The most comprehensive online collection of UK street, road, and grime slang - authentic definitions, real examples, and cross-linked meanings from the culture. Lexicon of the ends.
D
noun
Respected Man
Boss or top guy; someone held in high regard (“big man Dan”). Often used as a title for a powerful or senior figure.
Boss or top guy; someone held in high regard (“big man Dan”). Often used as a title for a powerful or senior figure.
other
Close Friend
A trusted mate or associate, often used as a direct form of address. It comes through Jamaican Patois and is common in London MLE and grime circles. The UK form of the US "Dawg".
A trusted mate or associate, often used as a direct form of address. It comes through Jamaican Patois and is common in London MLE and grime circles. The UK form of the US "Dawg".
verb
Throw / Flee
To throw forcefully, discard or hand something over. Can also mean run away or flee at speed. Common in MLE and UK rap. Dasheen is more specifically South London road slang for fleeing, particularly from rivals or police.
To throw forcefully, discard or hand something over. Can also mean run away or flee at speed. Common in MLE and UK rap. Dasheen is more specifically South London road slang for fleeing, particularly from rivals or police.
adjective
Boring Or Weak
Unimpressive, finished, or no longer relevant. In grime slang “dead” describes something dull or that flopped (“that tune’s dead”).
Unimpressive, finished, or no longer relevant. In grime slang “dead” describes something dull or that flopped (“that tune’s dead”).
other
Violent Retaliation
Used in drill and road talk for seriously attacking an opp, possibly implying murder. It carries a threatening, confrontational tone rather than a casual reference to death.
Used in drill and road talk for seriously attacking an opp, possibly implying murder. It carries a threatening, confrontational tone rather than a casual reference to death.
verb
Realise, Understand
London youth slang meaning to fully realise or comprehend something, often after reflection. Common in grime, drill, and road talk when someone finally “gets” a situation or appreciates its seriousness. The phrase can describe dawning awareness (“deep the levels”) or encourage empathy (“deep what he’s saying”).
London youth slang meaning to fully realise or comprehend something, often after reflection. Common in grime, drill, and road talk when someone finally “gets” a situation or appreciates its seriousness. The phrase can describe dawning awareness (“deep the levels”) or encourage empathy (“deep what he’s saying”).
See also
Levels
other
Plural / Those
Patois-derived plural pronoun meaning they, them, or a group being referred to. Also used in constructions like mandem, gyaldem, boydem. It is common in grime, drill and London MLE speech.
Patois-derived plural pronoun meaning they, them, or a group being referred to. Also used in constructions like mandem, gyaldem, boydem. It is common in grime, drill and London MLE speech.
adjective
Excellent
High quality, impressive, or very good. Popular UK grime and road compliment for tunes, outfits, or performances (“that track is dench”).
High quality, impressive, or very good. Popular UK grime and road compliment for tunes, outfits, or performances (“that track is dench”).
other
Stolen Car
A dinger/dinga or ding is usually a stolen vehicle used for quick travel, crime or avoiding police attention. The word is strongly associated with urban street culture and can also mean any battered, old, unreliable car.
A dinger/dinga or ding is usually a stolen vehicle used for quick travel, crime or avoiding police attention. The word is strongly associated with urban street culture and can also mean any battered, old, unreliable car.
noun
Stab, Knife Carrier
“Dip” is road slang for stabbing someone. A “Dipper” is someone who carries a knife or machete, usually for status, protection or beef, or someone who does stabbings. Being called a dipper implies you’re known to use knives and live that violent lifestyle.
“Dip” is road slang for stabbing someone. A “Dipper” is someone who carries a knife or machete, usually for status, protection or beef, or someone who does stabbings. Being called a dipper implies you’re known to use knives and live that violent lifestyle.
other
Criminal Lifestyle
To be actively involved in street crime, especially drug dealing and related street hustles. In UK rap and drill, it suggests someone has genuine street experience rather than just acting tough.
To be actively involved in street crime, especially drug dealing and related street hustles. In UK rap and drill, it suggests someone has genuine street experience rather than just acting tough.
See also
Road
noun
Respected Man
Leader or top guy; someone with status or authority. Compliment for dominance or excellence (“don things”).
Leader or top guy; someone with status or authority. Compliment for dominance or excellence (“don things”).
noun
Shotgun
Double-barrelled shotgun; variant of “shotty”. From the “dot-dot” sound of firing. Common in grime, road, and drill lyrics.
Double-barrelled shotgun; variant of “shotty”. From the “dot-dot” sound of firing. Common in grime, road, and drill lyrics.
other
Cannabis
Used in Patois-influenced UK slang for taking a pull on a cannabis joint, or simply for cannabis itself. It can also refer to pulling out/producing a weapon.
Used in Patois-influenced UK slang for taking a pull on a cannabis joint, or simply for cannabis itself. It can also refer to pulling out/producing a weapon.
noun
Shooting or Murder
Used in UK drill and road talk for a shooting or a murder. It carries a heavy, serious tone linked to the darker, graphic vocabulary around violence in drill culture. Popularised with the rise of drill music, originally an evolution of trap music that developed in Chicago, US.
Used in UK drill and road talk for a shooting or a murder. It carries a heavy, serious tone linked to the darker, graphic vocabulary around violence in drill culture. Popularised with the rise of drill music, originally an evolution of trap music that developed in Chicago, US.
noun
Shooter, Murder
In UK drill and road slang, this refers to someone who’s actively involved in violent or serious street activity, often linked to murders or shootings. It carries a reputation-heavy vibe, suggesting the person is not just talking but actually putting in work on the roads, especially within drill culture.
In UK drill and road slang, this refers to someone who’s actively involved in violent or serious street activity, often linked to murders or shootings. It carries a reputation-heavy vibe, suggesting the person is not just talking but actually putting in work on the roads, especially within drill culture.
noun
Style Or Fashion
Personal style or outfit, especially expensive clothes or jewellery. Same slang family as sauce and swag.
Personal style or outfit, especially expensive clothes or jewellery. Same slang family as sauce and swag.
other
Finished / Addressed
Considerably stronger than ordinary English "done", in MLE and UK rap, it means the person or subject has been dealt with, addressed, finished. In road/drill usage it can mean attacked, punished or even killed.
Considerably stronger than ordinary English "done", in MLE and UK rap, it means the person or subject has been dealt with, addressed, finished. In road/drill usage it can mean attacked, punished or even killed.
interjection
Affirmation, Agreement
Expression meaning “you already know” or “of course.” Acknowledges shared understanding or obvious truth. Popularised in UK grime and dancehall speech, often spelled “dun know,” reflecting Jamaican pronunciation. Used to affirm something confidently or close a statement with emphasis.
Expression meaning “you already know” or “of course.” Acknowledges shared understanding or obvious truth. Popularised in UK grime and dancehall speech, often spelled “dun know,” reflecting Jamaican pronunciation. Used to affirm something confidently or close a statement with emphasis.
verb
Beat Up, Ghost
From Jamaican Patois “duppy” meaning spirit or ghost. In grime, to “duppy” an MC is to lyrically destroy them in a clash; more broadly, to defeat or rough up someone so thoroughly they’re left “ghosted.” Used across UK rap and dancehall contexts for dominance or retribution.
From Jamaican Patois “duppy” meaning spirit or ghost. In grime, to “duppy” an MC is to lyrically destroy them in a clash; more broadly, to defeat or rough up someone so thoroughly they’re left “ghosted.” Used across UK rap and dancehall contexts for dominance or retribution.
adjective
Dirty, Sleazy
Used to describe something filthy, nasty or morally low, from actual dirtiness to someone moving sleazy or untrustworthy. It can also be used in a complimentary manner, i.e “this beat is dutty” means “this beat is good”. Comes from Jamaican Patois via dancehall into UK slang.
Used to describe something filthy, nasty or morally low, from actual dirtiness to someone moving sleazy or untrustworthy. It can also be used in a complimentary manner, i.e “this beat is dutty” means “this beat is good”. Comes from Jamaican Patois via dancehall into UK slang.
See also
Bummy
E
noun
Neighbourhood
Local area or hometown, especially in urban or estate contexts. Equivalent to “the block” or “the manor”. Core road slang (“back in my ends”).
Local area or hometown, especially in urban or estate contexts. Equivalent to “the block” or “the manor”. Core road slang (“back in my ends”).
noun
Local Person
Someone from your area or representing your neighbourhood (“ends”). Similar to mandem but more localised.
Someone from your area or representing your neighbourhood (“ends”). Similar to mandem but more localised.
See also
Ends
F
noun
Friend Or Bro
Term of address meaning mate, bro, or close friend; short for “family”. One of the most common words in UK grime and road talk. The extended “famalam” adds humour or affection while keeping the same meaning.
Term of address meaning mate, bro, or close friend; short for “family”. One of the most common words in UK grime and road talk. The extended “famalam” adds humour or affection while keeping the same meaning.
noun
Cowardly Idiot
Insult from Jamaican Patois used in UK street culture for someone seen as weak, cowardly, wimpy or gay/homosexual. Similar to calling someone a “Pussy”, “Fassy” or “fassyhole” carries a strong mocking tone and is often used in conflict or to belittle someone acting fake or moving soft.
Insult from Jamaican Patois used in UK street culture for someone seen as weak, cowardly, wimpy or gay/homosexual. Similar to calling someone a “Pussy”, “Fassy” or “fassyhole” carries a strong mocking tone and is often used in conflict or to belittle someone acting fake or moving soft.
noun
Police
Officers or authorities. UK slang from “federal agents”, though in Britain simply means police. Common in grime and road lyrics (“feds pulled up”).
Officers or authorities. UK slang from “federal agents”, though in Britain simply means police. Common in grime and road lyrics (“feds pulled up”).
verb
Outsmart Or Steal
To handle something smoothly or cleverly; to manipulate, scheme, or steal with skill. Used both positively (“move slick”) and negatively (“finessed the plug”).
To handle something smoothly or cleverly; to manipulate, scheme, or steal with skill. Used both positively (“move slick”) and negatively (“finessed the plug”).
See also
Blag / Blagging
noun
Police
Law enforcement; from US slang “Five-O” meaning police, adopted into UK road talk alongside boydem and feds.
Law enforcement; from US slang “Five-O” meaning police, adopted into UK road talk alongside boydem and feds.
verb
Show Off
To display success, confidence, or style; to move with swagger or show possessions. Common in grime and UK rap (“flexing in the new trackie”).
To display success, confidence, or style; to move with swagger or show possessions. Common in grime and UK rap (“flexing in the new trackie”).
noun
Drugs
Sellable narcotics — usually weed, cocaine, or pills. In UK road slang “food” refers to product sold by a shotter. Originates from the idea of drugs as goods or sustenance.
Sellable narcotics — usually weed, cocaine, or pills. In UK road slang “food” refers to product sold by a shotter. Originates from the idea of drugs as goods or sustenance.
G
noun
Respected Person
Genuine gangster or solid individual; someone authentic or highly regarded on the roads. Used in phrases like “real G” or “true G”.
Genuine gangster or solid individual; someone authentic or highly regarded on the roads. Used in phrases like “real G” or “true G”.
phrase
Confident Swagger
Relaxed, stylish posture or way of moving that signals toughness or coolness. From US hip-hop and car culture, adopted in grime.
Relaxed, stylish posture or way of moving that signals toughness or coolness. From US hip-hop and car culture, adopted in grime.
See also
Swag
proper_noun
UK Dance Genre
Short for UK Garage — a late-1990s dance and club music style that directly influenced grime. Characterised by shuffling drum patterns, soulful vocals, and MC-led raves. Mentioned in grime discussions to mark the genre’s roots, not to be confused with car garages.
Short for UK Garage — a late-1990s dance and club music style that directly influenced grime. Characterised by shuffling drum patterns, soulful vocals, and MC-led raves. Mentioned in grime discussions to mark the genre’s roots, not to be confused with car garages.
noun
Clothes
Outfits or garments; UK slang for stylish or fresh attire (“new garms”). Short for garments.
Outfits or garments; UK slang for stylish or fresh attire (“new garms”). Short for garments.
See also
Creps
verb
Hype Up
To over-excite or exaggerate; also “to big someone up”. When reflexive (“gassed”) means over-hyped or thrilled after success.
To over-excite or exaggerate; also “to big someone up”. When reflexive (“gassed”) means over-hyped or thrilled after success.
phrase
Care
To care — usually in the negative form “don’t give a monkeys”, meaning not to care at all. From older Cockney expression.
To care — usually in the negative form “don’t give a monkeys”, meaning not to care at all. From older Cockney expression.
phrase
Perform Hard
To attack lyrically or perform with full energy; to go all in on a track or freestyle (“man had to go in again”).
To attack lyrically or perform with full energy; to go all in on a track or freestyle (“man had to go in again”).
noun
Aggression
Tough or hostile street energy. To “be on greaze” means acting confrontational or ready for action; “greazy” is the describing form.
Tough or hostile street energy. To “be on greaze” means acting confrontational or ready for action; “greazy” is the describing form.
noun
Hard Work
Steady hustle or consistent effort. In grime and road slang can mean both legitimate graft and street activity. “On my grind” = working relentlessly toward a goal.
Steady hustle or consistent effort. In grime and road slang can mean both legitimate graft and street activity. “On my grind” = working relentlessly toward a goal.
adjective
Raw And Tough
Unpolished, real, and street-level in tone or sound. Used for authentic or hard-hitting grime and rap (“gritty beats”).
Unpolished, real, and street-level in tone or sound. Used for authentic or hard-hitting grime and rap (“gritty beats”).
adjective
Raw And Authentic
Street and unrefined in a real way; from Jamaican Patois “gully” meaning ravine or ghetto. Used for rugged, true-to-life energy.
Street and unrefined in a real way; from Jamaican Patois “gully” meaning ravine or ghetto. Used for rugged, true-to-life energy.
noun
Money, Earnings
Means cash or profit; from African-American slang “guap,” influenced by Jamaican usage and adopted into UK grime and road talk. Common in phrases like “get the gwop” or “stacking gwop.” Part of the wider UK money lexicon alongside “P’s,” “Lizzy,” and “Cheddar.”
Means cash or profit; from African-American slang “guap,” influenced by Jamaican usage and adopted into UK grime and road talk. Common in phrases like “get the gwop” or “stacking gwop.” Part of the wider UK money lexicon alongside “P’s,” “Lizzy,” and “Cheddar.”
noun
Girl Or Woman
From Jamaican Patois pronunciation of “girl”. Common in UK grime, dancehall, and street slang contexts.
From Jamaican Patois pronunciation of “girl”. Common in UK grime, dancehall, and street slang contexts.
noun
Group Of Girls
Female collective; counterpart of mandem. Used in grime and street slang to refer affectionately to one’s circle of women.
Female collective; counterpart of mandem. Used in grime and street slang to refer affectionately to one’s circle of women.
H
noun
Handgun, Small Firearm
Used in UK drill and road slang for a small firearm held in the hand, as opposed to a longer gun. Often used to sound more coded or less direct when talking about weapons, usually in a street or music context rather than literal conversation.
Used in UK drill and road slang for a small firearm held in the hand, as opposed to a longer gun. Often used to sound more coded or less direct when talking about weapons, usually in a street or music context rather than literal conversation.
adjective
Powerful Or Good
Very good, strong, or impressive. Major compliment in grime and UK rap culture (“those bars are hard”).
Very good, strong, or impressive. Major compliment in grime and UK rap culture (“those bars are hard”).
noun
Jealous People
Those envious or spiteful toward someone’s success; people who badmouth or undermine (“ignore the haterz”).
Those envious or spiteful toward someone’s success; people who badmouth or undermine (“ignore the haterz”).
See also
Badmind
adjective
Muscular
Used to describe someone who’s big, strong or well-built, often from gym work or just naturally solid. In grime and UK road talk it can carry respect, suggesting someone looks imposing or intimidating, not to be messed with.
Used to describe someone who’s big, strong or well-built, often from gym work or just naturally solid. In grime and UK road talk it can carry respect, suggesting someone looks imposing or intimidating, not to be messed with.
See also
Buff
noun
Cognac
Hennessy brand cognac; popular symbol of success or celebration in grime and hip-hop culture.
Hennessy brand cognac; popular symbol of success or celebration in grime and hip-hop culture.
noun
Prison
UK prison, abbreviation for "Her Majesty's Prison" (now "His Majesty's Prison"). Used to refer to the British jail system, often mentioned when talking about being locked up, having people inside, or life in and out of custody.
Prison, coming from “Her Majesty’s Prison” (now “His Majesty’s Prison”). Man might say someone’s in HMP to say they’re locked up, often carrying a serious or cautionary tone about jail time and the system.
UK prison, abbreviation for "Her Majesty's Prison" (now "His Majesty's Prison"). Used to refer to the British jail system, often mentioned when talking about being locked up, having people inside, or life in and out of custody.
Prison, coming from “Her Majesty’s Prison” (now “His Majesty’s Prison”). Man might say someone’s in HMP to say they’re locked up, often carrying a serious or cautionary tone about jail time and the system.
phrase
Stay Strong
To maintain composure, loyalty, or control under pressure. Can also mean to manage or represent something reliably (“hold it down for the mandem”).
To maintain composure, loyalty, or control under pressure. Can also mean to manage or represent something reliably (“hold it down for the mandem”).
See also
Locked
noun
Hundred
Stylised slang for one hundred or “for sure”. Used like 100 to mean certainty or full agreement (“I’m there, hunna”).
Stylised slang for one hundred or “for sure”. Used like 100 to mean certainty or full agreement (“I’m there, hunna”).
noun
Excitement
Buzz, energy, or intense atmosphere. To “hype” means to build energy or exaggerate something. Related to “gassed” for overexcitement, but also about crowd energy and promo buzz.
Buzz, energy, or intense atmosphere. To “hype” means to build energy or exaggerate something. Related to “gassed” for overexcitement, but also about crowd energy and promo buzz.
I
phrase
Spiritual Self-Unity
Rastafarian-influenced way of saying “me myself” or “me, alone”, stressing unity between a person and Jah (God); the belief that that God is in all men. Can also mean "we", (implying both persons united under Jah). Used to carry a spiritual, conscious or roots vibe rather than just a normal pronoun.
Rastafarian-influenced way of saying “me myself” or “me, alone”, stressing unity between a person and Jah (God); the belief that that God is in all men. Can also mean "we", (implying both persons united under Jah). Used to carry a spiritual, conscious or roots vibe rather than just a normal pronoun.
noun
Black Male
Police and street slang code referring to a Black male, taken from UK police ethnicity categories, (IC1 referring to a white suspect, IC3 = Black male, IC4 = West Asian, IC5 = East Asian). Used in a half-joking, half-serious way to talk about racial profiling.
Police and street slang code referring to a Black male, taken from UK police ethnicity categories, (IC1 referring to a white suspect, IC3 = Black male, IC4 = West Asian, IC5 = East Asian). Used in a half-joking, half-serious way to talk about racial profiling.
interjection
Isn’t It
Tag question from “isn’t it”, used across London and UK speech for emphasis, agreement, or checking understanding (“safe tune, innit?”).
Tag question from “isn’t it”, used across London and UK speech for emphasis, agreement, or checking understanding (“safe tune, innit?”).
J
verb
Steal
To take or rob by force or opportunity (“jack someone’s gear”). Common road slang for theft or mugging.
To take or rob by force or opportunity (“jack someone’s gear”). Common road slang for theft or mugging.
phrase
On Your Own
Means being by yourself with no one else around, often emphasising isolation or moving solo. Comes from Cockney rhyming slang and is still used in London and wider UK to stress that someone is alone, has no backup or company.
Means being by yourself with no one else around, often emphasising isolation or moving solo. Comes from Cockney rhyming slang and is still used in London and wider UK to stress that someone is alone, has no backup or company.
See also
On my ones
noun
Police
Cops; police officers. Common London and grime slang warning of police presence (“jakes outside”).
Cops; police officers. Common London and grime slang warning of police presence (“jakes outside”).
verb
Chill
To relax or hang out with friends (“jam around the ends”). Widely used across UK youth and grime speech.
To relax or hang out with friends (“jam around the ends”). Widely used across UK youth and grime speech.
See also
Kotch / Cotching
noun
Derogatory, Woman
Used to label a girl or woman as promiscuous, disreputable, untrustworthy or causing drama. Often used with a mocking tone, disrespectful rather than playful. Comes from “Jezebel” in biblical and Black church culture.
Used to label a girl or woman as promiscuous, disreputable, untrustworthy or causing drama. Often used with a mocking tone, disrespectful rather than playful. Comes from “Jezebel” in biblical and Black church culture.
adjective
Funny
Amusing or entertaining; can describe a person, line, or event. Used conversationally (“that bar was jokes”).
Amusing or entertaining; can describe a person, line, or event. Used conversationally (“that bar was jokes”).
verb
Stab, Poke
Comes from Jamaican Patois “juk” meaning “to pierce.” Used across Caribbean and UK grime circles, particularly in Birmingham and London, often in violent or aggressive contexts. Can also be used figuratively (“man jooked him up on the riddim”) to describe delivering sharp lyrical attacks.
Comes from Jamaican Patois “juk” meaning “to pierce.” Used across Caribbean and UK grime circles, particularly in Birmingham and London, often in violent or aggressive contexts. Can also be used figuratively (“man jooked him up on the riddim”) to describe delivering sharp lyrical attacks.