crip: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSlang/Very Informal, Offensive, or Gang-related
Quick answer
What does “crip” mean?
A slang term, historically offensive, referring to a person with a physical disability, particularly one affecting mobility (e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A slang term, historically offensive, referring to a person with a physical disability, particularly one affecting mobility (e.g., a limp).
Primarily used in US English as a highly offensive slur for a person with a disability. Also a term of self-identification and reclamation within some disability communities (similar to 'queer' for LGBTQ+). In a completely unrelated and dominant contemporary context, it refers to a member of the 'Crips', a notorious street gang originating in Los Angeles.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK English, 'crip' is exclusively understood as the offensive slang term for a disabled person (though now very rare). In US English, it carries the dual meaning: the offensive slur and the gang affiliation. The gang meaning is almost non-existent in UK understanding.
Connotations
UK: Offensive, archaic. US: Either highly offensive (disability slur) or denoting gang membership (with associated connotations of crime, violence, and territoriality).
Frequency
In both varieties, the disability slur is avoided in all polite or standard discourse. The gang term is frequent in specific US subcultures and media but not in general American English.
Grammar
How to Use “crip” in a Sentence
Member of the CripsAffiliated with the CripsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crip” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- He was shocked to hear the old-fashioned, offensive term 'crip' used.
American English
- The documentary explored the rivalry between the Bloods and the Crips.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Only in sociological/criminological studies of US gangs, or disability studies discussing reclamation of slurs.
Everyday
Not used in polite everyday conversation. Highly context-specific and potentially dangerous to use.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “crip”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “crip”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crip”
- Using it innocently to refer to a disability.
- Assuming it only means 'cripple'.
- Using it outside of very specific US gang or reclaimed disability contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is a historical slur. It is only used acceptably within specific contexts of reclamation by some members of the disability community themselves, similar to how 'queer' is used within the LGBTQ+ community.
Most commonly, it refers to a member of the Crips, a large and long-standing street gang originally from Los Angeles, identified with the color blue.
No, they are rival street gangs. Their rivalry is a central feature of gang culture in certain parts of the United States.
Because it has two highly charged meanings: a severe offensive slur and a denotation of violent gang membership. Misuse can cause grave offense or imply dangerous affiliations.
A slang term, historically offensive, referring to a person with a physical disability, particularly one affecting mobility (e.
Crip is usually slang/very informal, offensive, or gang-related in register.
Crip: in British English it is pronounced /krɪp/, and in American English it is pronounced /krɪp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'Crip' is not typically used in idioms. The 'Crip Walk' (C-Walk) is a dance originating from the gang.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CRIPS' = 'Community Revolution In Progress' (a backronym used by the gang). Avoid the other meaning entirely.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISABILITY IS LACK/DAMAGE (for the offensive slur). GANG IDENTITY IS TRIBAL AFFILIATION.
Practice
Quiz
In which context might the term 'crip' be used academically without being inherently offensive?