Common Drug Slang Terms and What They Actually Mean

  • February 25, 2026 3:34 AM PST

    Did you know that a teenager asking for "candy" or "Vitamin East" on a smartphone might not be talking about sweets or health supplements at all? Drug slang moves fast and often hides dangerous substances behind innocent, everyday words. You need to decode these terms to understand what people really discuss in street culture and online forums. This guide uses data from health experts and ********** agencies to explain the secret language of drug use. See full products details

    Stimulants

    Stimulants speed up your brain and body functions. Dealers often use names that sound like energy boosters or treats to make the drugs seem less harmful.

    • Cocaine - Users call it blow, Big C, blonde, Florida snow, or Mexican Percocet.
    • Adderall - Common nicknames include Dexies, pep pills, speed, Christmas trees, or black beauties.
    • Methamphetamine - People refer to crystal meth as crank, ice, or crystal. A person who uses it is a "tweaker" or "meth head." The act of smoking it is often called "blowing clouds."
    • MDMA (Ecstasy) - You will hear it called Adam, beans, Molly, pingers, rolls, or Vitamin X.

    Opioids

    Opioids include powerful painkillers and illegal drugs like heroin. These substances carry a very high risk of addiction and overdose. Slang usually describes specific pills rather than the whole group of drugs.

    Oxycodone (OxyContin) - People call these blues, hillbilly heroin, kickers, or 512s.

    Hydrocodone - Street names include 357s, fluff, tabs, Norco, or Vikes.

    Codeine - This drug goes by schoolboy or Captain Cody. When mixed into cough syrup, people call it drank, purple drank, or sizzurp.

    Methadone - Common names are dollies, fizzies, juice, or chocolate chip cookies.

    Dissociatives and Hallucinogens

    These drugs change how you perceive reality and can create a feeling of detachment from your body. The nicknames often hint at a "trip" or a dream-like state.

    • Ketamine - Often called Cat Valium, Special K, or Vitamin K. A bad experience is a "K-hole," while the physical effects are sometimes called the "wobble."
    • PCP - Known as angel dust, rocket fuel, or wack. If someone mixes it with marijuana, they call it a "killer joint" or "fry."
    • LSD - Common terms include acid, blotter, Lucy, Zen, or tabs.

    Marijuana and Cannabis Products

    Cannabis slang usually describes the look of the plant or the way it makes a person feel. Those who use it frequently are often labeled as potheads or stoners.

    Grass, hooch, as well as hooter are old-fashioned terms. "Skunk" refers to very strong varieties, while "honey oil" describes a potent resin.

    Concentrated versions of the drug are known as dabs. The process of using these concentrates is called dabbing.

    GHB and Related Depressants

    GHB is a strong sedative that people sometimes associate with date rape or accidental overdoses. It has several chemical relatives that share similar nicknames.

    • GHB - Street names include Georgia home boy, liquid ecstasy, scoop, or soap.
    • GBL - This related chemical is often called Fanta, fantasy, or juice.

    General Slang

    Some words describe the people who use drugs or the actions involved in drug culture regardless of the specific substance.

    • The People - Common labels include addict, burnout, junkie, or stoner.
    • The Actions - "Chasing" means trying to find or buy drugs. "Slamming" refers to injecting a drug with a needle. "Cutting" is the act of mixing a drug with cheaper materials to increase profit.

    Learning this vocabulary helps you recognize substance use in your community. Slang changes depending on where you live and stays in flux over time. If you or someone you know struggles with drug use, speak with a doctor or a healthcare professional for help. See products details

    FAQ

    Why do drug nicknames change so often?

    People create new terms to avoid detection by parents, teachers, in addition to law enforcement. When a word becomes too well-known, users switch to a new one to keep their habits secret.

    Are "natural" drugs safer than synthetic ones?

    No. Slang terms like "grass" or "vitamin" suggest a product is safe or natural, but these substances still cause addiction, health problems, next to legal issues.

    How can I stay updated on new slang?

    Health organizations and community safety groups regularly publish updated lists of terms. Monitoring local news and school resources also helps you stay informed about trends in your specific area.