Street Crime: English Vocabulary List

an enemy or rival, especially someone from an opposing gang

"He spotted his opp across the street."

"The rapper warned his opps that crossing him would have serious consequences on the street."

a person who makes important decisions and holds authority, especially the leader of a gang or crew

"The shot caller made the decision."

"The gang leader was the shot caller who decided who got protection and who got hurt."

a test or challenge to determine someone's credibility, toughness, or authenticity in a street or gang context

"They gave him a G-check."

"When the new guy joined the neighborhood crew, they decided to G-check him to see if he was really tough."

to return to a location, often to confront or retaliate against someone

"He came back to spin the block one more time."

"The gang members decided to spin the block to look for their rivals who had disrespected them earlier."

to successfully commit a robbery or make fast, often illegal, money

"The thieves planned to hit a lick on the jewelry store."

"The criminals planned to hit a lick by robbing the small convenience store on the corner."

to kill or eliminate a living being, often abruptly or violently

"They will snuff out life."

"The soldiers were ordered to decisively snuff out any resistance they encountered in the occupied territory."

to kill someone

"The gang member was accused of catching a body."

"The gang member was arrested for trying to catch a body in a rival gang shooting."

to travel in a vehicle while carrying contraband, usually drugs or firearms

"He was pulled over for riding dirty with a suspended license."

"The criminal was caught riding dirty with illegal drugs and a stolen gun in his car."

to be charged with or arrested for a crime

"He might catch a case soon."

"If the police find more evidence, he could catch a case that would likely put him behind bars for years."

a person who informs on others, often to the police or authorities

"No one likes a snitch."

"The criminal was killed because the gang believed he was a snitch who talked to the police."

to sell or distribute a large quantity of drugs

"The drug dealer was moving weight across the border."

"The drug dealer was arrested for trying to move weight across state lines in his truck."

to run away quickly, often to escape violence or the police

"They had to peel off."

"As soon as they heard the sirens approaching, the group decided it was time to peel off and disappear."

a prepaid or disposable mobile phone used for illegal or questionable activities

"The dealer used a trap phone."

"The drug dealer used a trap phone with a prepaid SIM card that could not be traced easily."

a location where drugs are sold or distributed

"The police raided the trap house."

"The abandoned building had been converted into a trap house where drugs were sold around the clock."

an abandoned house, often used for drug dealing or illegal activity

"The bando was empty."

"The police raided the derelict bando, suspecting it was being used as a hub for illicit activities."

a hidden location used to store drugs, guns, or money

"The stash spot was under the floorboards."

"The detective found the stash spot behind a loose brick in the fireplace where drugs were hidden."

respect or credibility among peers in urban settings, especially in hip-hop or street culture

"He earned street cred in the neighborhood."

"Growing up in that neighborhood gave him street cred that outsiders could never earn."

earning money, often through small-scale or illicit activities

"He is always on the hustle, trying to make money."

"The street vendor is always on the hustle trying to sell his goods to everyone who walks by."

a person who sells drugs, often associated with street gangs

"The dopester knew where to score."

"The dopester knew exactly where to find the best quality product in the city at any hour."

a person who supplies drugs or other illegal goods

"He is a drug plug."

"The police are investigating the individual suspected of being a major plug for illegal substances in the area."

someone who gives information about other people and their crimes or wrongdoings to the police or authorities

"He was a rat."

"The informant, acting as a rat, provided crucial evidence that led to the dismantling of the criminal organization."

to steal, especially something small or casually taken

"He might boost it."

"The shopkeeper suspected the new employee might boost small items when no one was looking."

to get away with something, or be acquitted of a crime despite being guilty

"He skated from the crime."

"Despite overwhelming evidence, the wealthy defendant managed to skate away from the serious charges."

too risky, under surveillance, or attracting police attention

"This area is hot."

"After the robbery, the getaway car was considered hot and abandoned quickly."

a gun or firearm

"He has a tool."

"The police found a loaded tool hidden beneath the driver's seat during the traffic stop."

armed with a gun or firearm

"He is strapped."

"Witnesses reported seeing the suspect leaving the scene heavily strapped and looking agitated."

a gun or firearm

"He had a pole."

"The security footage clearly showed the individual carrying a concealed pole into the restricted area."

(in the plural) people in general, often as a source of information, gossip, or rumors

"The streets know."

"The streets are buzzing with rumors about the upcoming election results."