Crips Street Gang Terminology (via DetroitStreetGangs.com)
Crip-associated terminology can include distinctive linguistic conventions, symbolism, and phrases used in graffiti, written communication, music, and online posts. One commonly documented convention is replacing “ck” with “cc” in certain words, producing spellings such as “bacc” for “back” or “sicc” for “sick.” Other symbolism associated with Crip-affiliated groups can include hand signs and, in some regions, six-pointed stars. Usage and meanings can vary by neighborhood, set, region, and individual. Others include:
Cuh / Cuzz — Terms used by some (if not all) Crip-affiliated individuals as informal forms of address, comparable to words such as “bro” or “dude.”
On the Set / On Crip — A phrase used to refer to a person’s immediate gang territory or affiliation with their set.
On the Dead Homie(s) / DHz — A phrase used by some Crip-affiliated individuals to pay homage to deceased associates or gang members. “DHz” is a spelling sometimes seen in social-media posts.
C-Walkin (Crip Walking) — A specific set of dance moves historically associated with Crips street gang culture and sometimes used as a display of gang pride, affiliation, or status. The phrase may also be used in street slang metaphorically to express pride or satisfaction over an incident involving a gang. For example, a member might disrespect the “Bloods” by saying, “We just C-Walked all over them slobs around the corner; bet they won’t tag our block again.” In this context, “C-Walked” is being used as slang implying that the speaker’s gang physically retaliated against its rivals—potentially through gun violence—rather than referring literally to the dance.
Skit / Play / Lick / Score — These are similarly associated terms that generally refer to earning or obtaining a large sum of money quickly, often through an illegal act, criminal scheme, or risky hustle. Although the usage of each term can vary by context and region, a “skit” is sometimes used more specifically to describe a violent criminal act. For example, members of the Crips street gang might say, “We just pulled a skit on them slobs, dropped at least two of them,” referring to a shooting targeting members of the “Bloods” street gang. By contrast, “play,” “lick,” and “score” generally refer to the acquisition of money or other material gains, rather than violence itself.
Crip Crazy / Loc’d Out — A phrase used within the Crips street gang culture to describe an intense sense of identification, attachment, and dedication to the broader national Crips street-gang network and its associated cultural practices. The expression (often seen in graffiti) conveys a heightened level of loyalty or enthusiasm toward the “Crip(s)” identity, essentially indicating that an individual is deeply committed to, or “crazy” about, the Crips street gang culture and affiliation.
Monkey Suit — A term reportedly used within Crips street gang slang to describe wearing dark-colored clothing, often entirely black, in preparation for or during participation in criminal activity intended to benefit an individual’s immediate gang or clique. The term is reportedly derived from the belief that dark-colored clothing makes an individual less visible at night, with “monkey” referencing the commonly perceived dark coloration of certain monkeys or apes. The expression is therefore associated with nighttime activity, although gang-related criminal activity may occur at any time depending on the nature of the offense.
Khaki Suit / Kaks — A term used within Crips street gang culture to describe the traditional or semi-formal use of Dickies-style workwear, particularly matching work shirts and double-knee work pants, commonly worn in navy blue or desert tan. Although this style of dress has reportedly become less prevalent among some newer generations, it has historically been associated with a formal or ceremonial dress code within portions of Crip culture. The term also reflects the use of the word “Gangster” as a self-descriptive identity among some (if not all) Crip-affiliated individuals, referring to members of an organized criminal group who engage in unlawful activity for money, status, or power. Some individuals have historically drawn comparisons between their organizational structure and that of the Mafia, or La Cosa Nostra, while the “suit” in this street-level cultural context is represented by the practical Dickies workwear rather than conventional formal attire. The outfit may be worn for significant events, gatherings, or other occasions associated with gang affiliation.
Chuccs — A shorthand for Chuck Taylor sneakers, also known as Converse sneakers. “Chuccs” (as spelled in Crip-culture) are a traditional style of footwear associated with Crips street-gang culture and are often paired with a matching Dickies outfit, commonly referred to as a “Khaki Suit” or “Kaks.” The combination is colloquially known as “Chuccs and Kaks” within parts of the broader national Crips street-gang network. Other sneakers and footwear historically associated with the “Khaki Suit” include Air Max 95s, Nike Cortez, and Timberland boots.
Hood Day / Set Day — Terms used within Crips street gang culture to describe a specific annual date designated by a local neighborhood, Crip-affiliated gang, or “set” to commemorate its territory, honor deceased members, and reinforce collective identity and affiliation. The date is often selected because its numerical representation corresponds to numbers associated with the gang or set’s name or identity. For example, the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips have been associated with June 10 (6/10), which is sometimes expressed through the phrase “Six Times Ten” or “6×10,” corresponding numerically to 60. Observances may include neighborhood block parties, cookouts, social gatherings, and memorial tributes for deceased members. Participants may also wear colors, clothing styles such as “Khaki Suits,” or other symbols associated with their particular neighborhood, block, or clique, including customized or airbrushed designs on clothing.
SixOwe — A nickname associated with the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips, a prominent subset of the broader Crips street-gang network.
8Tray — A nickname associated with the Eight Trey Gangster Crips, also referred to as “Tray(s)” or “Eight Trey(s).” The Eight Trey (or “Tray”) Gangster Crips are a nationally recognized violent subset of the broader Crips street-gang network.
Naybahood — A stylized spelling of Neighborhood, commonly associated with the Neighborhood Crips alliance or affiliated sets.
LOC / LOK / LOCSTA — Terms that can be used within Crip-associated contexts to refer to members or associates. “Loc” is sometimes given various backronyms, including “Loyal Outstanding Crip” and “Love Only Crips,” although these explanations are not necessarily universal. “Lok” may appear in written or online communication as a form of address. “Locsta” can be used to describe someone perceived as strongly committed to Crip affiliation.
Down for the Set — A phrase describing a person perceived as highly committed or loyal to their particular gang set.
MOVIN GANG — A phrase associated with the Gangster Crips alliance. Within some Crip-associated contexts, it is used to express strong Gangster Crip identity and loyalty (“ALL GAS NO BREAKS”).
OK / NappK — Terms used as derogatory or hostile references toward the Rollin’ Neighborhood Crips or Neighborhood Crips, respectively. Meanings and usage can vary by group and region (“OweKilla,” “NappyHead Killa”).
3K / TrampK / Tr3mpK — Derogatory or hostile terms directed toward Gangster Crips, sometimes referred to as “Treys” or “Trays.”
Slob — A derogatory slang term used by members of the Crips street gang to disrespect and insult their (ideological) rivals, the “Bloods” street gang. This verbal insult is a direct counter to the Bloods’ derogatory term for the Crips street gang (which is “crab”). Using these terms in-person is considered a serious provocation and an immediate challenge to armed or unarmed gang violence.
Mark / Buster / Goofy — These are terms—sometimes grouped together in street slang as equivalent insults—that are often used to describe someone who is viewed by Crips street-gang members as physically or mentally weak, gullible, soft, an easy target, or someone who can be easily taken advantage of.
Tray / Trey / Trays — Terms associated with the number three (3) and, by extension, with the Gangster Crips. “C” is the third letter of the alphabet, and “Tray/Trey” can therefore carry Crip-associated meaning in certain contexts.
RICH ROLLIN — A phrase associated particularly with some Rollin’ Neighborhood Crips, including the Rollin’ 60s, and used to express wealth, status, or affiliation.
On Rollin’ — A phrase used by some members of Rollin’ Neighborhood Crip sets to emphasize a statement, claim, or oath connected to their affiliation.
On Gangsta — A phrase used by some Gangster Crip members to emphasize the seriousness or authenticity of a statement or claim made in connection with their affiliation.
Rip Rida — A term used as shorthand for “Crip Rider,” referring to an individual who is deeply devoted to their gang’s interests and is willing to “ride” for their gang at any given moment. To “ride” generally means to participate in activities—including criminal activity—that are perceived as furthering the gang’s influence, interests, or status.
FLY BLUE — A phrase associated with wearing blue clothing or blue bandannas (often called “rags”), reflecting a color traditionally associated with Crip identity. Color symbolism varies by location and individual set.
National “Crips” street gang membership has been estimated at approximately 30,000 to 35,000 members. Although the Crips street gang originated in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, Crip-affiliated street gangs eventually spread throughout the Midwest, East Coast, South, and other regions of the United States. Significant regional concentrations developed in places such as North Carolina, Minnesota—including Minneapolis, Michigan—including Detroit and Flint—Ohio—including Columbus and Toledo—as well as New Jersey and New York.