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.

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.

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.

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

No drinking,smoking,drugs,or casual sex-the clean,"pure" way of life.Straightedge are super arsed cool people who actually have pride in themselves,want to be decent people,and don't believe in going around and looking like a bunch of drunk,high,stupid,slutty morons-aka most of America's youth nowadays-just because they can.Not all straightedge people think that they're better than everyone else and not all of them try to force their views on others,so if you think that's how it is then just get over yourself already.I'm not saying that this is the best or only way to be,but everyone at least has the right to be whatever and whoever they want,so just accept it already or move along.Bascially stop hating on the straightedge for living how they want and they won't hate on you.*

Branched off of a song by minor threat. Wasn't purposely created. Straight Edge is not a set of rules, nor a movement. It is an anti-stupidity, anti-obsession, pro-positive, pro-alertness thinking idea.

Some kids took it too far and now it is tagged with a gang or elitist mentality.

A name given to a personal lifestyle choice in order to make it sound 'cool'. The lifestyle consists of the respectful choices to not do drugs, have casual sex, or drink alcohol. Basically these people choose to respect their own body in every way. Some people that follow this lifestyle may put X's on there hands and a bandana over their nose and mouth in order to try and further make this lifestyle look 'cool'. For some that follow this lifestyle they may think it makes them better then everyone else and will go around letting everyone know they are 'straight edge', what these people don't realize is no one gives a shit. Others who follow this type of lifestyle will only let people know at appropriate times. These people are the respectful ones, but they still sound stupid calling themselves straight edge.