ebonics 101: lesson 5 - Idioms?

Question

Idioms.

While idioms are more a function of culture than language I feel it was appropriate to address the issue in the lesson

Note: Idioms are not to be confused with slang.

examples:

kick rocks = telling somebody to leave.
beat that [p..ssy] up = to have pasionate sex
ride or die = to be loyal (not an ultimatum)
put it in the air = to smoke a blunt

What distinguishes idioms from slang is that an idiom uses ordinary words often in a metaphorical or allegorical context. Whereas slang involves the uses of an original word.

ex. words like krunk, diss (insult), chickenhead, ect are slang because they are not part of the standard english lexicon. - as opposed to referring to a car as a whip; which is part metaphor and part synecdoche (a whip is what the steering wheel was called when automobiles were first invented)


can you name some other common idoms used in black vernacular english?

first answer totally didn't answer the question and then compounded it by talking out the side of his neck. I just said idioms are NOT the same as slang.

Answer 1

Spit that sh*t, spit flames, bust a rhyme = To Rap (often referring particularly to freestyle).

Fall back, step off = Relax, back off.

Dime piece = Beautiful girl/woman.

Beat the rap = To escape punishment or be acquitted of a charge.

Take the rap = To accept punishment or take the blame.

Cold chillin' = Leisurely enjoying.

Kick to the curb = To dis on someone (particularly to end a romantic relationship).

Sell wolf tickets = "All bark and no bite."

Got fives on it = Claim of ownership or use.

Fade that = Handle this.

Pitchin' game = Verbally showing romantic interest in a female.

Well hung, hung low = To have a large penis.

Drop a dime = Tattle, snitch.

Bounce, be out (or be up out), ghost = To leave.

Answer 2

I don't know because I didn't under stand half of the idioms/slang words you said...Does that mean that it can no longer be called Black Vernacular English. Seeing as how not ALL Black people know, understand or use this English. Maybe it's because I missed the first 4 lessons... What ever happened to Ebonics? Great question and a lot of thought just don't rep the whole race on this one. EDIT: I know you didn't state that I was just referring the the name of it...which I know is one of the names in which this language is called. I would rather say Ebonics not Black Vernacular English because not ALL Black people speak it and also not ONLY Black people speak it. No offense to you I like the question/lesson. It shows that the language actually has rules and isn't ignorant...

Answer 3

First of all, good-well-thought out topic.

Next, to often is slang connected to black vernacular english and that is simply a stereotype meant to confuse people into believing slang comes from blacks or minorities. Whites for lake of a better way to phrase are slaves to creating and using slang just like everyone else. Can you say "Yada Yada Yada" from Sienfeld?

Most of "American English" is slang which the language could rightfully be named "American" and not English.

In the simplest form, an idiom differs from slang when its accepted by Websters.

Answer 4

As a white person, I am going only use kick rocks--have to say that to some so called friends, persisten ex/boyfriend and other lovely people

Answer 5

Here are some common idoms used in black vernacular English:

up in my grill = in my personal space

splittin some wigs up = split someones skull

rollin on dubs = owning/driving a car with rims that are 20+ inches, preferably chrome, spinners optional

Fo Shizzle.

Answer 6

hey, "what's really good with you?"...(that was one right there!). if i understand this correctly,....the following are some good examples:

Hit me up - call me

Getting Digits - getting someones phone number

To the left - Get lost, leave, or "i'm putting you out"

What's Really Good - how's it going, what's up, what's happening

Stacking Chips - (i guess in refference to gambling) making money, putting away money

Popping Tags - shopping sprees

Politicing - Talking, Getting to know someone...

It's All Wood - means: 'you turn me on', 'you make me sexually excited'

-hbb

Answer 7

Dunno if them r slangs or idoms,but here's some homie

You Frontin me = are you attempting to influence me to engage in a violent action with you

Knock Yo'self = Be cool.(in some ghettos)

You gots to gid dem Benjamins = You need to get money.

dont forget Snoop's catchphrase,Fo Shizzle ma Hizzle nizzle!

Answer 8

Ummm I really don't care what they are i'm never going to say any of that other stupid crap. And what do you mean black english? I'm black and I don't talk like a fool.

Answer 9

throw some d's on that b*tch...........would that count?

Answer 10

Ignorant people feel powerless. To create an underground vocabulary give them a sense of power and identity. It's only been happening for hundreds if not thousands of years.