What does Drip mean?
Stylish clothing, accessories, or an overall look that projects confidence.
Also written: drippy · drippin · dripping · got drip · have drip · the drip
The meaning
In slang, “drip” means impressive personal style, especially a fashionable outfit, shoes, jewelry, or accessories. Saying someone “has drip” praises the way the whole look comes together; “drippy” or “drippin’” can describe the person or outfit.
What’s the tone?
Complimentary, confident, and often playful. Depending on context, it can celebrate taste or expensive-looking style, and occasionally tease someone for showing off.
When and how to use it
Use it as a casual compliment about appearance or fashion: someone has drip, shows up drippin’, or wears a drippy outfit. It usually describes visible style rather than saying an event, idea, or personality is generally good.
In a conversation
Original examples to illustrate the expression.
The jacket, watch, and sneakers all work together—you've got serious drip today.
Her thrift-store outfit proves drip is about styling, not just expensive labels.
I meant his clothes looked sharp; I wasn't saying the concert itself was drip.
Easy to misread
This sense is unrelated to dripping liquid, an intravenous drip, or the older insult for a dull person. “Drip” praises the style itself; “flex” more often emphasizes deliberately showing off status, money, or achievements.
A little context
Dictionary.com documents the modern fashion sense and describes competing origin claims involving different rap scenes and popular culture. The Week likewise treats it as a term for a cool or attractive overall look and notes its renewed visibility through hip-hop. Because the historical claims conflict, this entry does not name a single inventor or birthplace.
Sources & further reading
These sources support the explanation. The dialogue above is original.
- dripDictionary.com · Checked Oct 12, 2026
Defines “drip” and “dripping” as highly fashionable personal style, gives outfit-centered public examples, and explicitly notes that competing origin accounts remain disputed.
- 25 Gen Z slang terms from 'mid' to 'no cap'The Week · Checked Oct 12, 2026
Explains “drip” as a cool or attractive overall look, records “drippin” as a related form, and notes the term's visibility in hip-hop without claiming a definitive origin.
Prepared with AI assistance and automated quality checks. Meanings can vary by context. Read our editorial policy.