A
ditch or similar earthwork. Commonly used in the military for protection against artillery, gunfire, and/or bombs. Used heavily during the First World War.
In the modern setting, trenches are also
slang for poor, crime-ridden neighborhoods and cities, often slums or what some would call "The
Hood".
"These trenches are full of shit, trench-rats, and
death. But I'd rather be here than in No Man'
s Land!" - Private John Johnson to Private Ben Benson.
"This trench better be dug before Friday, or else the project'll grind to a halt!" -Blue collar
Jeff to his insubordinate, useless as fuck, bitch-
ass employees.
"Bro, you heard what happend uptown? Someone got killed in a drive-by. Damn, we in the trenches, man!" - Tyson to his friend from downtown.