What Does Slime Mean in Slang? Definition & Origins

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While chatting with people online or IRL, you might’ve heard people calling each other “slime.” No, they’re not talking about the squishy toys or the green Nickelodeon goo—“slime” is actually a slang way to refer to your closest friends. In this article, we’ll break down this viral slang term, including where it comes from, and tell you about the similar slang phrase “slime you out.” Keep reading to learn more!

What does the slang term “slime” mean?

The Slang Meaning of Slime

“Slime” is slang for “friend.” Calling someone “slime” is just another way to say that they’re your friend. It implies that you’re really close with them and they’d do anything for you (and vice versa, of course). It’s interchangeable with other slang terms for "friend", like “homie,” “bro,” “dawg,” “dude,” “bestie,” or “cuz.” Examples: “What’s up, slime? You going to that party tonight?” “Sage is my slime, bro. He’s got my back for life.” “Where you been, slime? We need to hang out soon!’

Origins of Slime as Slang

“Slime” is AAVE slang that may have come from Atlanta. “Slime” comes from African-American Vernacular English (AAVE). While its slang origins are a bit murky, it’s widely regarded as originating in Atlanta, Georgia, and it likely came onto the scene in the 1990s. While lots of people claim “slime” got its start in Atlanta, the slang term is also popular in other areas, like New York City.

“Slime” was popularized by rappers like N.O.R.E. and Young Thug. “Slime” started gaining traction in the late 1990s and early 2000s when the rapper N.O.R.E. (aka Noreaga), who is a NYC native, started using it in his songs. Atlanta-born rapper Young Thug popularized the term even more when he started getting big in the 2010s. N.O.R.E. was using “slime” as early as 1999, as he refers to someone as “slime” in his music video for “Blood Money Pt. 3” (as the duo Capone-N-Noreaga). N.O.R.E. also used “slime” in several songs, such as “Hit Me Slime” from 2002. Young Thug features “slime” in lots of his songs, and even has several albums with “slime” in the title (like “Slime Season 3” from 2016 and “Slime Language” from 2018).

What does “slime you out” mean?

“Slime you out” means to use or manipulate someone. “Slime you out” has a more negative meaning: it refers to using someone for your own gain. It typically means using someone specifically for sex before tossing them aside (whether that’s ghosting them or breaking up with them). However, it can be used more generally to describe other manipulative behaviors (like pretending to be someone’s friend for the social status they give you). Examples: “I think she slimed me out. I haven’t heard from her since we hung out last Friday.” “I heard that he’s a clout chaser who slimes people out all the time.”