Kevin
October 6, 2021
Common Questions
Do you know the definition of ride or die? This article will provide you with all of the information you need on the word ride or die, including its definition, etymology, usage, example sentences, and more!
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According to Slang Lang and Braaap Junkie, the term ride or die is a slang expression used to refer to someone who is faithful, loyal and trustworthy in their relationships. Thereby, this means that this person would either ride with or die for one they are in a relationship with. This is a reference to a Bonnie and Clyde type of relationship in which the partners stay together and work together against all odds. This originally comes from 1950s biker slang, stating that if a biker couldn’t ride he would rather die.
This term was further popularized through the 1990s and 2000’s by hip-hop artists like Ice Cube, Jay Z, Ja-Rule, Gucci Mane, Charli Baltimore, DMX, Yo Yo, and The Lox (who used ryde), as well as the song “Ride or Die” by Baby Gangsta, Lil Wayne and Juvenile. The term was added to Urban Dictionary in 2003. This term continues to be used in hip-hop culture and rap music to refer to the undying loyalty that relationship or friendship has. While one can be their own person with their own interests, the other person is the “only man” or “only woman” in these ride or die relationships. You will commonly see this in a rap song, as well as even on social media in an Instagram caption if someone refers to someone else as their ride or die. This term can perpetuate stereotypes when used on an album similar to other stereotypes of drug use, infidelity, and another common trope.
Black feminist scholar Treva Lindsey states that the ride or die chick is a challenge to a dominant narrative that is present in hip hop that privileges homosocial male relationships and undermines the heterosexual romantic bonds between men and women. This concept is similar to the Madonna/whore or trick/hoe complex, though this sexual script is associated predominantly with black women. Someone’s ride or die might be their boyfriend or best friend, but in hip-hop music, this usually refers to a romantic partner.
The word ride or die can be used in many different sentences in the English language. Below are a few examples of ride or die. Try making flashcards or a quiz to memorize this word’s definition and using this word of the day in a sentence today!
Eve is my ride or die. No matter how she may critique me, she is my one and only forever.
My best friend is my ride or die. She saved me in the face of death, got me into therapy, and helped me understand by sexuality when I was at my lowest point.
There are many different words and phrases that someone can use in place of the word ride or die. These are called synonyms, which are words and phrases that have the same meaning as another word or phrase. Synonyms are a useful English grammatical device to know. They are an easy way to build your vocabulary, and can help you avoid repeating yourself in conversation and written works. This list of synonyms for the word ride or die is provided by Power Thesaurus.
There are also numerous different words that have the opposite definition as the word digress. These opposite words are called antonyms. Antonyms are also useful to know if you are working on expanding your vocabulary. This list of antonyms for the word digress is also provided by Power Thesaurus.
Overall, the word ride or die is a biker term meaning one who is faithful and understanding despite all odds. While this term originally comes from biker culture, it is commonly used in hip hop and rap music and has been since the 90s.
