Cro

Cro (noun, slang) – A Toronto-origin slang term, stemming from the Rexdale area, used to refer to a close friend or brother-like figure. Derived from “cousin” or “bro,” it reflects deep loyalty and camaraderie within local street culture. The term began gaining prominence in the early 2010s, particularly among Toronto Crip sets such as the Jamestown Crips and Mount Olive Crips, before spreading more widely throughout the city and beyond.

“That’s my cro, we’ve been rocking since day one.”

Mandem

Mandem (noun, slang) – A Toronto-origin slang term, originating in the 1990s in the west end of the city, particularly Rexdale, referring to a group of men, typically close friends or a tightly knit crew. The word conveys a sense of brotherhood, loyalty, and collective identity, often used in both social and street contexts. Rooted in Toronto’s multicultural communities, mandem is heavily influenced by Jamaican Patois. Over time, the term has spread beyond Toronto, gaining popularity in other countries, including the UK, where it has been widely adopted into urban and hip-hop culture.

“The mandem stepped in, and the whole room took notice.”

Dess

Dess (noun, slang) – A term that originated in Toronto, stemming from the Rexdale area, used to describe an unattractive girl or a man who appears desperate, particularly in romantic or social situations. Short for desperate, the word is often used in a dismissive or mocking tone within local slang and urban culture.

“You’re moving dess right now, fam—have some self-respect.”

Link up

Link Up (verb, slang) – A Toronto-origin slang term, stemming from the Rexdale area, meaning to meet up, connect, or gather with someone, often for social or business purposes. Deeply embedded in the city’s street and hip-hop culture, link up is widely used across communities, emphasizing the act of coming together, whether casually with friends or for more serious matters.

“Yo, let me know when you’re free so we can link up.”

Crodie

Crodie (noun, slang) – An extended form of Cro, originating from the Rexdale area of Toronto, used to refer to a close friend or brother-like figure. The term emerged in the early 2010s, gaining popularity among Toronto Crip sets like the Jamestown Crips and Mount Olive Crips. It signifies deep loyalty and brotherhood within local street culture. Crodie has since spread beyond the city, partly due to its use by Drake, one of the biggest artists of all time, in several songs, helping to present the word to a worldwide audience. The term was also referenced in the historic Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake battle of 2024, the biggest rap beef of all time, further cementing its place in hip-hop culture.

“My crodie held it down for me when things got rough.”

Bust Down

Bust Down (noun, slang) – A term originating from the city of Toronto in the late 2000s, referring to high-end jewelry, typically a watch, chain, or ring, that has been fully encrusted with diamonds or other precious stones. A bust down piece is often custom-made, symbolizing wealth, status, and success. The term gained prominence through Toronto’s hip-hop and street culture, later spreading globally through rap music and urban fashion.

Bust Down (verb, slang) – The act of customizing or flooding a piece of jewelry with diamonds, transforming a standard item into a luxury statement piece. Originating in Toronto in the late 2000s, the phrase became a staple in hip-hop culture, representing opulence and exclusivity.

“Bro pulled up with a bust down AP, shining like a chandelier.”

Wasteyute

Wasteyute (noun, slang) – A Toronto slang term, originating from the Rexdale area, used to describe someone who is useless, immature, or lacking respect and ambition. Deeply rooted in both Caribbean and Somali slang, wasteyute is often used in a dismissive or mocking tone to call out foolish behavior. The term has since spread beyond Toronto, gaining popularity in places like the UK and other global hip-hop and urban communities.

“She curved him once, and he’s still begging—such a wasteyute.”