakland’s black neighborhoods, square bidness, square biz see below
which Warden affectionately referred square business (or square bidness,
to as “Soulville”; 2010 Mike Spector: square biz) phr. seriously, sincerely
Glossary 257
and without doubt (gs, jg, rk): 1999 psycho, shooting men dead for no
Summer of Sam, film: “We gotta be reason at all beyond his own amuse-
straight to each other. Man to man, ment; 2009 Urban Dictionary: Elton
square business, OK?” “I’m serious”; John is a stone faggot!; 2010 Seattle
2007 Urban Dictionary: “I just fucked Times: He’s a stone bigot with little
Monique!” “No, you didn’t!” “Square education
business”; 2009 Real Talk NY: Yo, stone2 adv. extremely or totally (bk, cm,
square business, this song is tough gs): 1995 Just Cause, film: He did a lot
stank (or stanky) adj. [1] stinking (cm, of damage to her after she was dead.
jg): 1994 Above the Rim, film: Can he It’s like he just went stone crazy; 1998
wash his stanky ass?; 2001 Down Time, Hope Floats, film: You mean you’re
film: You’re the only garlic-eating stone sober? You just look awful;
motherfucker around here. You are 2002 Los Angeles Times: Are they all
one stanky motherfucker!; 2002 25th stone stupid?
Hour, film: Most women won’t stick straight adj. all right, satisfied (gs, jg,
with a guy with stank breath [2] con- rk): 2006 Randy Kearse: We straight
temptible or irritating (gs): 2010 Pro after this; 2012 New York Times:
Football Talk: Philly is a stank city Obama declined to accept the change
with a stank team; 2011 Topix: Please from a black cashier with the statement
inform him of what a nasty lying stank “Nah, we straight”; 2013 Twitter: I’m
whore his wife is!; 2013 Twitter: You trynna do this maybe like December
nasty skank mofo, I will fucking cut you 15, you straight with that?
[3] (of a woman) sexually promiscu- street nigga see below
ous: 2000 Cypress Hill: That’s right, street nigger (or street nigga) n. very
you’re a stank hoe!; 2006 Wire, HBO- offensive unless used by afri-
TV series: “Stanky ho!” “Fuck yo!”; can americans a lower-class Afri-
2008 Prince Online Fan Community: can American, especially involved in
The reason why I call her a stank bitch some illicit activity: 2001 Mr. Marcelo:
is because she had the nerve to date my I’m a street nigga, from the top of my
buddy while she was married! head to the bottom of my feet nigga;
stanky see above 2005 Hustle and Flow, film: You ain’t
step v. to dance (cm, jg): 2009 Jay Elec- know you fuckin’ with a street nigga;
tronica: Niggas wanna step but their 2009 Real Good Rap: The beat sucks,
legs too short to salsa; 2011 Hood the lyrics suck, the song isn’t about
Up: I had no idea you know how to anything except being a street nigger,
step; 2011 Blogspot: Hearing this song which sounds to me like a made up
makes me want to get out on the dance profession
floor and step! streetwear n. casual clothes that reflect
steel n. a firearm (cm, jg, rk): 1995 hip-hop and skateboarding styles of
Clockers, film: I’m gonna bring my dressing (gs): 2011 New York Times:
steel and pump bullets in your ass; They are two variations on streetwear;
2004 Snoop Dogg: I know killers in 2013 Chicago Magazine: The store
the street with the steel; 2010 My specializes in fashion streetwear and
Space: Situations like this, packing a accessories; 2013 Twitter: Streetwear
steel is a must has gone too mainstream
stone1 adj. extreme or total (bk, cm): strung out adj. in love (bk, cm, gs): 1995
2008 Word Press: He’s also a stone Clockers, film: Listen to me, he’s all
258 Glossary
strung out; 2009 He’s Just Not That style and profile see above
Into You, film: “There’s no girl!” styling (or stylin’) adj. fashionable or
“You can’t hide it, man. I know strung popular (jg): 2001 What’s the Worst
out, and you are strung out!”; 2009 that Could Happen?, film: Just like
Goodreads: I admit, I’m really strung them glasses you got on. You got in
out on her the mirror, you thought you were sty-
strut one’s stuff phr. to display one’s lin’; 2004 Veronica Mars, UPN-TV
virtuosity, especially in a provocative series: “Check out the LeBaron!”
or uninhibited way (bk, cm, gs, jg): “Stylin’!”; 2010 King of Paper
2009 Cheating Ways: So, slip into that Chasin’, film: I was gonna hit the
sexy little costume and strut your stuff!; streets in some stylin’ shit, in some
2010 Big Bang Theory, CBS-TV series: “oh shit” type shit
Please, Sheldon, let’s go out! I need to suck-ass adj. [1] contemptible or despic-
strut my stuff!; 2011 New York Daily able, especially if servile (cm, jg):
News: Perry looked ready to strut her 1980 Elmore Leonard: [He was] refer-
stuff ring to Robinson as suck-ass Uncle
studio gangsta n. a rapper who poses as a Tom; 1999 Mystery Alaska, film: “Read
gangster (jg): 1996 Boston Herald: him his rights.” “Fucking suck-ass
Tupac is an example of someone who fucker!”; 2009 Men’s Health: They
started out as a studio gangsta but were just suck-ass employees and no
ended up real gangsta; 2001 Village one missed them [2] useless or point-
Voice: With all of his tough talk, a less (jg): 2004 Dodgeball: A True
skeptic might wonder if Shyne isn’t just Underdog Story, film: I’ve got three
a studio gangsta; 2003 San Francisco weeks to whip you suck-ass failure
Chronicle: He was no studio gangsta junkies into shape; 2006 Democratic
stupid fresh adj. excellent or admirable Underground: She’s a suck-ass whiney
(bk): 1998 Fayetteville Observer: That little bitch; 2007 Blogspot: It’s been a
was a stupid fresh jam last night; 2009 suck-ass week in shitsville
Julz Design: Tune in to get a supid sugar daddy n. a male lover who sup-
fresh taste of the audible elements of ports a younger mistress (cm, rk):
Hip Hop: Emceeing, Beat Boxing, and 1990 Wild Side, film: He wants to be
DJ’ing; 2012 Twitter: Shoutout to my my sugar daddy; 2005 Two and a Half
nigga Hamid for the cut, it’s stupid Men, CBS-TV series: Horman here is
fresh her sugar daddy; 2010 Atlanta
style (or style and profile) v. to boast or Journal-Constitution: Women are out
act in a showy way (cm, gs, jg, rk): looking for a sugar daddy to take
2001 Black Knight, film: Homie, may care of them, so they can remain little
I make a suggestion? Ikea! Get some girls
end tables, some of them $5 lamps, and sugar mama (or sugar moma) n. a
a futon. Then you’ll be stylin’; 2002 female lover who supports a younger
Chicago Tribune: It was time to quit lover: 1999 Big Daddy, film: Don’t
styling and focus on the pursuit of their worry about money. I am in love with
state championship; 2010 Charlotte a beautiful girl who makes plenty of it.
Observer: Yes, this year as our guests She’ll be my sugar mama; 2010 Us
arrive, they can style and profile for Magazine: How could he afford that
the paparazzi on the green carpet ring? I guess she’s the sugar mama;
during the reception 2010 San Jose Mercury News: First of
Glossary 259
all I’m not looking for a sugar mama, sweet man n. a male lover (bk, jg): 1984
I have my own money Palm Beach Post: From the day
sugar moma see above I found out I was pregnant, my sweet
superfly adj. [1] elegant, stylish or well- man would rub baby oil on my stom-
dressed (gs): 1998 Alice Walker: The ach and back; 2008 National Public
superfly image spread throughout the Radio: I’d rather be bit by a rattle-
community; 2006 Hannah Montana, snake than to let my sweet man go;
ABC-TV series: All you superfly guys 2012 Word Press: No one can take her
and you foxy ladies, it gives me great sweet man away
pleasure to introduce the King of Fun- sweet moma see sweet mama
kytown; 2007 Gangland, film: He had sweet papa n. a male lover, especially
his superfly clothes on, he always had older (bk, cm, jg): 2002 State: Will
a bunch of good-looking women she ever escape and see her sweet
around [2] excellent or admirable papa again?; 2004 Ray, film: I went
(bk, gs, jg): 2002 I Spy, film: “You to see my sweetheart last night around
wanna see something cool?” “Man, ten. She said, move, sweet papa,
this is some superfly, superspy shit!”; squeeze me every now and then; 2010
2009 Susan Boyd: Although he dresses Wolf Records: Luella’s Blues are
cool and has a superfly car, he’s not largely about her “sweet papa” and
shown wearing a lot of bling; 2010 his break with her
Bebo: Can a superfly Harlem dude sweet talk n. insincere flattery, especially
beat the system? to persuade or soften someone (cm,
sweat v. to give someone too much atten- gs): 1999 Simon Sez, film: I’m immune
tion (jg, rk): 1998 He Got Game, film: to the sweet talk!; 2000 New York
She was sweating you; 2002 Jay-Z: No Times: Under no circumstances should
need for you to ever sweat the next we be fooled by his sweet talk; 2005
bitch; 2003 Love Don’t Cost a Thing, Racing Stripes, film: Save the sweet
film: Damn, man. These shorties is talk for later
really sweating you! sweet-talk v. to flatter insincerely, espe-
sweet daddy n. a male lover, especially cially to persuade or soften someone
the one who supports a younger mis- (gs, jg): 1991 Homicide, film: We need
tress (jg): 1989 Harlem Nights, film: the mouthpiece to sweet-talk his ass;
I really missed you, sweet daddy; 2012 2001 Curse of the Jade Scorpion, film:
Boardwalk Empire, HBO-TV series: I can’t believe it. You’re actually
I’m sad and lonely. Won’t some sweet trying to sweet-talk me?; 2011 New
daddy take a chance with me?; 2013 York Times: Instead of sweet-talking
Twitter: Clara Ross and her sweet recruits, college coaches will instead
daddy! Looks like she’s already got this offer athletes real contracts
one wrapped around her little finger swing v. to have a good time (bk, cm):
sweet mama (or sweet moma) n. a 1986 True Stories, film: Most of them
female lover or mistress (bk, cm, jg): just want to swing or aren’t really
1999 Dr. Dre: You looking good to me, serious; 1998 Jay-Z: I write the songs
sweet mama. Want your body; 2004 that the whole world sing, I don’t know
News, CMT-TV program: His sweet bout y’all but every night I swing; 2010
mama wept like a baby; 2008 Calhoun My Space: The whole barn was
Times: I looked at my sweet mama who shaking, people were swingin’ and
was standing there beside me the bartenders were rockin’
260 Glossary
the bomb; 2010 Columbus Dispatch: three sixty-five (or 365) adj. continu-
This dude is the bomb, everybody likes ously or non-stop (gs): 1992 Geto
him, everybody respects him Boys: Gangsta-ass niggas think deep
the darker the chocolate, the richer the up three-sixty-five, cause real gangsta-
taste phr. a belief that darker skin is ass niggas don’t sleep; 2009 My Space:
better: 2007 Hairspray, film: If the I sat on my ass all day, the government
truth be told, the blacker the berry, helps me do that three sixty-five; 2010
the sweeter the juice. I could say it Burbler: I’m a real nigga three sixty-
ain’t so but, darlin’, what’s the use? five until I’m done
The darker the chocolate, the richer throw down v. [1] to do something vig-
the taste; 2011 Wholehearted Men: orously and enthusiastically, especially
The darker the chocolate, the richer have a good time (gs, jg): 2011 Twit-
the taste, that’s where it’s at; 2013 ter: Nigga about to throw down on the
Tumblr: The darker the chocolate, the grill today with the guys!; 2013 Urban
richer the taste. I’m just another Dictionary: He can really throw down
obsessed with Michael Jackson a beat; 2013 Facebook: We about to
thick adj. [1] (of a woman) curvaceous throw down in Colorado Springs
(gs, jg, rk): 2006 Snoop Dogg: tonight! [2] to fight (cm, gs, jg, rk):
Brandi was a cute little thick bitch; 1991 Tupac Shakur: What? You wanna
2009 YouTube: I love this big-ass throw down? Better bring your gun,
stripper! Thick bitches are the best!; pal; 2000 Girlfight, film: You threw
2009 Toronto: I like thick chicks down and you showed me respect;
equipped with C-cups [2] (of a man) 2007 Heartbreak Kid, film: You wanna
muscular (gs): 2002 Wire, HBO-TV throw down, tough guy? I will mess
series: “The kid’s everything I told your shit up! Come on!
you.” “Yeah, he’s thick”; 2012 Twitter: throw the D phr. (of a man) to have sex
Girls do love a thick nigga; 2013 (gs, jg): 2009 Lipstick Alley: You can’t
Starting Strength: He’s a thick just be throwin’ the D to every woman
motherfucker who wants it from you; 2010 This Is 50:
thing (or thang) n. one’s preferences or Damn, she’s fine, and I’d throw the
style (cm, jg): 1997 B.G.: Money D at her any day; 2013 Barstool
makin’ is my thing; 2008 XXL Maga- Sports: He should instead just send
zine: It’s obvious that rapping is not her pics of him throwing the D at other
your thing; 2011 New York Times: If chicks
you still think that African art is not throw the P phr. (of a woman) to have
your thing, there’s an exhibition at sex (gs, jg): 2012 Yahoo Answers:
the Metropolitan Museum that may You’re looking for some easy girl to
change your mind throw the P at you; 2012 Clutch Maga-
Third Coast n. southern USA, especially zine: Y’all are throwing the P at these
touching the Gulf of Mexico (rk): men like that will keep them; 2013
2009 Urban Dictionary: Montgomery, Flickr: Mickey’s throwing the P for
New Orleans, Houston, and Miami Pedro
are all on the Third Coast; 2010 C- thugged out adj. looking typical of the
Note: As you see, I’m from the Third inner-city ghetto gangsters (jg, rk):
Coast, nigga!; 2010 Hip Hop DX: I’m 2003 Honey, film: Trying to be thugged
a cat from Meridian, Mississippi, rep- out, and wanting to fit in; 2004 New
resenting for the Third Coast York Times: It has been equipped with
Glossary 263
26-inch rims, hydraulic suspension Tom2 (or tom, Tom it, tom it) v. poten-
and other thugged out features; 2013 tially offensive (of an African
Los Angeles Times: She’s kinda American) to be subservient to whites
thugged out or adopt their values and attitudes (bk,
thump v. (especially of a gang) to fight jg): 2006 Todd Wooten: Most Blacks
(cm, gs, jg, rk): 1993 E-40: Niggas probaby feel that O.J. was Tommin it
don’t want to thump; 2002 Ying Yang back then; 2009 Blogspot: No matter
Twins: This shit is real from jump, so if how much he Tommed, they still saw
you wanna thump, we can get it nothing but a nigga; 2010 Topix: Juan
started; 2010 Hood Up: He was in Williams was way too busy making
Richmond, a fight broke out, and nig- money and “Tomming it” on Fox
gas thumped News
Timbos (or Timbs) n. Timberland boots Tom it, tom it see above
or shoes (gs, rk): 1993 Wu-Tang Clan: to the bone adv. extremely or totally (jg):
When I struck I had on Timbs and a 1993 Oprah Winfrey Show, ABC-TV
black mask; 2009 Notorious, film: I like program: Men will lie to the bone!;
black Timbs and black hoodies; 2009 2002 Adaptation, film: What you said
Access Hip Hop: I lived in the ghetto this morning shook me to the bone;
and wore Timbos and army jackets 2008 Blonde and Blonder, film:
Timbs see above They’re bad to the bone, boss
to def adv. [1] in an excellent or admir- tough adj. excellent or admirable (bk,
able way (gs, jg): 2008 Prodigy: How cm, jg, rk): 1983 Outsiders, film: That
we gone do it, we gone do it to def!; was a tough car; 2009 Twitpic: He’s
2010 This Is 50: I’m not saying he’s the one tough dog; 2010 Metal Sucks: He
only rapper out there to do it, because the most balls-out tough motherfucker!
there are many other talented emcees tough shit excl. potentially offen-
that have done it to def; 2012 Twitter: sive that is too bad (bk, cm): 1994
Yes, you did it to def. Ain’t nothin’ Swimming with Sharks, film: Your girl-
better [2] extremely or totally (jg): friend doesn’t love you? Tough shit!;
2009 Urban Dictionary: That car is 2004 Vicki Thornberry: So we’re out of
fresh to def; 2013 Black Planet: I’m money. Tough shit!; 2005 Be Cool,
nice, cool to def; 2013 iPhoneogram: film: Tough shit! That’s the cost of
This beauty is sexy to def to me doing business
Tom1 n. potentially offensive an tough titty excl. potentially offen-
African American man who is subser- sive that is too bad (bk, cm, rk): 2009
vient to whites or adopts their values Men Who Stare at Goats, film: Anne
and attitudes (bk, cm, gs, jg): 2000 wants to be a high school teacher.
Bamboozled, film: Mantan is a Tom, Tough titty, Anne! That’s not your des-
Mantan is a disgrace; 2004 Assassin- tiny; 2009 Rabid Republican: Tough
ation of Richard Nixon, film: “I ain’t titty! His mother died at age fifty-three
some Uncle Tom, if that’s what you’re from uterine cancer; 2010 Population
trying to say!” “I didn’t mean you Statistic: Now listen, I just received an
were a Tom”; 2009 Wikipedia: Tom is offer and I’m considering it, and if you
a pejorative term for a black person can’t live with that – tough titty!
who is perceived as behaving in a sub- trickeration n. manipulation or deception
servient manner to white authority (gs, jg): 1991 Los Angeles Times: He
figures routinely accuses his opponents of
264 Glossary
trickeration; 1995 New York Times: He four seven; 2002 People I Know, film:
is now the one accused of trickeration; I gotta train you twenty-four seven;
2011 Blogspot: Don’t be fooled by the 2002 Showtime, film: We’re gonna be
trickeration that hoes put by watching you twenty-four seven
trim n. potentially offensive [1] a two-eleven (or 211) n. an armed robbery
woman as a sex object or partner (cm, (jg): 1992 Dr. Dre: Niggaz try to set me
gs, jg): 2004 Harold & Kumar Go to up for a two-eleven; 1996 MC Ren:
White Castle, film: Come on, dudes, Don’t come around playin’ 007 cause
let’s pick up some trim at a strip club!; your ass might get caught in a 211;
2010 Nah Right: Speaking of which 2013 Joey Fatts: Got a chrome MAC-
I need to find some good trim this week; 11, down for a two-eleven
2011 Drake: Niggas that are married
don’t wanna go home, they want some U
new trim [2] sex or the sex act (cm, gs,
rk): 1983 48 Hrs., film: If I don’t get ugly-ass adj. very ugly (cm, gs, jg): 1998
some trim tonight, I’m going to bust. Enemy of the State, film: “Have you
You know, sex; 2006 Randy Kearse: looked at the tape? What’s on it?”
She ain’t given up no trim; 2010 Words “Your ugly-ass face is on it”; 2000
Domination: All of them need a good Next Friday, film: He’s just an ugly-
trim every once in a while ass black dude; 2009 Sorority Row,
trip v. to lose control and behave in an film: It’s Mickey. I would know those
irrational way (gs, jg, rk): 2006 ugly-ass shoes anywhere
Randy Kearse: Before you start trip- ug-mug n. an unattractive person (rk):
pin’ let me tell you what happened; 2005 Roll Bounce, film: He just doesn’t
2009 Slumz Boxden: Before you start wanna run into that ug-mug he took to
trippin’, let me explain; 2013 Ke Juan: the movies last time; 2009 Los Angeles
Since I got a little fame, these niggas Times: I mean, look at all those ug
started trippin’ mugs in the league; 2009 All Hip
tude (or ’tude) n. an arrogant, condes- Hop: I shoulda been in this pic since
cending or confrontational attitude its clearly for ug-mugs
(bk, cm, gs): 2002 San Jose Mercury Uncle Tom1 n. potentially offen-
News: What’s with that ‘tude, dude?; sive an African American man who
2007 Chicago Tribune: Veronica, is subservient to whites or adopts their
what’s with the tude, girl?; 2010 Grad values and attitudes (bk, cm, gs, jg):
Cafe: They don’t like that ’tude much 2000 Bamboozled, film: You have been
turn out v. to introduce someone to called a traitor, an Uncle Tom; 2010
something new and different, espe- New York Daily News: A small group
cially in sex (cm, gs, jg): 1990 Too of his supporters shouted “sell-out”
Short: Bitch turned me out, took my and “Uncle Tom”; 2013 Lee Daniels’
dick out the pussy, let me cum in her The Butler, film: Poitier is nothing but
mouth; 1992 Hard Knocks: I turned her a rich Uncle Tom
out, now forever she’s a nigger lover; Uncle Tom2 (or Uncle Tom it) phr.
2013 Wattpad: When I say she turned potentially offensive (of an
me out, I ain’t exaggerating African American) to be subservient
twenty-four seven (or 24/7) adv. continu- to whites or adopt their values and
ously or non-stop (cm, gs, rk): 2000 attitudes (bk, jg): 2002 New York
Miss Congeniality, film: I work twenty- Times: Gloria Steinem accused her of
Glossary 265
having Uncle Tommed it; 2004 Los up South adv. in or toward the northern
Angeles Times: The popularity of hip- USA (bk, cm, gs): 2009 Uppity Negro
hop and its particular brand of black- Network: As a black man who has
ness has made Uncle Tomming no lived up South all my life and attended
longer necessary; 2012 Atlanta Rutgers University, I get it; 2010 Quan-
Journal-Constitution: Black folks call tum Apocalypse, film: We worked our
that Uncle Tomming way up South; 2010 Root: It can still be
Uncle Tom it see above up South
uncool adj. [1] not calm (bk, cm): 2008 uptight adj. [1] inhibited (cm, gs): 1998
United Press International: It would Alice Walker: She’s an uptight little
make them feel uncool; 2010 Globe bitch; 1999 American Beauty, film:
and Mail: I can’t believe this makes You’re too uptight about sex; 2011
me feel uncool; 2011 Twitter: I feel a Screen Junkies: They are superb in this
little uncool when I see my mom wear- romantic comedy about an uptight
ing it [2] not excellent or admirable, woman who goes to visit her fiancé in
especially if oldfashioned or outdated Paris [2] overly conservative or ortho-
(bk, cm): 2004 New York Times: The dox: 2007 I Now Pronounce You Chuck
Beastie Boys serve a symbolic role for and Larry, film: Canada has always
young Jews looking to connect to one been very pro-gay, unlike that uptight
another and their religion without feel- country to the south; 2010 American
ing uncool; 2009 Ebony: Was he melo- Thinker: It is easy to see why the
dramatic and sometimes a little uncool Germans, themselves so uptight
in his overt coolness?; 2011 Automo- and over-scheduled, use it; 2010 Wash-
bile Magazine: They fail to recognize it ington Post: I’m not an uptight Repub-
because they’re so uncool [3] unpleas- lican who wants to tell everyone else
ant, rude or unfair (bk, jg): 1989 how to live
Lethal Weapon 2, film: I’m sorry, that
was very uncool; 2002 Ali V
G Indahouse, film: I’m sorry we
invaded you. It was really uncool; V n. an automobile (rk): 2006 Nah Right:
2005 Just Like Heaven, film: You freak! When you pull me over drivin’ my V,
That is uncool, man! tell me why I shouldn’t spit in ya face
underdig v. to understand completely when you ask for ID; 2006 Randy
(jg, rk): 2004 Lil Wayne: You under- Kearse: Where you park the V, kid?;
dig, shorty, its all about one thing; 2010 Honda Owners Club: I want to
2008 Black Planet: After me there will still be drivin’ my V for a long time
be no more like me, you underdig what vanilla n. potentially offensive a
I’m sayin?; 2010 Dolemite Ebonics: white person, especially a woman (bk,
You betta watch yourself, you underdig jg): 1997 Patricia Nell Warren: A car
me, fool? full of blacks was stopped by several
uppity adj. self-important or arrogant white guys. They tried to turn the car
(bk, cm): 1989 John Grisham: Lester over. The blacks got out and scattered
was always an uppity nigger; 2004 the vanillas pretty good; 2009
Toni Morrison: All those colleges Blowjob Blogs: Attractive sexy van-
hadn’t made her uppity; 2005 Coach illas play with big ebony cocks!; 2009
Carter, film: Can you believe this Bossip: You niggas can have these
uppity Negro? vanillas!
266 Glossary
vic n. a victim (cm, rk): 2007 Sarasota walk heavy phr. to behave in a self-
Herald Tribune: The vic was identified important and self-assured manner
as Zaher Abdel Mohsin; 2010 Dexter, (bk, cm, jg): 1997 New York Times:
Showtime-TV series: Who’s the vic?; I was walking heavy. I felt strong; 2007
2012 Criminal Minds, CBS-TV series: YouTube: I walk heavy, always
Some of the vics were shot in the leg staying with my Glock; 2013 Twitter:
vicious adj. excellent or admirable (gs, I talk heavy cuz I walk heavy
jg, rk): 2006 Snoop Dogg: She was walk soft phr. to behave modestly and
so vicious, lips so luscious, suck a quietly (bk, jg): 2000 Ice Cube: This
nigga dick and have it shinin like some nigga is walkin’ soft; 2003 Gilbert
dishes; 2008 Ebony: He did it in such Morris: Well, boy, it’s better to walk
vicious style, too. Smiling, talking to soft around your ma for a time after
the audience and his opponents; 2009 you’ve made a plumb fool of yourself;
Black Planet: I’m twenty, cute as fuck, 2009 Free Dictionary: I try to walk soft
have bangin body and a vicious dress and not rock the boat
vine see below wangsta see below
vines (or vine) n. a suit (cm, gs, jg): 1992 wanksta (or wangsta) n. potentially
Malcolm X, film: Where’d you get offensive a rapper who poses as a
them goddamn vines you got on? And gangster (rk): 2002 50 Cent: We say
them shoes?; 2003 Mathematics: I’m a you a wanksta and you need to stop
get myself some fine-looking vines and frontin; 2010 Los Angeles Times: He
a great-looking ride; 2013 Twitter: was not even a gangster, he was a
Brandon Jennings be wearin vines like wanksta; 2010 Ebonics Translator: Shut
that too? up, wanksta! You ain’t gon’ pop a
damn thing
W wannabe n. someone who is trying to be
like another person or to belong to a
wack (or wack-ass) adj. inferior or unsat- particular group (bk, cm, gs, jg, rk):
isfactory (jg): 2002 8 Mile, film: They 2011 Atlantic Monthly: We increas-
don’t laugh ’cause you wack. It’s ingly see affiliates, wannabes, and
’cause you white with a mic; 2006 Puff those who are inspired by al-Qaeda
Puff Pass, film: I voted for her wack- coming to the fore; 2011 Tampa Bay:
ass dad. The way I see it, she owes me; It’s popular among young Hollywood
2013 LL Cool J: Y’all niggas is so stars and wannabes; 2011 News, Fox-
wack, your crew is such, y’all lack TV program: It is the American people
the hard impact who are asked to pass judgment upon
wack-ass see above a presidential wannabe
wailing (or wailin’) adj. excellent or waste v. to kill (cm, gs): 1986 Beastie
admirable (bk, jg): 2007 Telemark Boys: He wasted two kids that ran
Talk: The white carpet is already for the door; 1987 Full Metal Jacket,
rolled out for him and I’m thinking a film: If you wanna waste her, go on,
wailin’ party is in order!; 2009 Porn waste her!; 1998 Enemy of the State,
Blocker: Josh is a wailin’ mother- film: Hammersly was professionally
fucker!; 2009 Santa Paula Times: The wasted
members of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy wax v. to record a music album (gs):
love to throw one heck of a wailing 1996 Snoop Dogg: We wax tracks and
party smack up MCs who compose the
Glossary 267
violence; 2009 Indiana Public Media: I getting my white ass back in that bus;
In the last year of his life he waxed 2010 Lil Wayne: They were here before
an album for Blue Note that many con- your white asses were
sider to be his masterpiece; 2009 white-ass adj. potentially offen-
Brunswick Records: They continued sive white: 1999 Cut Run Deep, film:
to experiment, waxing an album You’re dead! You fucking white-ass
inspired by Curtis Mayfield’s Superfly motherfucker! Say your prayers!; 2005
soundtrack Blogspot: What can I say about the
way-way n. a highway: 2005 Rice Place: white-ass mentality? I don’t like it;
Don’t swing your car on the way-way; 2013 Twitter: These white-ass mother-
2009 Blogger: We’re on the way-way to fuckers sure do hate having a black
Vegas; 2010 Trip Advisor: It’s on the president
way-way from Chichi through Santa white boy n. potentially offensive
Cruz del Quiche. The drive took us a white man, especially young: 1997
about five hours Con Air, film: We need another white
Westside n. West Coast, especially Cali- boy to volunteer; 1998 He Got Game,
fornia (gs): 2005 Aaron Peckham: I’m film: He’s a cool white boy; 2013 Lee
just bangin’ on the westside right now, Daniels’ The Butler, film: They say this
I’ll hit ya back; 2006 Los Angeles new white boy is smooth
Times: There were so many homies white girl n. potentially offensive
from the Westside; 2013 Sound Click: a white woman, especially young: 1992
Shout out to my niggas in the Westside! Malcolm X, film: I was sleeping with
whaddup see below white girls; 2009 Ebony: Who is more
what up (or whaddup) excl. [1] hello like the 17-year old white girl audience
(gs): 1996 Get on the Bus, film: What of MTV than a 17 year old white girl?;
up, Black?; 2002 8 Mile, film: What up, 2010 Washington Post: You talk like a
dawg!; 2009 Time Out New York: What white girl
up, home slices!; 2005 G-Unit: What up white meat n. potentially offen-
blood! What up cuz! What up wank- sive a sexual partner, especially a
stas! [2] what is going on (gs): 1996 woman (cm, jg): 2005 Urban Diction-
MC Ren: What up nigga? What’s hap- ary: Them niggas is lustin for the white
penin?; 1999 Snoop Dogg: Nigga what meat; 2013 Literotica: You will never
up now? You act like a bitch; 2002 desire white meat again; 2013 Twicsy:
Paid in Full, film: “What up?” “Calm Niggas get their hands on some white
down!” meat
whip n. an automobile (jg, rk): 2012 white nigga see below
Meek Mill: I roll around through my white nigger (or white nigga) n. very
old hood in my new whip; 2012 Wiz offensive unless used by afri-
Khalifa: I’m in a hella fast whip going can americans a white person who
top speed; 2013 Horseshoe G.A.N.G.: assumes the behavior and values of the
Shoot a nigga while he sittin’ in his African American culture, especially
whip hip-hop (gs, cm, jg): 2007 SOHH:
white ass n. potentially offensive I was born a white nigga!; 2008 Mix
self, when referring to a white person: Tape Torrent: He called that dude a
1994 Forrest Gump, film: Get your white nigga; 2009 XXL Magazine:
white ass away from that window!; Anyone who refers to himself as a
1996 Get on the Bus, film: No way am white nigga is extra stupid
268 Glossary
wolfin’; 2010 Tech N9ne: These niggas word is bond excl. I approve or agree
funny, nigga battle rapin’ and steady (gs, jg, rk): 1995 Clockers, film:
wolfin’ [2] to talk idly (bk, cm, gs): Word is bond! Now get your mother-
1987 Untouchables, film: Let’s cut the fuckin’ ass outa my car; 1998 He Got
woofing, pal. You tell me or you’re Game, film: “We ain’t for the fame, we
going to the fuckin’ morgue; 1994 for the change!” “Word is bond”; 2011
Friends, NBC-TV series: What are Lil B: Word is bond, nigga!
you guys woofing about?; 2008 Dayton word to the mother (or word to your
Daily News: She was always wolfing mother) excl. I approve or agree (gs,
about this and that jg): 1991 House Party 2, film: “Mal-
wolf ticket (or woof ticket) n. threatening colm embraced the brotherhood of all
by using strong and boastful language men!” “Yo, word to the mother!”; 1995
(cm, gs, jg): 1992 Atlanta Journal- Higher Learning, film: “Do I make
Constitution: Wolf ticket refers to an myself clear?” “Yeah man, I under-
outrageous boast meant to intimidate stand. Word to the mother”; 2010 South
or impress the listener; 1995 The Click: Florida Sun-Sentinel: “A happy rock
Wolf tickets is some silly tricks tryin to star is hard to find.” “Word to your
be the shit comin’ with that sicky sing- mother”
sing stupid-ass shit; 2002 Jimmy Ler- word to your mother see above
ner: Following another fifteen-minute word up see word
flurry of wolf tickets, young deputy work the body phr. to dance: 1997 Us3:
Camel does the handcuff routine again Work the body, baby, it’s a party!; 2000
Wood (or ’Wood) n. Inglewood, Califor- Edmonds Kevon: Now move it to the
nia: 2009 Jacks Music News: Mr. De right, work the body, baby, shake it like
La Cruz was born in the Wood (Ingle- you mean it!; 2011 Red Orbit: They all
wood), California, and was raised in work the body in a front-to-back motion
Lawndale, in the South Bay; 2010 W.T. see white trash
Hood Up: So you’re from the Wood?;
2010 Nah Right: He’s from the Wood X
woof see wolf
woof ticket see wolf ticket x’ed out (or X’ed out) adj. no longer
word (or word up) excl. [1] I approve or important or relevant (cm, jg): 2003
agree (bk, cm, gs, jg, rk): 1993 Fear Don Juan: Shoulda been down from
of a Black Hat, film: “Calm down day one, now you X’ed out; 2013 Twit-
before somebody gets hurt!” “Word, ter: You used to be cool until you got
man. Marty’s right!”; 2002 8 Mile, x’ed out; 2013 YouTube: You got x’ed
film: “It’s always easier for whites to out. Everything you say is irrelevant
succeed in a black man’s medium,
right?” “Word up, it’s true”; 2007 30 Y
Rock, NBC-TV series: “Be home
tonight, I need to talk to you about yack n. cognac (gs, rk): 2008 Snoop
something!” “Word!” [2] listen or Dogg: We got that chronic, we got that
pay attention (bk, cm, rk): 1995 LL yack for you!; 2009 YouTube: We be
Cool J: Make a brother feel good, drinkin yack and banging da bitches;
word up!; 2000 Wu-Tang Clan: Word 2010 TQ: My niggas be drinkin yack
up, look out for the cops!; 2009 Ebony: tonight. And wouldn’t mind a little bit
Word up! Vanessa is also an actress! of ass tonight
270 Glossary
see us guzzling forties, menthols, wine, zoot suit n. a man’s suit with a loose
and wee. Sitting on the back porch, jacket and high-waisted tapering pants,
getting zooted, feeling fine indeed; popular in 1940s and 1950s (bk, cm,
2009 Urban Dictionary: That girl was jg): 1996 Snoop Dogg: I came through
zooted at that party yesterday [2] in a zoot suit, lookin’ too cute; 1999
under the influence of a drug (jg, Memphis Commercial Appeal: The
rk): 1991 New Jack City, film: groomsmen will sport white zoot suits,
I copped me a bag of that red devil hats and canes, and the bridesmaids
angel dust, I got zooted; 2009 Life on will dance down the aisle to a rhythm
Mars, ABC-TV series: This guy’s and blues number; 2010 Big Bang
zooted; 2013 Grantland: Kenny was Theory, CBS-TV series: Put on your
zooted on ecstasy best zoot suit!
Bibliography
272
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Monkey Cage; Moon Battery; More Than Right; Motley Fool; Muckracker; Multichan-
nel News; Murder Dog Magazine; Music Vice; Musician; My Hattiesburg; My Latino
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Short, Short Dog’s in the House (1990); Too Short, Get in Where You Fit in (1993);
Too Short, Chase the Cat (2001); Too Short, Blow the Whistle (2006); T-Pop, Wise Guy
(2006); Trends of Culture, Trendz (1993); Tribe Called Quest, The Love Movement
(1998); Trick Daddy, Fantasy (2009); Trinidad James, 10pc. Mild (2013); Trip Lee,
Between Two Worlds (2010); Tupac Shakur, 2Pacalypse Now (1991); Tupac Shakur,
Thug Life (1994); Tupac Shakur, Me Against the World (1995); Tupac Shakur, All Eyez
on Me (1996); Tupac Shakur, R U Still Down? (1997); Tupac Shakur, Until the End of
Time (2001); Turk, Raw and Uncut (2003); Twi-Lite, Swag (2012); Twista, Legit Ballin
Vol. 1 (1999); Two Live Crew, Hoochie Mama (1996); U.N.L.V., Straight out tha
Gutta (1994); U.N.L.V., Mac Melph Calio (1995); U.N.L.V., Greatest Hits Collection
(2012); Us3, Hand on the Torch (1993); Viktor Vaughn, Venomous Villain (2004);
Waka Flocka Flame, DuFlocka Rant 2 (2013); WC, Ghetto Heisman (2002); Webbie,
Savage Life 3 (2011); Whiz Khalifa, Show and Prove (2006); Willie Dee, Controversy
(1989); Wiz Khalifa, The Gangs Return (2012); Wiz Khalifa, O.N.I.F.C. (2012); Dizzy
Wright, The Golden Age (2013); Wu-Tang Clan, Enter the Wu-Tang (1993); Wu-Tang
Clan, Wu-Tang Forever (1997); Wu-Tang Clan, The W (2000); Wu-Tang Clan, Iron
Flag (2001); Wu-Tang Clan, The Sting (2002); Wu-Tang Clan, Legend of the Wu-Tang
Clan (2004); Wu-Tang Clan, Eight Diagrams (2007); Wu-Tang Clan, Wu-Tang Cham-
ber Music (2009); Xzibit, At the Speed of Life (1996); Xzibit, Man vs. Machine (2002);
Yelawolf, Trunk Muzik 0–60 (2010); Ying Yang Twins, Alley: The Return of the Ying
Yang Twins (2002); Ying Yang Twins, Legendary Status: Ying Yang Twins Greatest
Hits (2009); Young Buck, T.I.P. (2005); Young Jeezy, Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation
(2005); Young Jeezy, SupaFreak (2011); Young Money Entertainment, I Don’t Like
(2013); Z-Ro, The Life of Joseph W. McVey (2004); Z-Ro, I’m Still Lovin’ (2006); Z-Ro,
Meth (2011).
Press
Access Atlanta; Ad Week; Alamogordo Daily News; Allentown Morning Call; American
Conservative; American Spectator; American Thinker; Anchorage Daily News; Annap-
olis Capital; Appleton Post-Crescent; Argus Leader; Arizona Daily Wildcat; Ask Men;
Aspen Daily News; Atlanta Black Star; Atlanta Journal-Constitution; Atlantic Monthly;
Attleboro Sun Chronicle; Aurora Sentinel; Austin American-Statesman; Austin Chron-
icle; Austin News; Austin Weekly News; Auto Guide; Automobile Magazine; AVN
Magazine; Bahamas Press; Baltimore Afro-American; Baltimore City Paper; Baltimore
News-Tribune; Baltimore Sun; Bama Magazine; Bangor Daily News; Beacon Journal;
Beaumont Enterprise; Belleville News-Democrat; Berkeley Daily Planet; Billboard;
Birmingham News; Birmingham Post; Bismarck Tribune; Bitch Magazine; Black Ath-
lete; Black Book Magazine; Bluff Magazine; Bluffton Today; Boca Raton News; Body
Building; Book Reporter; Booman Tribune; Boston Globe; Boston Herald; Boston
Standard; Boston University Daily Free Press; Boulder Daily Camera; Bradenton
Herald; Brainerd Daily Dispatch; Broadway World; Brooklyn Papers; Brownsville
Herald; Brunswick Records; Buffalo News; Burlington Times News; BusinessWeek;
286 Sources
Calgary Sun; Calhoun Times; California Chronicle; California State University Daily
Titan; Cape Cod Times; Car and Driver; Centre Daily Times; Charleston Post Courier;
Charlotte Observer; Chattanoogan; Cherokee Leader; Cherry Hill Courier Post; Chi-
cago Daily Herald; Chicago Now; Chicago Sun-Times; Chicago Tribune; Chico
Enterprise Record; Chinook Observer; Christian Post; Christian Science Monitor;
Cincinnati Enquirer; Cincinnati Magazine; Cincinnati News; Citizens Voice; Cleveland
Jewish News; Cleveland Plain Dealer; Colorado Springs Gazette; Colorado Springs
Independent; Coloradoan; Columbus Dispatch; Computerworld; Concord Monitor;
Contra Costa Times; Corpus Christi Caller-Times; Cosmopolitan; Creston News
Advertiser; Daily Cardinal; Daily News of Los Angeles; Daily of the University of
Washington; Daily Ranger; Daily Reflector; Daily Sentinel; Dallas Morning News;
Dallas Observer; Dayton Daily News; Daytona Beach News-Journal; Denver Post;
Deseret News; Detroit Free Press; Detroit News; Diverse Issues in Higher Education;
DuBois Institute Newsletter; Dubuque Telegraph Herald; Duke Chronicle; Ebony; Elle;
Englewood Herald-Tribune; Entertainment Weekly; Erie Times-News; Esquire;
Essence; Evansville Courier Press; Everyday Christian; Examiner; Exclaim; Express;
Fashion; Fayetteville Observer; Fiction International; Fight Magazine; Film; Florida
Courier; Florida Sun Sentinel; Florida Today; Forbes; Fredericksburg Free Lance
Star; Free Lance Star; Free Press Houston; Fresno Bee; Gainesville Sun; Gilbert
Times; Glamour Edge; Globe and Mail; Greater Long Beach; Green Daily; Greensboro
News and Record; Guitar World Magazine; Hartford Courant; Harvard Crimson;
Harvard Magazine; Hawkins County Post; High Times; Hollywood Reporter; Home
Barista; Homer News; Honolulu Advertiser; Houston African American News; Houston
Chronicle; Huntsville Item; Hustler; Idaho Press-Tribune; Idaho Statesman; Indian-
apolis Monthly; Indianapolis Star; Inquirer; Insider; Japan Tube XXX; Jazz Times; Jet
Magazine; Jewish Chronicle; Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles; Johnstown
Tribune Democrat; Kansas City Star; Kingston Standard; Lakeland Ledger; Lansing
State Journal; Las Vegas Mercury; Las Vegas Review-Journal; Las Vegas Sun; Las
Vegas Weekly; LA Weekly; London Free Press; Long Beach Press Telegram; Los
Angeles Sentinel; Los Angeles Times; Louisiana Weekly; Louisville Courier-Journal;
Maclean; Macon Telegraph; Marie Claire; Martha’s Vineyard Gazette; Maximum PC;
Memphis Commercial Appeal; Memphis Flyer; Men’s Health; Mesquite Local News;
Metro News; Miami Herald; Miami New Times; Michigan Citizen; Michigan City News
Dispatch; Michigan Daily; Milwaukee Journal Sentinel; Milwaukee Sentinel; Minneap-
olis Star-Tribune; Minnesota Daily; Montgomery County Courier; Mother Jones;
Motorcycle; Muncie Star Press; Myrtle Beach Sun News; Nassau Guardian; National
Ledger; National Post; Newark Star-Ledger; New Hampshire Union Leader; New
Haven Independent; New Haven Register; New Music Monthly; New Republic; Newport
Daily Herald; Newport Daily Press; News Tribune; Newsweek; New York Amsterdam
News; New York Beacon; New York Daily News; New York Daily Post; New York
Magazine; New York Newsday; New York Observer; New York Post; New York Sun;
New York Times; North-Central Connecticut Journal Inquirer; Nursing Times; Oakland
Tribune; OC Weekly; Ocala Star-Banner; OK Magazine; Oklahoma Daily; Olympian;
Oregonian; Orlando Sentinel; Ottawa Citizen; Out Magazine; Palm Beach Post; Paste
Magazine; PC World; People; Pepperell Free Press; Philadelphia City Paper; Phila-
delphia Daily News; Philadelphia Inquirer; Philadelphia Weekly; Phoenix New Times;
Pitch Weekly; Pittsburgh Post Gazette; Pittsburgh Press; Plainview Daily Herald;
Sources 287
Pontiac Daily Ledger; Popular Science; Portland Mercury; Portland Press Herald;
Poughkeepsie Journal; Press of Atlantic City; Progressor Times; Providence Journal;
Quincy Patriot Ledger; Rave; Richmond Times; Roanoke Times; Rochester City News-
paper; Rocky Mountain News; Rolling Stone; Rutgers Bulletin; Sacramento Bee; Salt
Lake City Weekly; Salt Lake Tribune; San Antonio Express-News; San Bernardino Sun;
San Diego Magazine; San Diego Reader; San Diego Union Tribune; San Francisco
Bay View; San Francisco Chronicle; San Francisco Weekly; San Jose Mercury News;
Santa Barbara Independent; Santa Paula Times; Santa Rosa Press Democrat; Sarasota
Herald Tribune; Savannah Morning News; Schenectady Daily Gazette; Screen Weekly;
Seattle Post Intelligencer; Seattle Times; Shakopee Valley News; Shape; Source; South
Florida Sun; South Florida Sun-Sentinel; Spin Magazine; Spokesman-Review; Sports
Illustrated; Statesman Journal; St. Louis Post-Dispatch; St. Paul Pioneer Press; St.
Petersburg Times; Stanford Daily; Statesman Journal; Sun Gazette; Sunday World;
Talk; Tampa Bay; Tampa Bay Newspaper; Tampa Tribune; Tennessean; Terre Haute
Tribune Star; Time; Time Out Chicago; Time Out New York; Today; Toledo Blade;
Topeka Capital Journal; Toronto; Toronto Star; Tricity Herald; Tuscaloosa News; TV
Guide; TV Magazine; University of Alabama Crimson White; University of Oregon
Babel; Uptown Chronicle; Us Magazine; US Weekly; USA Today; Vancouver Sun;
Vanderbilt Orbis; Vanity Fair; Variety; Ventura County Star; Vibe; Victoria Advocate;
Village Voice; Virginian Pilot; Voice; Wall Street Journal; Washington City Paper;
Washington Monthly; Washington Post; Washington Times; West Seattle Herald;
Western Gazette; Whittier Daily News; Wichita Eagle; Williams Record; Wilmington
News Journal; Windsor Peak; Wine Review; Winston-Salem Journal; Wired; Wired
News; Worcester Telegram Gazette; XXL Magazine; Yale Herald; Yale-New Heaven
Teachers Institute; Youngstown Vindicator; Yuma Sun.
Literature
Irving Lewis Allen, City In Slang: New York Life and Popular Speech (1993); Reinhold
Aman, Maledicta: The International Journal of Verbal Aggression (1993); Melanie
R. Anderson, Spectrality in the Novels of Toni Morrison (2013); Tom Arnold, Check-
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Uprising: The Suspense Thriller (2001); Susan Boyd, Hooked: Drug War Films in
Britain, Canada, and the U.S. (2009); Cecil Brown, I, Stagolee (2006); Kevin Brown,
Malcolm X: His Life and Legacy (1995); Speedy L. Brown, Mahogany’s Blues (2009);
Heather Buchanan, Eyes on Fire: Witnesses to the Detroit Riot of 1967 (2007); Rebecca
Buckley, Love Has a Price Tag (2006); Duane Cady, Moral Vision: How Everyday Life
Shapes Ethical Thinking (2005); Stephen Calt, Barrelhouse Words: A Blues Dialect
Dictionary (2009); Stephen J. Cannell, King Con: A Novel (1998); Stephen J. Cannell,
White Sister (2006); Clayborne Carson, In Struggle: SNCC and the Black Awakening of
the 1960s (1995); Lorene Cary, Pride: A Novel (1998); Brian Childs, The Evening
Rolled Like a Tank Being Driven by a Zombie (2006); Tom Clancy, Clear and Present
Danger (1989); Wahida Clark, Payback Is a Mutha (2009); Debra Clayton, Triple
Platinum (2007); Catherine Clinton, Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom (2004);
288 Sources
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Elmore Leonard, City Primeval (1980); Elmore Leonard, Freaky Dicky (1988); Elmore
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(1994); Jonathan E. Lighter, The Random House Historical Dictionary of American
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Lowe, Da Flip Side: The Side That’s Glorified and the Side That’s Never Told (2004);
Michael Lydon, Boogie Lightning (1994); Richard T. Lynch, Pendulum (2003); Clar-
ence Major, Juba to Jive: A Dictionary of African American Slang (1994); Jessica
Mann, The Voice from the Grave (2002); Armistead Maupin, Maybe the Moon (1992);
Nathan McCall, Makes Me Wanna Holler: A Young Black Man in America (1994); Neil
McMillen, Dark Journey: Black Mississippians in the Age of Jim Crow (1990); Penny
Mickelburry, One Must Wait (1998); George Middleton, City of Drama (2009); Kirk
Mitchell, Colors (1988); Sydney Molare, Grandmama’s Mojo Still Working (2004);
Bradie Moore, Vanilla Mommy (2005); John Moore, Three of a Kind: A Novel (2001);
Judith Moore, The Left Coast of Paradise: California and the American Heart (1987);
Walker Moore, Rite of Passage Parenting (2007); Edward Morris, The Frank Principle
(2007); Gilbert Morris, Deep in the Heart: A Novel (2003); Mary Morrison, Uncondi-
tionally Single (2009); Toni Morrison, Conversations with Toni Morrison (1994); Toni
Morrison, Birth of a Nation’hood (1997); Toni Morrison, Tar Baby (2004); Nekousa
Mullin, Shop Talk (2004); Pamela Munro, Slang U (1989); Donna Murch, Living for
the City (2010); Rey Mysterio, Behind the Mask (2009); Patricia Nell Warren, Billy’s
Boy (1997); Marcia Nelson, The God of Second Chances (2001); Rhonda Nelson, The
Specialist (2006); Scott Newhall, A Newspaper Editor’s Voyage across San Francisco
Bay (1990); Robert Newman, Owen Lattimore and the Loss of China (1992); Richard
Nixon, In the Arena: A Memoir of Victory, Defeat, and Renewal (1991); Laurie
Palazzolo, Horn Man: The Polish-American Musician in the Twentieth-Century Detroit
(2003); Yetonda Payne, Ain’t I a Woman (2004); Aaron Peckham, Urban Dictionary
(2005); George Pelecanos, Shame the Devil (2000); George Pelecanos, The Night
Gardener (2006); Dion Perkins, Ghetto Child (2010); Janet Perr, Hip-Hop for Dogs:
From Bling to Phat Your Dog is One Cool Cat (2008); Theresa Perry, Teaching
Malcolm X (1996); Gayle Peters, Taken! (1993); Darryl Pinckney, High Cotton
(1992); Vanessa Place, The Guilt Project: Rape, Morality and Law (2010); Mary Helen
Ponce, The Wedding (1989); Richard Price, Clockers (1992); Richard Quarantello,
Surviving the Warzone: Growing Up East New York Brooklyn (2013); Alice Randall,
Pushkin and the Queen of Spades (2004); B. K. Ray, Cold Wing Dinner (2004);
Christopher Robert Reed, The Black Presence at White City (2002); David Adams
Richards, River of the Brokenhearted (2004); John Ridley, What Fire Cannot Burn
(2006); Dennis Rodman, I Should Be Dead by Now (2006); David Roadiger, The Wages
of Whiteness (1999); Ross Roeser, Speech-language Pathology Desk Reference (1998);
Tricia Rose, The Hip Hop Wars (2008); Rusty Rothman, How to Find Another
Husband – by Someone Who Did (1985); Shawn Stewart Ruff, Toss and Whirl and
Pass (2010); Robert Sanchez, Daniel’s Dream (2010); Sapphire, Push (1996); Bernard
Satterwhite, Playaz and Wolves (2009); Joseph Schloss, Foundation: B-boys, B-girls,
and Hip-hop Culture in New York (2009); Lisa Scottoline, Rough Justice (1998);
290 Sources
Zachary Scribe, Underground and Independent Rap (2007); Kerry Segrave, Jukeboxes:
An American Social History (2002); Thomas Sergent, Dark Valor (2010); Shafeeq,
Dangerously Insured: Are You Covered? (2006); Sanyika Shakur, Monster: The Auto-
biography of an L.A. Gang Member (1993); Errol Shaw, Color, Friendship and the
Absence of Ignorance (2008); James Short and Lorine Hughes, Studying Youth Gangs
(2006); Rachel Simmons, Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls
(2003); David Simon and Edward Burns, The Corner: A Year in the Life of an Inner-
City Neighborhood (1997); David Simon, Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets
(1991); LaDonna Smith, I Married Satan (2010); Geneva Smitherman, Black Talk:
Words and Phrases from the Hood to the Amen Corner (2000); Mike Specto, Soulville:
A Boxing Novel (2010); Norman Spinrad, The Men in the Jungle (2011); Lawrence
A. Stanley, Rap: The Lyrics (1992); Jason Starr, Lights Out (2006); Torrance Stephens,
Butter Down (2005); Joyce West Stevens, Smart and Sassy: The Strengths of Inner-City
Black Girls (2002); Taffi Stevens, Don’t Cry for Me (2009); Rosalyn Story, More Than
You Know (2005); Carsten Stroud, Close Pursuit (1987); Antonio Styles, The Night
Shift (2011); James Swartz, Substance Abuse in America (2012); Greg Tate, Midnight
Lightning (2003); Carl S. Taylor, Girls, Gangs, Women and Drugs (1993); Richard
Templar, The Rules of Management: A Definitive Code for Managerial Success (2005);
Jervey Tervalon, Understand This (2000); Tim Tharp, Falling Dark (1999); Vicki
Thornberry, When Fallen Angels Fly (2004); Tina Turner and Kurt Loder, I, Tina
(1986); Omar Tyree, Pecking Order (2008); Omar Tyree, Dirty Old Men and Other
Stories (2009); Zoe Valdes, I Gave You All I Had (2000); Rick Van Dam, Days of
Lovers and Rock and Roll (2006); Paul Volponi, Black and White (2006); Alice Walker,
By the Light of My Father’s Smile (1998); Alice Walker, The Alice Walker Collection:
Non-Fiction (2013); Joseph Wambaugh, The Delta Star (1983); Joseph Wambaugh,
Lines and Shadows (1984); Bruce Welch, They Made Me an Addict (2011); Wil
Wheaton, Dancing Barefoot (2004); William Whitmire, A Long Way from Our Homes
(2005); Joy Ann Williamson, Black Power on Campus (2003); Kashamba Williams,
Around the Girls Two (2007); Thomas Wolfe, O Lost: A Story of the Buried Life (2000);
Tom Wolfe, The Bonfire of the Vanities (1987); Todd Wooten, Sex and Race in
America (2006); Bryant York, The Passing of Ronnie Janey (2004); Bob Zellner, The
Wrong Side of Murder Creek: A White Southerner in the Freedom Movement (2008).
Television
3rd Rock from the Sun (NBC-TV series); 30 Rock (NBC-TV series); American Dad
(Fox-TV series); American Idol (Fox-TV series); Battlestar Galactica (SciFi-TV
series); Beavis and Butthead (MTV-TV series); Big Bang Theory (CBS-TV series);
Boardwalk Empire (HBO-TV series); Boston Legal (ABC-TV series); Breaking Bad
(AMC-TV series); Buffy the Vampire Slayer (WB-TV series); Cane (CBS-TV series);
Chappelle’s Show (WGN-TV program); Cheers (NBC-TV series); Chris Rock Show
(HBO-TV program); Cleveland Show (Fox-TV series); Criminal Minds (CBS-TV
series); CSI: Miami (CBS-TV series); CSI: NY (CBS-TV series); Desperate Housewives
(NBC-TV series); Dexter (Showtime-TV series); Dollhouse (Fox-TV series); Friends
(NBC-TV series); Futurama (Fox-TV series); Generation Kill (HBO-TV series);
George Carlin: Life Is Worth Losing (HBO-TV program); Hannah Montana (ABC-
TV series); House M.D. (Fox-TV series); Jerry Springer Show (WBN-TV program);
Sources 291
John from Cincinnati (HBO-TV series); Kath and Kim (NBC-TV series); King of the
Hill (Fox-TV); Las Vegas (NBC-TV series); Late Show with Conan O’Brien (NBC-TV
program); Life on Mars (ABC-TV series); Little Britain USA (HBO-TV series); Martin
(Fox-TV series); Max Monroe: Loose Cannon (CBS-TV series); Melrose Place (Fox-
TV series); Monk (NBC-TV series); News (ABC-TV program); News (BBC-TV pro-
gram); News (CBC-TV program); News (CBS-TV program); News (CMT-TV pro-
gram); News (CNN-TV program); News (Fox-TV program); News (KENS-TV
program); News (KGBT-TV program); News (KVAL-TV program); News (MSNBC-
TV program); News (MTV-TV program); News (WCTV-TV program); News (WDBJ-TV
program); News (WFAA-TV program); News (WIBW-TV program); News (WILX-TV
program); North And South (ABC-TV series); Nurse Jackie (HBO-TV series); Oprah
Winfrey Show (ABC-TV series); Parenthood (NBC-TV series); Pinky and the Brain (WB-
TV series); Prison Break (Fox-TV series); Saturday Night Live (NBC-TV program);
Scrubs (ABC-TV series); Scrubs (NBC-TV series); Seinfeld (NBC-TV series); Shield
(FX-TV series); Simpsons (Fox-TV series); Sons of Anarchy (FX-TV series); Sopranos
(HBO-TV series); Soul Food (Fox-TV series); Southland (NBC-TV series); Southland
(TNT-TV series); South Park (Comedy Central TV series); Stark Raving Mad (NBC-TV
series); Surface (NBC-TV series); That’70s Show (Fox-TV); Third Rock from the Sun
(NBC-TV series); Tonight Show with David Letterman (CBS-TV program); Trust Me
(TNT-TV series); Two and a Half Men (CBS-TV series); Veronica Mars (UPN-TV);
When I Was 17 (MTV-TV program); Wire (HBO-TV series).
Conversation
Columbia University students; City University of New York students; New York
University students; University of Alabama students (Birmingham and Tuscaloosa);
University of California students (Berkeley and Los Angeles); University of Mississippi
students; University of Tennessee students.
Index
abbreviation, 44–50, 64, 115, 125 American English, 3, 11, 119, 121, 124, 127
accent, 6 American slang, 2, 13–14, 41, 43, 53, 59, 82,
Ackerman, Raquel, 118 84, 90, 95–97, 119, 123, 125–126
acronym, 44, 49–50, 64, 125 antiphrasis, 81
Adams, Michael, ix, x, 5, 33, 44, 102, 108, appropriation, 59, 113, 117, 119, 123, 126
117, 119 assimilation, 15, 58, 117, 119–123, 126
adverbial particle, 41–42, 64 assonance, 29–30, 39, 64, 117
affix, 23, 32 Australian slang, 11
affixation, 19, 32–36, 60, 64, 125 Ayto, John, 7
affix word, 23–29, 64
Africa, 3, 5–6, 56 back clipping, 36, 44–45
Africana, 90–92, 97, 125 back derivation, 45
African American culture, 17, 28, 60, 70, back formation, 45–46, 64, 125
82–84, 91, 95, 99, 117, 119, 125 back slang, 63
African American English (AAE), 3–4, 12, 62, 126 Baugh, John, x, 2–3
African American Language, 3, 5 Bertram, Anne, 40
African Americans, theme, 90–91, 97, 125 Biber, Douglas, 30, 37, 104
African American slang, definition, ix, 2, 8, 13, binomial, 30–31
124 Black Accent, 3, 6
African American speech, 3–6, 11 Black Dialect, 3, 5
African American Vernacular (AAV), 2, 5, 15 Black English, 4
African American Vernacular English Black English Vernacular (BEV), 3–4
(AAVE), 1–5, 7, 65 Black Language, 3, 5
African English, 5 Black Talk, 3, 5
African English Vernacular, 5 Black Vernacular, 5
Africanization, 59, 119 blend, 4, 53–54
African languages, 3, 55–56, 64 blending, 11, 17, 19, 46, 53–54, 64, 125
Afro-American English, 3 blend word, 53
Afro-American Language, 5 blues, 7, 95
Afro-American Vernacular, 5 body, 79, 83–85, 97, 125
Afro-American Vernacular English, 3 Bokamba, Eyamba, 5
alcohol, 83, 86–87, 97, 125 borrowing, 17, 19, 54–59, 64, 66, 119, 125
Algeo, John, 19–20, 32, 67, 109 brand name, 58–59, 64
Alim, Samy, x, 7, 103 Brasch, Walter, 61, 81
Allen, Irving Lewis, 111 brevity, 7, 43–44, 48, 50, 61, 114–116
alliteration, 31, 39, 64, 117 British English, 3
allusion, 67, 69–70, 82, 125 British slang, 11, 30, 64
alphabetism, 48 broadening, 77
alphanumeric compound, 21–22 Bucholtz, Mary, 113, 119
amalgam, 53
amalgamation, 53 calque, 56
amelioration, 79 Canadian slang, 11
292
Index 293
historical change, 66, 77, 82, 125 male talk, 70, 110
Holloway, Joseph, 95 Malinowski, Bronislaw, 104
humanization, 72 McArthur, Tom, 3, 5–6, 41–42, 45, 50, 117
humor, 7, 10, 24–25, 27, 29, 35–36, 40, 61, 63, McWhorter, John, 8
70–71, 106, 108–110, 123, 126 media, 94, 124
hybrid, 53 meiosis, 67, 71
hyperbole, 67, 70–71 melioration, 17, 66, 77, 79–82, 88, 101, 125
Mesthrie, Rajend, 2, 91, 118
identification, 99–102, 113 metaphor, 17, 66–69, 72, 76, 82, 125
idiom, 8, 10–11, 36, 40–42, 70 methodology, 1, 12–18
illiteracy, 8, 62 metonymy, 17, 66–69, 82, 125
imitation, 112–113, 119 monosyllabic word, 37, 43, 64
inclusion, 12–14 Morgan, Marcyliena, x, 113, 127
infix, 32–35, 63–64 morphological patterns, 19–65
informality, 7–9, 44, 61, 112, 123–124, 126 morphology, 17, 125
initialism, 44, 48–49, 64–65, 125 Mufwene, Salikoko, x, 113
interaction, 104 music, 6, 15, 28, 69, 79, 95, 97–98, 125
internal clipping, 46–47
inverse derivation, 45 narrowing, 78
irony, 25, 71, 76, 109–110 negative categorization, 89–90
neologism, 8, 11, 59–60
jargon, 6, 8–9, 48, 55 nominalization, 50–52
Jay, Timothy, 10 non-standard expression, 2–4, 8–9
jazz, 6–7, 95 noun phrase, 38
Jive Speech, 6 novelty, 8, 11, 19, 41, 59–60, 113, 117, 119,
Jive Talk, 3, 6 123–124
Johnson, Mark, 66
Johnson, Samuel, 15 objectification, 72
occupational group, 8–9, 13, 90, 113, 124
Kearse, Randy, xv, 16–17, 34 offensiveness, 9–10, 14, 27, 35, 79, 82, 101
Kipfer, Barbara, xv, 9, 15–17, 45, 48, 51, 79 onomatopoeia, 59–61, 65
Kowalczyk, Malgorzata, 8–9, 93, 96 origin, 2, 6, 9, 12–13, 55, 113, 119
overlexicalization, 88
Labov, William, x, 4 overstatement, 70
Lakoff, George, 66, 68
Lapp, Diane, x passive slang, 14
letter compound, 22–23 Pearce, Michael, 33
lexical borrowing, 54, 105, 119 Peckham, Aaron, 35
lexical field, 83 pejoration, 17, 77, 81–82, 125
lexical material, 12, 15–16, 18–19, 124, 126 perception, 5–12, 14, 113, 124, 126
lexicography, 7, 17, 62, 126 personification, 67, 72
lexicon, 2–3, 6, 8, 12–13, 50, 54, 59, 66, phatic function, 99, 104, 123
78–79, 82–83, 86, 95, 97, 106, 112–113, phoneticism, 61
116, 125 phonology, 3, 6, 12
Lieber, Rochelle, 59 phrasal noun, 42–43
Lighter, Jonathan, ix, 7–11, 14, 67, 99, 112–113 phrasal verb, 41–42, 64, 125
linguistic description, 1, 11, 17, 19, 66, 83, 99, phrase, 10, 36, 47–48, 58, 64, 67, 125
124 phraseology, 19, 36–43, 64, 125
litotes, 71 physiology, 83, 85, 97, 125
loan translation, 56–57, 64, 125 poetry, 29–31, 33, 53, 66–67, 82, 117
loanword, 54–56 Poplack, Shana, x
luxury, 90, 96–97, 125 portmanteau word, 53
positive categorization, 88–89
Major, Clarence, x, x, xv, 6, 16–17, 27, 39, 50, pragmatic patterns, 99–123
61, 79, 83, 101, 105, 114 pragmatics, 17, 125
Index 295
vocabulary, 2, 8–9, 14, 19, 32, 55, 63, 83–85, Wolfram, Walt, x, x, 3, 5–6, 119
99–100, 105–106, 124 word battle, 117–119, 123, 126
vulgarism, 8–10, 14, 110, 116 wordbuilding patterns, 19–65
wordplay, 11, 60–61, 81, 85, 108, 117–118,
whites, 28, 55, 90, 93, 97, 113, 125 123, 126
Widawski, Maciej, 8–9, 16, 47, 62, 83, 96, 99, 111
Williams, Robert, 4 zero derivation, 50