A movement that took it's name from the Minor Threat song of the same name. This movement is largely credited to Ian MacKaye (Teen Idles, Minor Threat, Egg Hunt, Fugazi). While he is a founding member of the straight-edge movement he did not magically create a new way of life. There were people who chose to absatain from drugs, alcohol, and promiscuous sex before the Minor Threat song believe it or not. There is much debate over what the exact definition of a drug is and there is no exact answer. Each practitioner of the straight-edge lifestyle creates their own personalized definition. While straight-edge as a lifestyle (not a movement) was intended to be a positive force it quickly became a dividing force in the underground and violence erupted from it. Not to mention the all-too-common sense of superiority that often (unfortuneately) accompanies this this lifestyle. The 'x' markings on the hands originated as a result of people showing that they willingly chose not to drink. Many people believe that militant straight-edge is called "hardline". This is not true. Hardline is a set of six rules that state in addition to no drugs, alcohol, or sex you also must eat in accordance with a vegan diet, avoid cursing, and not take medicine. Straight-edge is not a movement for people who aren't tough enough for drinking and drugs but for those who have grown frustrated with a lifestyle dominated by those elements.
Charles: "Hey you wanna hit this bowl man?"
Zach (Who is straight-edge): "Really? I respect your way of life do me the same man."
Charles: "Well I thought it was worth a try."
Zach: "Well it wasn't. This isn't a trend to me."
Zach (Who is straight-edge): "Really? I respect your way of life do me the same man."
Charles: "Well I thought it was worth a try."
Zach: "Well it wasn't. This isn't a trend to me."
by LAVAXLAMP January 01, 2010
Straight Edge is a personal choice that is not meant to be a joking matter. It is an oath that someone may make to themselves to not participate in recreational drug use, smoke, consume alcohol, or have promiscious sex. I think a true straight edge does it for themselves and doesn't ridicule others for not believing in the same view of this lifestyle.
by XLiveXNowX July 13, 2004
A person who does not consume alcohol, do drugs of any kind (even marijuana), smoke cigarettes, etc. They live a lifestyle and have a mentality of pride in their and other's courage not to do these mostly harmful activities.
Typically, kids who chose to be straight edge are associated with the "hardcore scene" and X or XXX symbols. However, many people who chose the straight edge lifestyle do not write X's on their hands and show it off, or any of the annoying crap associated with straight edge.
Typically, kids who chose to be straight edge are associated with the "hardcore scene" and X or XXX symbols. However, many people who chose the straight edge lifestyle do not write X's on their hands and show it off, or any of the annoying crap associated with straight edge.
Me: I'm so glad we're straight edge.
Ethan: Me too, I think drugs and all of that stuff is fucking stupid to do. Getting wasted for a good time is lame.
Me: Yep. But let's not do that annoying XXX shit.
Ethan: Okay, cool.
Ethan: Me too, I think drugs and all of that stuff is fucking stupid to do. Getting wasted for a good time is lame.
Me: Yep. But let's not do that annoying XXX shit.
Ethan: Okay, cool.
by J. Archimedes July 19, 2006
A philosophy begun by Ian McKaye and the Minor Threat boys in the days of yore. Abbreviated sXe. It started out just no drinking, drugs, or smokes, then the philosophy was distorted into including veganism and no casual sex. Still not a terrible thing, until hypocrites in Utah decided "hey, this would make a good gang!" and totally raped the whole idea. Because, you know, it was meant to DECREASE violence and death. Not beat the shit out of the poor faggot caught with a beer in his hand. so...
good example of straight edge: Davey Havok or Justin Sane, basically anyone adhering to the original concept
bad example: Salt Lake City assholes killing hobos with cigarettes in their mouths
good example of straight edge: Davey Havok or Justin Sane, basically anyone adhering to the original concept
bad example: Salt Lake City assholes killing hobos with cigarettes in their mouths
by not important March 15, 2005
a philosophy to live a clean, responsible and sober lifestyle; a choice that many, many people consciously make, except being "straight-edge" is an excuse to put X's all over yourself as well as before and after everything you write, to use a label to make your choices look better than everyone else's and belong to a clique.
Dave: "what's the difference between you and XStevenX - that straight-edge guy?"
Me: "well, both of us choose to live a substance-free and responsible life, except XStevenX is self-righteous, insecure douche-bag who needs desperately wants to be a part of another cliche clique, a needs a pathetic label to advertise his "morals" as being above everyone else's."
Me: "well, both of us choose to live a substance-free and responsible life, except XStevenX is self-righteous, insecure douche-bag who needs desperately wants to be a part of another cliche clique, a needs a pathetic label to advertise his "morals" as being above everyone else's."
by wayuphighkitty April 30, 2009
Ideals invented by Ian MacKaye. Primarily focuses on maintain a pure body and conscience by abstaining from drugs and alcohol. Promotes monogomous relationships (not mariage) and a vegetarian diet (although this is not essential). Ian MacKaye went so far as to shave his head but no one does this as a sign of their devotion anymore. Early straight-edgers could be identified by 'X's tattoed into their hands.
Straight-edge used to mean something. Now you see kids who shop at Hot Topic using Sharpies to draw 'X's on their hands.
by Roy K July 13, 2005
A lifestyle choice in which a person abstains from use of alcohol, drugs, smoking, and in most cases, promiscuous sex. The philosophy being that this lifestyle is more healthy. I have to agree.
by All Of The Above July 21, 2003