Bust Down

Bust Down (noun, slang) – A term originating from the city of Toronto in the late 2000s, referring to high-end jewelry, typically a watch, chain, or ring, that has been fully encrusted with diamonds or other precious stones. A bust down piece is often custom-made, symbolizing wealth, status, and success. The term gained prominence through Toronto’s hip-hop and street culture, later spreading globally through rap music and urban fashion.

Bust Down (verb, slang) – The act of customizing or flooding a piece of jewelry with diamonds, transforming a standard item into a luxury statement piece. Originating in Toronto in the late 2000s, the phrase became a staple in hip-hop culture, representing opulence and exclusivity.

“Bro pulled up with a bust down AP, shining like a chandelier.”

by Aladdón February 11, 2025

Cro

Cro (noun, slang) – A Toronto-origin slang term, stemming from the Rexdale area, used to refer to a close friend or brother-like figure. Derived from “cousin” or “bro,” it reflects deep loyalty and camaraderie within local street culture. The term began gaining prominence in the early 2010s, particularly among Toronto Crip sets such as the Jamestown Crips and Mount Olive Crips, before spreading more widely throughout the city and beyond.

“That’s my cro, we’ve been rocking since day one.”

by Aladdón February 11, 2025

Wasteyute

Wasteyute (noun, slang) – A Toronto slang term, originating from the Rexdale area, used to describe someone who is useless, immature, or lacking respect and ambition. Deeply rooted in both Caribbean and Somali slang, wasteyute is often used in a dismissive or mocking tone to call out foolish behavior. The term has since spread beyond Toronto, gaining popularity in places like the UK and other global hip-hop and urban communities.

“She curved him once, and he’s still begging—such a wasteyute.”

by Aladdón February 11, 2025

Jewry

Jewry is a term that has been used in the Toronto area, often as a slang reference to a perceived global cabal or, in some contexts, to refer to Jewish people collectively. The term carries connotations that can vary depending on intent and context, sometimes being used in conspiratorial discussions or as coded language. Due to its broad and sometimes controversial usage, its meaning can be subjective and interpreted differently depending on the speaker and audience.

“He blamed it all on Jewry, like many before him.”

by Aladdón February 11, 2025

Say Less

Say Less is a slang term that originated in the west end of Toronto, particularly in the Rexdale area. It emerged as a way to express understanding, agreement, or acknowledgment without the need for further explanation. The phrase reflects the unspoken communication and mutual understanding often found in tight-knit communities, where words are kept minimal but meaning remains clear. Over time, Say Less gained popularity beyond Toronto, spreading through hip-hop, street culture, and social media, eventually becoming a widely recognized expression in urban slang worldwide.

“I got you, bro—say less.”

by Aladdón February 11, 2025

Mandem

Mandem (noun, slang) – A Toronto-origin slang term, originating in the 1990s in the west end of the city, particularly Rexdale, referring to a group of men, typically close friends or a tightly knit crew. The word conveys a sense of brotherhood, loyalty, and collective identity, often used in both social and street contexts. Rooted in Toronto’s multicultural communities, mandem is heavily influenced by Jamaican Patois. Over time, the term has spread beyond Toronto, gaining popularity in other countries, including the UK, where it has been widely adopted into urban and hip-hop culture.

“The mandem stepped in, and the whole room took notice.”

by Aladdón February 11, 2025

Link up

Link Up (verb, slang) – A Toronto-origin slang term, stemming from the Rexdale area, meaning to meet up, connect, or gather with someone, often for social or business purposes. Deeply embedded in the city’s street and hip-hop culture, link up is widely used across communities, emphasizing the act of coming together, whether casually with friends or for more serious matters.

“Yo, let me know when you’re free so we can link up.”

by Aladdón February 11, 2025