The slang term “drip” has become quite popular in recent years, particularly in hip hop culture and among young people. But where exactly did this phrase come from and when did it emerge? In this article, we’ll explore the origins and history behind “drip” and look at how its meaning has evolved over time. Though the precise origin is unclear, we can piece together clues about how “drip” entered the hip hop lexicon and became part of pop culture slang. Understanding the background of this phrase can shed light on how slang develops and propagates in society.
Early documented usage
The first known documented use of “drip” as a slang term was in 1996 by rapper/producer Jermaine Dupri. In a song called “Get Your Money Right” featuring Lil Kim and Da Brat, there is a line “gotta get your ends ’cause your outfit’s got the drip.” Here, “drip” refers to having fancy clothes and a lavish sense of style.
Other early hip hop songs also used “drip” in this way during the late ’90s. For example, in Cam’ron’s 1998 song “357”, he raps “True religion jeans, Timberland boots, the new however-you-say, my gear got the drip.” Again, “drip” indicates swanky, fashionable clothing and accessories.
So in early rap and R&B songs, “drip” was slang for having an extravagant outfit and sense of style. The connotation was that your clothes were so fresh and luxurious that you were figuratively “dripping” with flair. The word evoked images of wealth, opulence, and conspicuous consumption.
Evolution in the 2000s
During the 2000s, the meaning and usage of “drip” expanded. While it still referred to extravagant clothing, “drip” took on a broader meaning of having an aura of success, confidence, talent, and overall excellence.
For instance, in Nelly’s 2002 song “#1”, he raps “Stepped out the car, I hit the streets, my gear was drip, my jewelry was deep.” Here, “drip” conveys not just fancy clothes but an overall demeanor of superiority and skill.
Similarly, a 2003 song by Webbie features the lyrics “Picture me rollin’, draped out, grippin’ the grain, stay dripped down like some burst pipes.” In this case, “dripped down” equates to being decked out in an impressive fashion.
So during the 2000s, while “drip” maintained connotations of stylish clothing, it also became associated with general awesomeness and success. Someone with “drip” had an aura of confidence that extended beyond just material possessions.
Evolution in the 2010s
In the 2010s, “drip” was firmly established in hip hop culture as a phrase signifying prestige and talent. But the meaning expanded even further. In particular, “drip” became linked to money and began being used as a synonym for “cool.”
For example, in Migos’ 2016 song “Need It”, they rap “Diamonds they drippin’, swimmin’ like the Olympics.” Here, the word evokes wealth and luxury associated with shiny diamonds.
Meanwhile, Gucci Mane’s 2010 song “Drip” uses the term as a general descriptor for something being excellent: “Sippin’ activist,smokin’ the finest, bet you ain’t never seen a necklace like this…best believe that watch got drip.”
So during the 2010s, while “drip” maintained its connotation of stylishness, it also became a flexible slang term for “cool” and was strongly associated with conspicuous displays of wealth and success.
Origin Theories
While the early documented usage of “drip” is clear, how it originated as hip hop slang is less certain. There are a few theories about its etymological roots:
Theory #1: Derived from “dripping” jewelry
One theory is that “drip” originated as a description of lavish jewelry that figuratively dripped with precious gems and metals. The opulent jewelry was “dripping” — so by extension, something with top-tier “drip” had jewelry and style that dripped with luxury.
Theory #2: Linked to “swag” and “sag”
Another theory links “drip” to the earlier slang terms “swag” and “sag.” “Swag” emerged as a style descriptor in the 1960s, while “sag” — referring to loose or baggy clothing — became popular in the 1990s. “Drip” may have evolved as a blend of these two terms, inheriting their connotations of stylish fashion.
Theory #3: Tied to Southern rap region
There’s also a theory that “drip” has origins in Southern hip hop during the late 90s, especially in the Atlanta rap scene. Early Southern rappers may have coined the term and helped spread it through their lyricism. Regional slang from the South percolated into the rap mainstream and traveled North in subsequent years.
Theory #4: Influence from fashion brands
Some posit that fashion brands like DRIP helped introduce the term by emblazoning it on streetwear and apparel. As rappers and hip hop figures began wearing DRIP clothes, they may have reinforced the association of “drip” with high-end style. The brand may have amplified an existing slang meaning.
Spread to Mainstream Culture
While “drip” originated in 1990s hip hop as a synonym for extravagant personal style, its usage steadily evolved over subsequent decades. By the 2010s, it became firmly entrenched in rap/hip hop culture as a flexible slang term signifying success, confidence, wealth, and general awesomeness.
Of course, hip hop slang has a way of steadily trickling into mainstream popular culture, especially as hip hop itself gains global popularity. As rappers continued using “drip” in lyrics during the 2010s, the term gradually spread beyond hip hop purists and entered the slang lexicon of mainstream youth and pop culture at large.
Nowadays, the average young person is likely familiar with “drip” thanks to hearing it constantly from hip hop artists and seeing it referenced on social media. Like many slang terms birthed in hip hop, “drip” has completed its evolution from niche regional phrase to widely adopted pop culture lingo.
Current Usage
In its current usage, “drip” functions flexibly as slang for swag, style, confidence, success, talent, and anything else considered generally “cool” or desirable. Some examples of its flexible contemporary usage:
- “That new car he bought is straight drip!” (It’s very stylish and cool)
- “Her performance on stage was amazing drip.” (It demonstrated serious talent/swagger)
- “I’m trying to glow up my wardrobe and get more drip.” (I want to improve my sense of style)
- “She got hired right out of college because she has drip.” (She has admirable abilities and qualities)
While it still retains connotations of fashion and personal flair, “drip” can now apply to almost anything, anyone, or any situation perceived as impressive or excellent in some way. It’s less about literal dripping jewelry and more about channeling an aura of success.
Variations and Compound Forms
Like many popular slang terms, “drip” has spawned a variety of variations and compound forms, including:
Drippy
To describe someone or something that exhibits drip/swag/flair in abundance.
Ex. “His whole outfit and demeanor were straight up drippy.”
Drip check
When someone does a “drip check”, they are showing off their stylish outfit and overall swagger.
Ex. “Let me do a drip check real quick on my Instagram story.”
DRIPPIN
An even more emphatic way to say someone has remarkable levels of drip.
Ex. “The way he sauced on the dance floor, he was DRIPPIN’ for sure.”
Conclusion
In the span of just a couple decades, “drip” has gone on quite the linguistic journey. Emerging from Southern rap culture in the 1990s, it percolated into hip hop’s mainstream and wound up a flexible slang term adopted by youth culture at large. Despite its hazy origins, “drip” has developed a cultural resonance all its own. It captures elusive notions of flair, wealth, confidence, and general awesomeness. No doubt it will continue evolving in the future, dripping its way into new linguistic territory.