The variety and complexity of drug addiction culture slang terminology can be difficult to catalog because it is constantly being expanded and changed by both the drug culture itself and the pop culture that informs it. Sometimes, these slang words for drugs can have seemingly no relation to the drugs themselves, defying a logical explanation for their use as nicknames and shorthand. In other instances, the slang used by addicts and dealers can be so literal as to hardly serve to obscure the drugs or drug use that they are referencing. Regardless of the ubiquity or obscurity of the drug slang itself, the reason for it is simple: to hide what is going on.
Do drug dealers use slang?
Yes, many drug dealers will use slang to keep their business quiet or not readily apparent to people around them. Likewise, slang names for drugs can be completely made up and distributed to groups for easy-to-identify keywords if someone is dealing. It is important not to assume a word you hear is slang or slang words for drugs, but also stay alert and aware when you hear common words we have listed below for reference.
What are slang names for narcotics?
However, specific slang names for drugs have reached such notoriety that they are synonymous with the drugs themselves. Be it a reference to the appearance of a drug, the way a drug is most frequently used or ingested by addicts, or the effects of the drug, all of these slang terms are widely known and clearly understood by members of the drug culture. The term that is most indicative of the accessibility of drug slang is “dope”.
Slang for Marijuana
While the word dope once referenced marijuana in large part, “dope” is now used as a catch-all term for almost any drug of choice. It does not refer so much to a specific drug but is more an allusion by drug users to their particular drug of choice. Ask a heroin user what “dope” is, and they will answer heroin. In contrast, a methamphetamine user asked the same question will almost assuredly answer that methamphetamine is the substance being referenced.
Slang for Heroin
Heroin slang, in large part, makes itself apparent in the sedative qualities of the drug, as well as in the black, tar-like appearance of the Mexican Heroin that is most commonly found in the United States. Black tar, smack, H, Negra/o, puppy chow, dog food, onyx, beat, BT, black girl, and the frequently used term “sh*t” all reference Heroin.
Slang for Cocaine
Similarly, cocaine has words that are exclusively used as slang terms for cocaine. The most commonly known are coke, C, flake, snow, powder, fish scale, and girl. Cocaine’s cheaper, more potent, and addictive cousin, freebase cocaine, also has an expansive lexicon associated with its use: Rock, stones, base, soap, baking soda, and crack.
Slang for Depressants
As a whole, depressants have a categorical name for most drugs that are associated with the downer group. Some familiar names include Downies, Blue Heavens, Peanuts, Rainbows, Stoppers, Yellow, Joy Joyce, No Worries, and Drowsy High.
Slang for GHB (Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid)
Caps, cherry meth, Everclear, easy lay, fantasy, G, G-riffic, gamma hydrate, Georgia homeboy.
Slang for Meth
Methamphetamine, a potent stimulant drug, has garnered numerous slang terms over the years, often reflecting its intense effects and its prevalence in various subcultures. Here are some common slang names for methamphetamine:
- Meth – The most straightforward and widely used abbreviation.
- Crystal or Crystal Meth – Referring to its crystalline form.
- Ice – Another term for crystal meth, emphasizing its crystalline appearance and purity.
- Tina is a more obscure slang term used in specific LGBTQ+ communities.
- Glass – Reflecting its appearance when crushed or in rock form.
- Crank – A slang term for methamphetamine, mainly used in the United States.
- Speed – Originally referring to amphetamine, but sometimes used interchangeably with methamphetamine.
- Tweak – Referring to the sometimes jittery or hyperactive behavior associated with meth use.
- Shards – Another term for crystal meth, emphasizing its crystalline structure.
Slang for Inhalants
Inhalants, which include a wide variety of substances that people inhale to achieve a psychoactive effect, are often referred to by slang names that can be specific to the particular type of substance being used. Here are some general and specific slang names for various inhalants:
- Huff or Huffing – General terms for inhaling vapors from substances.
- Poppers – Specifically refers to inhalants in the alkyl nitrite family, often used recreationally.
- Whippets – Refers to nitrous oxide, especially when inhaled from small cartridges originally intended for whipping cream dispensers.
- Laughing Gas – A nitrous oxide nickname used recreationally and medically.
- Snappers – Refers to ampules that release nitrite vapors when “snapped”.
- Gluey – A term for someone who inhales glue.
- Rush – The brand name used as slang for certain types of alkyl nitrites.
- Solvent – A broad term that can refer to any inhalable solvent.
- Gas – Short for gasoline, which is sometimes inhaled.
Slang for Ketamine
Ketamine, which is both a medicinal anesthetic and a recreational drug, has picked up several slang names, particularly in club and party scenes. Some of the more common slang terms include:
- K – The most commonly used short form.
- Special K – A nickname that plays off a brand of breakfast cereal.
- Ket – A simple abbreviation of the full name.
- Vitamin K – A playful term that makes it sound benign or beneficial.
- Super K – An enhanced version of the nickname “Special K”.
- Cat Valium – Although this term can be misleading since ketamine and valium are pretty different, it reflects ketamine’s veterinary use.
- Kit Kat – Another playful, candy-related nickname.
Slang for LSD
LSD, which stands for lysergic acid diethylamide, has had quite a few slang names over the years, often colorful and reflective of its strong psychedelic effects. Some common ones include:
- Acid is probably the most well-known and widely used slang term for LSD.
- Lucy – A friendly, personified nickname.
- Blotter – A reference to one of the common forms of LSD is distributed as blotter paper.
- Dots – Also related to the appearance of LSD when placed on small pieces of blotter paper.
- Tabs – Short for tablets, referring to the way LSD is often prepared.
- Trips – Referring to the experience of being under the influence of LSD.
- Microdot – Small, pill-like form of LSD.
- Window Pane – Refers to LSD in a gelatin or glasslike form, resembling small sheets of glass.
If you suspect someone you know and love is addicted to one or more of the listed substances, seek help immediately from United Recovery Project or a nearby rehabilitation facility that can assist in professionally getting you or your loved one back on the road to recovery. If you or a cherished one are suffering from the effects of drug addiction, help is accessible. Call United Recovery Project, a full-service inpatient drug treatment center in South Florida, to converse with one of our caring representatives today at 888-960-5121. We recognize your discomfort and want to assist.
