Exploring Common Street Names for Drugs

Ron Kilgarlin

May 29, 2023

Exploring Common Street Names for Drugs

In the vast realm of illicit substances, drugs often wear a cloak of secrecy, concealing their true identities through an intricate web of street names. These covert terms have become the lingua franca of a subculture, allowing users and dealers to communicate discreetly about their desired substances. This article aims to shed light on some familiar street names for drugs, providing an informative glimpse into this hidden lexicon.

Cocaine: Snow, Coke, Blow

Among the most infamous stimulant drugs, cocaine has a range of street names that reflect its appearance, effect, or origins. One such name is “Snow,” which refers to its white, crystalline appearance. Another common street name for cocaine is “Coke,” derived from its chemical name, “cocaine hydrochloride.” Additionally, the term “Blow” is used to describe the act of snorting cocaine through the nose, resulting in an immediate and intense high.

Heroin: Smack, H, Dope

Heroin, a highly addictive opioid, has a collection of street names that can vary regionally. “Smack” refers to the drug’s effect of delivering a powerful euphoria, often described as a figurative “smack” to the senses. “H” and “Dope” are shorthand terms from the drug’s chemical name, diacetylmorphine. These aliases allow users and dealers to communicate discreetly, avoiding unwanted attention.

Marijuana: Weed, Pot, Grass

As one of the most widely used illicit substances, marijuana has various street names that have permeated popular culture. “Weed” and “Pot” allude to the plant nature of cannabis. With “Pot” explicitly referencing the traditional method of smoking it in a pipe or bong.  Further adding to the lexicon of marijuana street names.

Methamphetamine: Meth, Ice, Crystal

Methamphetamine, a powerful and highly addictive stimulant, has garnered various street names that reflect its appearance and effects. “Meth” is a concise shorthand term commonly use among users and dealers. “Ice” and “Crystal” are inspire by the drug’s crystalline form and stimulating, energizing properties. These evocative names serve as code words in a secret language of addiction.

Ecstasy: E, XTC, Molly

Ecstasy, a popular party drug known for its euphoric and empathogenic effects, has acquired various street names. “E” and “XTC” are shortened versions of “Ecstasy” and are commonly used in club and rave scenes. “Molly” has gained prominence recently and refers to a purer form of MDMA, the active ingredient in Ecstasy. These names have become part of a subculture that seeks an altered state of mind.

LSD: Acid, Lucy

LSD, or lysergic acid diethylamide, is a hallucinogenic drug that has inspired its street names. “Acid” is the most widely recognized term for the drug’s chemical composition. “Lucy” is a nod to the Beatles song “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” which some believe to be an allusion to LSD. These names contribute to the mystique surrounding LSD’s mind-altering properties.

Conclusion

Moreover, by familiarizing ourselves with terms like cocaine’s “Snow” and “Blow,” or marijuana’s “Weed” and “Pot,” we gain insight into the covert communication used by users and dealers. Nevertheless, it is crucial to remember that drugs are illegal and pose severe risks to health and well-being. Therefore, education and open dialogue remain vital in combating drug abuse and addiction in our communities.