crips
Crips (plural noun, proper noun) 1. A street gang: The Crips are a prominent and notorious street gang that originated in Los Angeles, California, in the late 1960s. The gang is known for its blue color symbolism and rivalry with the Bloods gang. 2. Slang term for potato chips: In some informal contexts, particularly in British English, "crisps" (pronounced similarly) refers to thin, fried slices of potato sold as a snack. However, the spelling "crips" is a nonstandard variant of this word and is rarely used in formal writing.
- (Referring to the street gang.)
- (Informal, nonstandard use for potato chips.)
"Crip" as a singular noun: A member of the Crips gang is called a "Crip."
- He was identified as a Crip after his arrest. (A member of the gang.)
"Crip" as a derogatory term: The word "crip" is also a shortened form of "cripple," used as a slur against people with disabilities. This usage is offensive and should be avoided.
Crip (n, singular): a member of the Crips gang.
- Several Crips were involved in the altercation. (Gang members.)
Crips (n, plural, nonstandard): a misspelling or variant of "crisps" (potato chips).
- He prefers cheese-flavored crips over plain ones. (Informal, nonstandard.)
- Gang: a group of criminals or associates (for the gang meaning).
- Crisps: the standard spelling for potato chips (for the snack meaning).
- Crip up: (slang, rare) to join or align with the Crips gang.
- He decided to crip up after moving to the neighborhood. (Join the gang.)
- Crip walk: a dance move associated with the Crips gang, often performed to assert gang affiliation.
- He performed a crip walk at the party. (A specific dance style.)
- Spelling caution: The word "crips" is often a misspelling of "crisps" (potato chips). In standard English, "crisps" is the correct form for the snack.
- Offensive usage: The term "crip" as a slur for a person with a disability is highly offensive and should not be used.