Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[missdaredevil]

Does *word* itself mean *you have my word*?

Thanks

[Brian Boyd]

Do you mean 'word' as it is used in rap and hip hop? In those songs, 'word' is slang which means 'what I'm saying is true'.

"I hooked up with three different girls last night."
"No way!"
"Word. Ask my brother if you don't believe me."

It's also used in the phrase 'Word to your mother' (there's an example in the song 'Ice Ice Baby'), and here it's an insult. 'Word to your mother' has a similar meaning to 'say hi to your mom for me' - and it suggests that the person saying it has had some kind of sexual relationship or encounter with your mother.

Brian