gangsta

American  

[gang-stuh] / ˈgæŋ stə /

noun

1. a member of an urban street gang.

   He was a true gangsta, and he fought like a soldier for his turf.

   Synonyms:

   cholo, homie, homeboy, thug

2. gangsta rap.

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adjective

1. of or characteristic of urban street gangs, their members, or gangsta rap.

   There was no hiding his prison record or his gangsta tattoos from potential employers.

Etymology

Origin of gangsta

First recorded in 1985–90; representing the typically r-less African American Vernacular English pronunciation of gangster ( def. )

Compare meaning

How does gangsta compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• gangster vs. gangsta

Example Sentences

“My gangsta had her baby,” the “Bandit” rapper says in the video, before asking Mychelle, “How do you feel?”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2026

When no one is around, the doleful ex-judge listens to Italian gangsta rap, and sometimes even raps along with it, suggesting he isn’t quite the stereotype others assume him to be.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

"I just wanted to feel like a little gangsta," she said.

From BBC • May 5, 2025

They can just keep playing "Call of Duty" or scrolling social media without having to worry that their "gangsta" leader won't win.

From Salon • Oct. 21, 2024

Again, though, it is useful to put the commodification of gangsta culture in proper perspective.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander