Black slang has shaped our culture in ways people don’t even realize. Picture this: someone from Chicago says, “What’s up, Joe?” and someone from New Orleans hits back with, ‘Whaaaa?’
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At first, it might sound confusing, but if you’re in the culture, you know they’re saying the same thing — just different ways of showing love. Every city has its own drip and that’s what makes Black slang so dope. Let’s take a look at the most recognized slangs from our beloved cities.
“Jawn” – Philadelphia
“Jawn,” pronounced like “john” (rhymes with dawn or pawn), is a slang term that Philly natives use to describe…almost anything. Here, Meek Mill hilariously explains the term with fellow rap mogul Rick Ross.
“Yerrr” – New York
“Yerrr” is a classic New York slang used as an informal greeting. It’s said like “yer” (rhymes with “fur”), which is usually spoken loudly and drawn out. It is a common way to greet someone, like saying “what’s up,” or a way to hype up a crowd.
“Twin” – Atlanta
Down in Atlanta, some slang just isn’t what you thought it was. When you hear someone call you “twin,” it’s usually not a term of endearment, but more as a warning to someone.
“My Baby” – Detroit
Detroit — the home of the smooth talkers — coined the term “My Baby.” Much like Philly’s “jawn,” it can be used for just about anyone, whether you know them personally or not. And honestly, we love it!
“On Foe Nem” – Chicago
Chicago is known for having an extensive slang dictionary, but “On Foe Nem” might be the most recognized. As Chicago rapper Rico Reckless explains, the phrase means “on the guys” or “on the homies,” serving as a way to swear on one’s friends or affiliates.
“Bando” – Oakland, Ca.
The Bay Area, home of the Hyphy movement, is known for its slick lingo. One of the most recognizable terms is “bando.” In Bay slang, “bando” is another way to say one thousand dollars.
“On My Dead Homies” – Los Angeles
Have you ever heard someone put extra emphasis on a promise or the truth? In Los Angeles, when people say the slang phrase “On my dead homies,” it means they’re being completely serious about what they’re saying.
“Woah Dummy” – Baltimore
Typically, when greeting someone you know, you might say “hello,” “hi,” or even “what’s up.” But in Baltimore, don’t be surprised if you hear “woah dummy.” While it might sound harsh at first, it’s actually a term of endearment — all love, no disrespect.
“What Go Down?” – Houston
Houston — also known as “H-Town” — has a different approach to slang. While we universally say “What’s up?” their response will more than likely be: “What’s going down?”
“My Bird” – St.Louis
Every city has its own term of endearment when referencing one’s mother. Some say “Mama,” “Mom,” “Ma,” or you may even hear “My O.G.” But in St. Louis, you’re going to hear someone call their mother “My Bird.” So when you do, make sure you show their mother some respect.
“Whozone” – Miami
Ever been unsure who something belongs to? In Miami, people say “Whozone” (pronounced like “who’s own”) to ask, “Who owns this?” It’s a quick way to find out whose item is whose.
“Cap” – Cleveland, Ohio
In major cities like Chicago, Atlanta, or Houston, when you hear someone say “that’s cap,” it usually means something is false. But in Cleveland, “cap” carries a different meaning. As this creator explained, in the 216 it’s all about showing off money, cars, or jewelry.
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