O U R S L A N GA C U LT U R A L S T U D Y B Y K A I W R I G H T

AT L A N TAB AY A R E A C H I CAG O N E W YO R K C I T YTO R O N TO

I N T R OI would like to bring attention to five major English-speaking cities of North America and how some of their popular slang developed simply providing a slang spotlight on Atlanta, Chicago, New York City, San Francisco Bay Area and Toronto. My main goal is, to show how slang differs throughout certain cities and also how some slang is shared. As a designer, I will grasp the concepts of slang and visually map a brief history on why and how a word or phrase came to be and show how the context of the word and/or phrase may be used in a modern way. I plan to visually map the connections and influences through a book format.

d e d i c a t e d t o u n c l e n a t e . R I P

1

ATL

ATLANTAN SLANGSHOUT OUT TO THE WESTSIDE (BANKHEAD), EAST ATLANTA, COLLEGE PARK & EVERY WHERE ELSE IN BETWEEN. 404 − 678.

M O D E R N AT L A N TA N S L A N G

SLANG SPOTLIGHTWhat is true about the city of Atlanta and its slang is that most of its influences come from the fact that Atlanta is a major hub of the south and is actively a city known for its entertainment, growing communities and diverse culture. It is also known to be a major city with rich African American history. The slang of Atlanta comes from the crevasses of the neighborhoods. The slang is more so a rebirth of the southern twang mixed in with modern words. Some are birthed from the traps in Bankhead and some birthed from the hoods of East Atlanta. All in all, Atlantan slang can be found anywhere if you listen closely.

1

12 The police. The term comes from the police radio code for 10-12. see ‘jakes’ CHI.

ATL/The A/A-TownNicknames for Atlanta.

Ball CappingShowing off excessively.

BandoShort for an abandon house.

BruhBrother, friend and/or acquaintance. Also used to question a person’s actions. see ‘fam’ CHI.

DoeThe word “though” said with an Atlantan accent. The word is typically used as an emphasis/ending word in a sentence. see ‘still’ TOR.

“I had to finesse that!”

2

Dub/The WigSomething that is below average.

Due To The FactA phrase that is used to describe your reasoning for a past action.

FinesseTo figure out a way to make a situation work in your favor.

FinnaA classic Southern word that has been around for many decades. Early on, many southerners would say “fixing to”, which meant “about to”. The word would be used to let another person know that you were about to do something. The term “fixing to” then shorted to finna.

Flame/JoningTo harshly insult. see ‘gun’’ CHI.

FlexinShowing off to gain attention. see ‘stuntin’ BAY.

“Shawty quit

flexin’.”

3

FyeSomething that is extremely cool. see ‘tight’ BAY – see ‘raw’ CHI.

Guap/BandsA large amount of money.

Gyat DamnA transitional or a filler word mainly used as a sign of thinking about the next part of your sentence. Not to be confused with the phrase, “God dammit.”

JayA drug addict. see ‘cluck’ CHI.

JuugA means to make money whether if it is legal or illegal. “Making a juug.”

“Oh that thang fye.”

4

Patna NemYour group of close friends. see ‘cutty’ BAY.

PlugA close connection with a person that has access to both legal and illegal goods that is hard to get your hands on.

Pull UpTo arrive or approach someone or a place. see ‘come see me’ NYC – see ‘swoop’ BAY.

SauceThe way a person carries themsleves in a positive or original manner.

ShawtyThe word “shorty” said with an Atlantan accent. Shawty is a word to describe a child, your friend, an attractive person or sometimes an enemy. Generally it’s a word to describe a person that you may or may not know. see ‘shorty & B’ NYC – see ‘fam’ CHI – see ‘ting’ TOR.

“Yeen got no sauce bruh!”

5

TalmboutThe word, “talking about,” said with an Atlantan accent.

TrapA word defining an array of things. Trap is a culture; it’s music, a mindset, an action, a movement and way of life.

Turn UpA phrase that is used to create excitement around something special. Also, using drugs and alcohol. see ‘on one’ BAY.

Wazzam?The phrase “what’s happening”, said with an Atlantan accent.

What’s hannin?The phrase “what’s happening”, also said with an Atlantan accent.

“What zone you rep? Zone 4 patna.”

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YoungbloodSomeone that is considered young. see ‘yute’ TOR.

ZoneZones are divided areas of Atlanta by the Atlanta Police Department

Zone 1 The west side of Atlanta including the Bluff, Bankhead, Grove Park Vine City and West Lake.

Zone 2 The north side of Atlanta including Buckhead, West Midtown and Piedmont heights. It is known to be the wealthier side of the city.

Zone 3 The southeast side of Atlanta including Amal Heights, Joyland, Lakewood, Thomasville and Capitol View.

Zone 4 The southwest side of Atlanta including Adamsville, Hartsfield-Jackson Int’l Airport, Cascade, Ben Hill and West End. It is known also known as S.W.A.T.S, which stands for South West Atlanta, too strong.

Zone 5 The central downtown area of Atlanta including Boulevard, Five Points, Georgia State University and Georgia Tech.

Zone 6 The east side of Atlanta including, East Atlanta, East Atlanta Heights, Edgewood and Old Fourth Ward.

1

BAY

BAY AREA SLANGAll the wAy from the sco to oAktown. from the rich to b-town. VAllejo & sAn jose. yee yee.

M O D E R N B AY A R E A S L A N G

SLANG SPOTLIGHTwhat is true about the bay Area and its slang is that, most of its influences come from the culture of northern california. what plays a major part in the slang of today’s bay Area is due to remnants of the hyphy movement, and the people who helped bring that to the forefront of American hip-hop music. rappers such as mac Dre & e-40, created much of the slang. the words are used all over America. interesting enough, many bay Area residents would claim that most of their slang was stolen and not given the credit. the slang in the bay is nonetheless distinct and creative.

1

Activehaving an extremely great time. see ‘lit’ NYC.

All Gravy/GravityA word to describe that all matters are well.see ‘good bread’ NYC.

B-Townnickname for berkeley, cA.

Beezy/Bopper/Ripper/RunnerGenerally, a loose woman. see ‘t.h.o.t.’ CHI – see ‘cyattie’ TOR.

Cutty/The Homieyour best friend or a real good friend. see ‘patna nem’ ATL.

Doin It Movinto actively progress with one task while dealing with another.

“The function was hella active.”

2

FadeA transplant word originally from south central, l.A., which means to kill another gang member and metaphorically fade his gang colors away. now the word’s meaning has been more used to describe a hate or disagreement towards someone. it’s also used as a fighting word. “catch this fade.”

FunctionA really fun event/party or trying tohave fun.

Gassedto be really excited about something or to fill your head with high hopes.

GigginA word similar to “active”, which means to have a really great time or dancing.

Going 18 Going crazy.

“Homie was giggin

hard!”

3

Hella/A GangA word used to describe a high amount of something. see ‘mad’ NYC.

HyphyA word most known to be from the bay Area, which means acting hyperactive. the word became famous through the hyphy movement in the late 90s to the early 2000s.

Low Key/Lightweightto be reserved, quiet or out the way. Also used as a word to describe something that isn’t too much or over the top.

Mark/Square A weak minded individual. see ‘wassy’ TOR – see ‘goofy’ CHI.

Mightcould A word literally meaning that you might or you could be sure about something.

“Let’s mob to thespotone time.”

4

Mobbin/Shmobbinmoving from place to place with a lot of people that you know.

Off Topthe very first thing that needs attention. Also commonly used as an okay.

On Momma(s)/On CitasA phrase used to show that you are honest about something. the term “on momma(s)” means that you are swearing on your mom. the variation, “on citas” means the same thing, but takes from the spanish, word mamacitas”. see ‘on foe nem’ CHI.

On Onecan mean an array of things, but the most common meaning is that you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. see ‘turn up’ ATL.

Real Spitspeaking with honesty. see ‘real talk’ TOR.

ScraperA nice car that is usually a custom of some sort.

“On citas it was yankin.”

5

SF/The Sconickname for san francisco, cA.

SlapperAn extremely great song, that tends to have a lot of bass.

Stuntinshowing out and showing off. see ‘flexin’ ATL.

Swoopto pick up someone from somewhere. see ‘pull up’ ATL.

The Richnickname for richmond, cA.

Tightsomething that is cool/great or above average.see ‘fye’ ATL – see ‘raw’ CHI.

“Swoop me from

The Town.”

6

The Tanknickname for san jose, cA. short for the shark tank.

The Town/Oak Town/The Onickname for oakland, cA.

ThizzPopularized by late bay Area rapper mac Dre, which means to use ecstasy and benefit from its effects.

Valley Jonickname for Vallejo, cA.

Yadidamean?claimed to be created and popularized by bay Area rapper keak Da sneak, which means, “you know what i mean”?

Yankinextremely exciting.

Yeeno definition. it’s just yee…

You Smell Me?A question to ensure that someone understands what you are saying.

1

CHICHICAGOAN SLANG

SHOUT OUT THE SOUTHSIDE & WESTSIDE. LOVE FOR THE NORTHSIDE.

M O D E R N C H I C A G O A N S L A N G

SLANG SPOTLIGHTWhat’s true about the city of Chicago and its slang is that, most of the influences come from its rich history. Chicago was and still is a known city for its gangs, and some of the words and phrases originated from the gangs of Chicago. Most of the words are now used within the Chicago drill music scene. Now, these words become usable to the rest of the city and even the rest of the world.

1

Bogus/ BodeenSomething that is below average or not real.

CappinTalking reckless. see ‘coming out yo face’ NYC.

Chi Town/The Chi/ChiraqNicknames for Chicago.

CloutRespect or notability.

CluckSomeone who is addicted to drugs. see ‘jay’ ATL.

CooSomething that is also below average. Also, deals with plans that don’t work.

Critical An important matter.

“Aye joe, what’s

the demo?”

2

Da The word “the” said with a Chicagoan accent.

DrillA word coined by Chicago rapper, King Louie meaning a routine or a daily practice.

FamA person that may or may not be family. Used to acknowledge someone. see ‘bruh’ ATL.

FinFive dollars.

Fool/ Buddy/JoeA friend, foe or a stranger. Also used to get ones attention. see ‘son’ NYC.

FuA word originating from the military slang word “fugazi”, which means a terrible situation, but the meaning then switched to meaning fake or false, which is now shortened to just fu or fu-fu.

“Fam that’s all fu, all bogus.”

3

GoofyAn odd person who is usually not to be associated with. see ‘wassy’ TOR – see ‘mark’ BAY.

GunTo insult harshly. see ‘flame’ ATL.

Jakes/FopsPolice. see ‘12’ ATL.

JamA word used to describe a situation that deals with being jailed or in trouble.

Lackin A word to describe poor attention and making mistakes.

Merch/ ChiefA word used as sign of affirmation, honesty or vouching. see ‘bet’ NYC.

“Fool and nem some goofies.”

4

Mug A word mainly used as emphases to a sentence. see ‘doe’ ATL.

On Larry/Jeff/ Stone/ Foe NemGang related terms that source back to Larry Hoover, Jeff Fort, Gangster Disciples and The Black P Stones, which replaces the term, “On God” or “Swear to God.” see ‘on mommas’ BAY.

OppsYour rivals, enemies, etc.

Pidd A sense of ending a sentence. Used as a period. see ‘still’ TOR – see ‘doe’ ATL.

PoppedA word meaning ugly.

Raw/ColdSomething that is above average. see ‘tight’ BAY.

“Let’s run this

drill fam.”

5

SawbuckTen dollars.

StainTo steal. see ‘teef’ TOR.

T.H.O.T. An acronym meaning that ho over there. see ‘cyattie’ TOR – see ‘beezy’ BAY.

TweakinA word used to describe someone that is acting or experiencing a strange moment. see ‘buggin’ NYC.

What’s the demo? Means, “What’s going on?”

“Gotta lotta

clout in the Chi.”

6

1

NYC

NEW YORKER SLANGWE GET IT IN MANHATTAN, KEEP IN IT BROOKLYN, FIND IT IN THE BRONX. PRESERVE IT IN QUEENS, & SHOW IT IN STATEN ISLAND.

M O D E R N NEW YORKER S L A N G

SLANG SPOTLIGHTWhat is true about the city of New York is that it is known to be the most diverse city in the US. The slang comes from around the world and was shared around the five boroughs via NYC natives, (African Americans from the south, immigrants mainly from Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Italy, Ireland and Jamaica). When Hip-Hop music was born in New York, the slang could be embedded in the music then moved around the city and the country quicker. Much of the slang today is still the result of the city’s atmosphere, vibe and the style of New York.

1

B/Son/MoneyA friend, foe or a stranger. Also used to get one’s attention. see ‘joe’ CHI.

Bananas/WildnGoing extremely crazy in either a positive or negative manner.

Bet A word that seals your promise to another person. Literally means to bet on it. Used as an okay. see ‘merch’ CHI.

BodegaA small tight-fit mart/deli with, alcohol, snacks and smokes also for sale. Bodega literally means “cellar” or “winery” in Spanish. BrickA word to describe cold temperature.

“Yo, it’s mad brick outson!”

2

BugginA word used to describe someone that is acting or experiencing a strange moment or acting out of character. see ‘tweakin’ CHI.

Coming Out Yo Face/MouthTalking disrespectfully. see ‘cappin’ CHI.

Curved/DeadedTo be denied.

Dead AssA response used to show that you’re very serious about something. It is short for “dead ass serious.”

DubA let down. It is also a dancehall dance.

Facts/TrueA word implying that your statements are truthful.

Good Looks A way of saying thank you. see ‘big up’ TOR.

“ Que lo que?I’m at the bodega.”

?

3

Good Money/BreadAll matters are well. see ‘all gravy’ BAY.

GullyA classic word meaning dirty, nasty or “ghetto.” It can be used in a positive or negative way. The word is a transplant, which came from the many Jamaican immigrants who came to Brooklyn (Flatbush Area). In Jamaica, a gully is a low sewer or trench. In Kingston Jamaica specifically, the gully is a not-so-nice part of Kingston (Cassava Piece). Holla at me!/Come see me!A phrase that can be used in a positive or negative manner, which is used to get someone to approach you. see ‘pull up’ ATL.

JointA word that describes something generic. It is also an attractive person. see ‘ting’ TOR.

“Midtowntraffic had me tight!”

4

LitA word to describe a very exciting event. see ‘active’ BAY.

MadA large amount. see ‘hella’ BAY.

My ManA male friend. Also a phrase used to question a person’s actions. see ‘man dem’ TOR.

No DoubtAnother classic phrase meaning that you understand what is being said without a doubt. see ‘seen’ TOR.

NYC/The CityNicknames for New York City.

O.D.A word, that is short for overdose, which describes the act of overly showing off or acting out. see ‘ball cappin’ ATL.

On DeckA phrase to explain that whatever you have on hand is ready for use.

PauseA word used in a sentence to explain or clarify that your meaning doesn’t have homosexual innuendos.

“Yo, You buggin!”

5

PeepTo briefly check something out.

ShortyA girl. see ‘gyal’ TOR.

Tell me how? Usually how some New Yorkers would start a sentence when they explain a funny or interesting story.

“Word up B!”

6

TightTo be furious and/or angry. see ‘cheesed’ TOR.

What’s Good?A common phrase, which means, “What’s up?”

Womp Another word to explain that something is a let down. see ‘weak’ TOR.

WordA word used to ensure that you understand something. Also, used as a question that implies your curiosity about a matter. see ‘seen & ahlie’ TOR.

Word is BondAnother classic phrase mainly used by older New Yorkers. The word is used when claiming whatever you say is true and something that you stand by. Some claim it first started being said in the mid-90s.

Yo/AyoOne of the most classic slang words, which is a greeting or an attention getter. Some claim it was first used by Italian immigrants that moved to Philadelphia, New York and New Jersey.

You Good?/You good.A phrase with many meanings. Mainly used to ask about a person’s well being. It’s also used as a way to say that the present matter is fine. The same can work with the phrase,“I’m good.”

1

TOR

TOrONTONIAN SLANGFROM THE EAST END TO THE WEST END, IT’S ALL LOVE & TRUE SAY. TOP LEFT.

M O D E R N TORONTONIANS L A N G

SLANG SPOTLIGHTWhat is true about the city of Toronto and its slang is that, most of its influences come from outside of Canada. There are major influences of the Caribbean culture that finds it’s way into the city. The heavy contrast of the Canadian accent and the slang that comes from Jamaica, Trinidad etc. become a hybrid that is Torontonian slang.

1

Ahlie A word used to ensure that you are correct about something. see ‘word’ NYC.

Bad Mon TingA phrase exclaiming that someone is bad, which implies coolness.

Big TimeMore than usual standards.

Big TingsA phrase explaining one’s accomplishments.

Big UpAn expression to show your respect or giving thanks. see ‘good looks’ NYC.

BlessA greeting that can be used as a goodbye or hello.

“Proper ting still.”

“Link me still eh?”

2

CheesedTo be angry or irritated. see ‘tight’ NYC.

CyattieA woman that carries herself badly. see ‘t.h.o.t.’ CHI – see ‘beezy’ BAY.

DawgFriend, foe or anyone.

DunnoeA phrase used to agree with someone.

From TimeA phrase that describes knowing about something or someone since the beginning.

Gyal/Gyal DemA word/phrase meaning woman or women.

LinkTalking or meeting up with someone.

Mans/Man DemA word/phrase meaning man or men. see ‘my man’ NYC.

“Link me still eh?”

3

ProperSomething that is well done.

real TalkSpeaking with honesty. see ‘real spit’ BAY.

SaugaNickname for Mississauga, which is west of Toronto.

ScarbsNickname for Scarborough, which is east of Toronto. SeenA word used to show that you understand someone. see ‘word’ NYC.

StillA word used for emphasis or to end a sentence. see ‘doe’ ATL – see ‘pidd’ CHI.

“Mans been T.O. from

time dawg.”

4

T Dot/ T.O./The DotNicknames for Toronto.

TeefTo steal. see ‘stain’ CHI.

The 6Nickname for Toronto that involves the city’s area codes (416/647). Was first popularized by Toronto rapper, Drake.

TingThing/Stuff. Also, means someone attractive. Some say that the Jamaican soda called “Ting” is the origin of the usage when calling someone atrracitve a “ting”. see ‘joint’ NYC.

Wa Gwan?A Caribbean based greeting meaning, “What’s going on?”

WassySaid to be stemmed from Somali, meaning something or someone that is low value. see ‘goofy’ CHI.

“What you saying?”

5

WastemanAn insult to describe someone that does nothing positive with his or her life.

WeakSomething that is a major let down.

What you saying?A greeting asking about one’s plans for the day or night.

YuteAnyone that is considered young. see ‘youngblood’ ATL.

“No time for a

wasteman.”

6

“No time for a

wasteman.”

1

B i g t h a n k yo u to t h e m a n y p e o p le w h o h e l p e d o u t .

M o st re s p e c t s ,

K a i

We ste r n M i c h i g a n U n i ve rs i t y 2 0 1 5

w w w. s a n g o b e a t s . co m