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“Drip” is a term used in youth slang that can convey both genuine praise and an ironic meaning.
The meaning of the youth slang term ‘drip’
The word ‘drip’ comes from English and literally means ‘to drip’ or ‘to seep.’ Accordingly, ‘drip’ as a noun also means ‘a drop.’
- In colloquial English among young people, the term ‘drip’ is increasingly used as an adjective, but also as a verb. If someone has ‘drip,’ then their appearance and style are strikingly positive and cool.
- The term ‘drip’ likely originated in the American hip-hop scene.
- In the phrase “to drip with something,” one means to say that someone is “brimming with something”—for example, strength or self-confidence.
- The term “drip” is often used in connection with the youth slang term “swag,” which means something like “cool charisma.” “Drip” is a more intense version of “swag.”
- “Drip” is mainly used in reference to people and fashion and is usually a compliment, such as “cool style,” “great outfit,” or “strikingly chic clothes.” However, this appreciative term can also be directed at things like a house, a car, or the interior design of an apartment. In some cases, it is also used to praise a person’s overall demeanor.
- Rarely does the meaning take on an ironic—and thus critical—connotation.
When the term ‘drip’ is used
Here are some examples of how this youth slang term is used:
- “Your dad has drip” can be taken as a special compliment. It means something like: “Your dad knows how to dress cool and youthful.”
- “Wow, what a drippy outfit” expresses unbridled admiration for the clothing: “A great and modern sense of style.” This phrase is most often used in combination with certain fashion brands.
- But the word ‘drip’ can also be used ironically. So if someone’s fashion sense is way off, you can make a negative comment: “OMG, what kind of ‘drip’ style are those pink patent leather pants of Maria’s?”
