From Drip to Grails: 20 Streetwear Slang Terms to Know

Streetwear 101: 20 Slang Terms Every Hypebeast Needs to Know

Streetwear isn’t just about clothes—it’s a full-blown culture with its own language. Whether you’re trying to snag the latest drop or flex your drip on social media, you’ve probably noticed that the streetwear scene has some pretty unique slang. If you’re just getting started, all the talk about copping, resell, and fit pics can feel a little intimidating. But no worries—this guide is here to help you decode all the key streetwear terms, so you can level up your knowledge and sound like a true hypebeast. We’ve compiled 20 must-know words that you’ll hear all the time in streetwear circles. Whether you’re chatting about your favorite collabs or discussing how much heat a certain sneaker has, these slang terms will keep you in the loop. Ready to talk streetwear like a pro? Let’s get into it.

1. Drip

Meaning: Stylish or trendy clothing; your overall outfit.
Why it’s important: Drip is a go-to word for describing how fresh your style looks.
Example: "His drip is on point with those Supreme kicks."

2. Fit

Meaning: Short for outfit; what you’re wearing as a whole.
Why it’s important: Your fit is your entire vibe, from shoes to accessories.
Example: "Check out her fit—she’s rocking the latest Off-White drop."

3. Cop

Meaning: To buy or acquire something, usually a sought-after item.
Why it’s important: Copping exclusive items is key in streetwear culture.
Example: "I’m about to cop those new Yeezys when they drop tomorrow."

4. Drop

Meaning: The release of a new item, collection, or collaboration.
Why it’s important: The drop is when limited-edition items go live for purchase, usually in small quantities.
Example: "The Supreme drop this week is going to sell out fast."

5. Flex

Meaning: Showing off your outfit or latest pick-up in a way that stands out.
Why it’s important: Flexing is a big part of streetwear culture—it’s all about rocking your best gear with confidence.
Example: "He’s been flexing those Travis Scott Jordan 1s all over Instagram."

6. Hypebeast

Meaning: A person who only wears clothes because they’re trendy or exclusive.
Why it’s important: While sometimes used negatively, being a hypebeast can also mean you're in the know about the hottest gear.
Example: "He’s a total hypebeast—he only buys stuff once it’s hyped up."

7. Deadstock

Meaning: A brand-new, never-worn item, usually in its original packaging.
Why it’s important: Deadstock items are highly valuable in the resell market.
Example: "I found a pair of deadstock Yeezys from 2015—crazy rare."

8. Grail

Meaning: A highly sought-after, often rare, item that someone dreams of owning.
Why it’s important: Owning a grail is like hitting the jackpot for a streetwear enthusiast.
Example: "My grail is the original Nike x Off-White collaboration."

9. Heat

Meaning: A term used to describe items that are particularly desirable or valuable.
Why it’s important: If you’ve got heat, you’ve got something everyone wants.
Example: "Those Air Max 1s are straight heat—I’ve gotta get a pair."

10. Resell

Meaning: The act of buying items (usually limited edition) and selling them for profit.
Why it’s important: The resell market is massive in streetwear, often with items going for double or more their original price.
Example: "I missed the drop, so now I’ve got to buy them on resell for triple the price."

11. Plug

Meaning: Someone who can get you exclusive items before or after they drop.
Why it’s important: Having a plug gives you insider access to hyped gear.
Example: "I copped those early because my plug hooked me up."

12. Bred

Meaning: Short for black and red, often used to describe sneakers in that colorway.
Why it’s important: Bred colorways, especially on Jordans, are highly iconic.
Example: "Those Bred Jordan 4s are still one of the best colorways ever."

13. Fit Pic

Meaning: A photo showing off your full outfit, usually shared on social media.
Why it’s important: Fit pics are how you flex your style and get noticed in the streetwear community.
Example: "Just posted a fit pic of my new gear—hope it gets some likes."

14. Low-key

Meaning: Something understated or not too attention-grabbing.
Why it’s important: Low-key pieces can be just as stylish as louder ones, especially in minimalist fashion.
Example: "I love the low-key design of these New Balance sneakers."

15. Brick

Meaning: An item that doesn’t sell well or resell for much, often considered a flop.
Why it’s important: Nobody wants to cop a brick—it’s the opposite of heat.
Example: "Those sneakers totally bricked, they’re still sitting on shelves."

16. Fufu

Meaning: Fake or counterfeit items, often knock-offs of popular brands.
Why it’s important: Wearing fufu gear is a big no-no in streetwear.
Example: "Watch out for fufu kicks—they’re all over the resell market."

17. On-Feet

Meaning: A term used to describe how sneakers look when worn, often used in reviews or social media posts.
Why it’s important: On-feet shots give you a real look at how sneakers fit into an outfit.
Example: "These Yeezys look even better on-feet than I expected."

18. Triple-White

Meaning: An all-white colorway, especially popular with sneakers.
Why it’s important: Triple-white sneakers are clean, fresh, and timeless in streetwear.
Example: "Those triple-white Air Force 1s are an everyday staple."

19. Collab

Meaning: A collaboration between brands or artists to create a limited-edition piece.
Why it’s important: Collabs are highly coveted and often sell out fast.
Example: "The Nike x Sacai collab was one of the hottest drops this year."

20. Hype

Meaning: The excitement or buzz around an item, often influencing how quickly it sells out.
Why it’s important: Hype drives the streetwear world—items with high hype get snatched up immediately.
Example: "The hype around the Supreme x Louis Vuitton drop was insane."

With these 20 slang terms in your streetwear vocabulary, you’re ready to talk the talk and walk the walk. Whether you’re flexing your drip, copping the latest collab, or searching for your grail, knowing the language is key to fitting in with the streetwear scene. The world of drops and resell can move fast, but with this guide, you won’t feel lost when the hype kicks in. Streetwear is more than just fashion—it’s a lifestyle, and now that you know the lingo, you can connect with the culture on a deeper level. So next time you’re at a drop or scrolling through fit pics on Instagram, you’ll know exactly what’s going down. Stay sharp, keep your drip fresh, and good luck copping your next heat!

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