mary jane: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal, Slang (for the drug sense); Standard (for the shoe sense).
Quick answer
What does “mary jane” mean?
A slang term for marijuana.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A slang term for marijuana.
Primarily a slang term for marijuana, particularly a low-quality or old-fashioned variety. Historically, also the name of a specific style of women's low-heeled shoe with a single strap across the instep.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both senses are understood in both dialects. The drug slang is somewhat less common in UK slang, which favors 'cannabis', 'weed', or 'grass'. The shoe term is equally recognized.
Connotations
In both dialects, 'Mary Jane' for marijuana has a slightly old-fashioned, whimsical, or euphemistic feel, sometimes evoking the 1960s/70s counterculture. It is less aggressive than other slang terms.
Frequency
Low frequency for the drug sense in formal contexts. The shoe term appears in fashion writing. The drug slang is more frequent in US popular culture references.
Grammar
How to Use “mary jane” in a Sentence
to smoke + Mary Janeto possess + Mary Janea pair of + Mary Janes (shoes)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mary jane” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They were mary-janing in the park. (Extremely rare/archaic verb form)
adjective
British English
- He had a bag of Mary Jane weed.
American English
- She wore her Mary Jane shoes to the party.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Unlikely, except in the fashion industry for the shoe style.
Academic
Not used in formal academic writing for the drug sense. May appear in historical or sociological studies of slang.
Everyday
The drug sense is used in informal conversation, often with a humorous or dated tone. The shoe sense is used in everyday fashion talk.
Technical
Not used in legal, medical, or scientific contexts for the drug. 'Cannabis' is the technical term.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mary jane”
- Using 'Mary Jane' in formal or legal contexts.
- Misspelling as 'maryjane' or 'Maryjane'.
- Using it to refer to other drugs.
- Assuming it's always capitalized.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's considered quite dated and is often used humorously or to sound old-fashioned. Terms like 'weed' or 'cannabis' are more current.
Yes, it is also the standard name for a classic style of women's or children's shoe with a low heel and a strap across the instep.
It is a rhyming slang play on the Spanish word 'marijuana' (mari-juana -> Mary Jane). It became popular in early 20th-century American slang.
Typically, yes, as it is a proper noun (a name). However, in informal writing, especially for the drug slang, you may see it in lowercase ('mary jane').
A slang term for marijuana.
Mary jane is usually informal, slang (for the drug sense); standard (for the shoe sense). in register.
Mary jane: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɛərɪ ˈdʒeɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɛri ˈdʒeɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He's fond of Mary Jane. (dated)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a woman named 'Mary Jane' from the 1960s who was a 'flower child' associated with the counterculture and marijuana use.
Conceptual Metaphor
ILLICIT SUBSTANCE AS A PERSON (Personification). The term uses a common female name to create a familiar, almost friendly persona for the drug.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'Mary Jane' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?