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.
by Aladdón February 11, 2025
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
Waste Cattie (noun, slang) – A Toronto slang term, originating from the Rexdale area, used to describe a woman who is unattractive, immature, or lacks self-respect. Often used in a dismissive or mocking tone, waste cattie refers to someone who engages in drama, seeks clout, or carries herself in a way that diminishes her value. Deeply rooted in Toronto’s urban slang, with strong Caribbean influences, the term has spread beyond the city, becoming a staple in local and international street culture.
by Aladdón February 11, 2025
Forward (verb, slang) – A Toronto slang term, originating from the Rexdale area, meaning to pull up, come through, or move toward a specific place or situation. Deeply rooted in the city’s Jamaican and Caribbean influence, forward is commonly used in casual conversation and street culture as both an invitation and a directive, often carrying a sense of urgency or informality. Now a staple of Toronto’s urban slang, the term has spread beyond its origins, reflecting the city’s distinct linguistic influence.
by Aladdón February 11, 2025
Crodie (noun, slang) – An extended form of Cro, originating from the Rexdale area of Toronto, used to refer to a close friend or brother-like figure. The term emerged in the early 2010s, gaining popularity among Toronto Crip sets like the Jamestown Crips and Mount Olive Crips. It signifies deep loyalty and brotherhood within local street culture. Crodie has since spread beyond the city, partly due to its use by Drake, one of the biggest artists of all time, in several songs, helping to present the word to a worldwide audience. The term was also referenced in the historic Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake battle of 2024, the biggest rap beef of all time, further cementing its place in hip-hop culture.
by Aladdón February 11, 2025
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.
by Aladdón February 11, 2025
Dess (noun, slang) – A term that originated in Toronto, stemming from the Rexdale area, used to describe an unattractive girl or a man who appears desperate, particularly in romantic or social situations. Short for desperate, the word is often used in a dismissive or mocking tone within local slang and urban culture.
by Aladdón February 11, 2025