The Street Language Dictionary

A fashion roll call — showing off your fit piece by piece like you’re presenting evidence in a court case where the defendant is your style. Usually used when flexing expensive sneakers, chains, or outfits no reasonable person could sit down in.

“Drip check — shirt cost more than my car insurance.”

Not originally rap-only, but adopted hard by the culture. It’s a sarcastic prescription for people who need to log off, calm down, or stop acting like their whole life happens in the comments section. Basically: go outside and reset your brain.

“He beefing on IG over sneakers — bro needs to touch grass.”

A verbal stamp of truth, usually referencing someone or something meaningful. It’s like swearing on your mum, but urban, stylish, and occasionally chaotic. If someone says “word to,” they mean business.

“Word to my kicks, I'm not going back to that club.”

Someone who moves with power, confidence, and a ‘don’t test me’ aura. A big steppa doesn’t need to talk tough — their presence already comes with its own background music and slow-motion effects.

“Bro walked in the room like a big steppa — even the chairs adjusted.”

A poetic way of saying you started from nothing — not even zero, like negative life mode. Means grinding from the bottom with no help, no handouts, no fairy godmother, just survival instinct and stubborn ambition.

“Man said he got it out the mud — I believe him, his shoes still dirty.”

Basically “no lie,” but with that extra rap flair that makes everything sound like it belongs in a studio ad-lib. It’s a reassurance that what you're saying is legit, no cap, no exaggeration — just raw truth dipped in swagger.

“Studio rent’s crazy, no kizzy — my mic is the only thing paid on time.”

A phrase meaning going back to the same spot — sometimes for revenge, sometimes for intimidation, sometimes just to flex. In rap contexts, it’s rarely about sightseeing; it’s about circling back with energy, attitude, or a message not delivered politely.

“He said he’d spin the block — man pulled up like a Google Maps glitch.”

Rap slang for getting money fast and loud — not the gentle, accountant-approved version, but the “stack until the rubber band cries for help” type. It also implies momentum: keeping your grind moving, pushing numbers, making the bag grow like it’s on performance-enhancing supplements.

“I’m tryna run it up ‘til my phone stops loading my balance.”

A multipurpose mild swear used to add emphasis to absolutely anything, from annoyance to excitement. British people say it at least ten times a day without noticing.

“That’s bloody brilliant!”

A cup of tea, sacred British life fuel. Solves sadness, stress, arguments, weather complaints, heartbreak, and existential dread. Must be offered within 90 seconds of entering a home.

“Fancy a cuppa? You look stressed.”