Slang dictionary

dipped

[dipd]

What does dipped mean?

Dipped literally refers to something dunked in some kind of substance. But as a slang term, dipped means “to leave” or “to be well-dressed.” On a slightly more violent note, it can also refer to getting stabbed.

Related words

holler, badd, Black Twitter, on point, on fleek, stupid fresh

Where does dipped come from?

Virginia Tech

The word dip is very old and has acquired many senses over the centuries. Its most literal meaning of putting something into liquid is recorded in the 14th century. In the 1660s, dip took on the meaning of “inclining downward,” as in the stock markets dipped.

By the late 18th century, dipped food were items been lowered into and raised from some kind of liquid: Think chocolate-dipped strawberries. (Yum!)

Sometime in the early 20th century, dip took on the meaning of “to leave” in black slang. Slightly later, this meaning also surfaced in Australia. It’s not clear exactly where this meaning comes from. It’s possible that it’s a metaphorical extension of dipped, as in a person just temporarily dipping in and out of a situation. Like a strawberry.

Whatever its exact origin, dipped often means left (a place), as in the 2013 song “Lone” by Tyler, The Creator where he raps: “‘Cause when my mom dipped, she was the one that gave a fuck.”

Dipped also refers to someone being well-dressed in black American slang. This meaning is attested by at least the early 2000s. If someone’s dipped, it means they’re looking sharp in some nice clothing or otherwise wearing flashy swag.

Occasionally, getting dipped in Black American slang can refer to getting stabbed, as in getting a knife dipped in them (not-so yum). An example comes from the track “Red Opps” by 21 Savage where he raps the threat: “You don’t pull up on the Ave[nue], pussy boy, you get dipped.”

Examples of dipped

When I saw him, he was clean-cut and freshly dipped.
50 Cent, From Pieces to Weight, 2005
I am deeply sorry, my last two brain cells said “fuck this” and dipped
@fuckinbizzlee, December 2018
Websta.one
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Who uses dipped?

Anyone can use dipped in its original senses of “inclining downward”…

Or to describe temporary immersion or involvement in something…

All of the slang uses of dipped are closely associated with black American culture. The slang meanings of dipped meaning “to leave suddenly,” “well dressed,” or “stabbed” can all be found in hip-hop songs. All three of these meanings are highly informal, though not offensive.

Of the slang senses, dipped as in “left” is the common. It’s often found in the meme template “This X did X then dipped.”

@soggyshleep / Twitter

Referring to being “well-dressed” as dipped has become less common in recent years, although it can still be occasionally heard.

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Note

This is not meant to be a formal definition of dipped like most terms we define on Dictionary.com, but is rather an informal word summary that hopefully touches upon the key aspects of the meaning and usage of dipped that will help our users expand their word mastery.

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