Definition of Reefer(s)
Reefer Madness 1936
Where did the term Reefer come from?
The term "reefer" has a few different meanings and origins, depending on the context:
1. Marijuana cigarette: This is the most common use of "reefer" today, particularly in informal contexts. It's believed to have emerged in the 1930s, possibly influenced by:
Spanish origin: Some attribute it to the Spanish word "grifa," slang for marijuana.
Rolling: Others suggest it comes from the Spanish word "reefer" meaning "to roll," reflecting how marijuana cigarettes are made.
2. Short, thick coat: This meaning predates the marijuana association and refers to a type of double-breasted jacket worn by sailors. It likely comes from the nautical term "reef," meaning to reduce the size of a sail by folding it.
3. Refrigerator: This usage, especially for refrigerated vehicles, is less common but still encountered. It likely arose from the fact that refrigerators keep things "reefed," or chilled.
4. Person who reefs: This definition is primarily nautical and refers to someone who adjusts sails by reefing them.
Therefore, the "why" behind the term "reefer" depends entirely on the intended meaning. If you're unsure which meaning is relevant, consider the context in which you encountered the term.
It's important to note that the slang term for marijuana carries historical baggage due to its use in anti-drug propaganda campaigns that often demonized marginalised communities. Be mindful of this context when using the term.
Where did the term Joint come from?
The term "joint" has a few different origins depending on which meaning you're referring to:
1. Anatomical joint:
This meaning, referring to the place where two bones connect, ultimately comes from Latin. It's the past participle of the Latin verb "iungere," which means "to join, unite, connect, attach." This evolved into the Old French word "joint," which entered Middle English in the late 13th century as "joynt."
2. General meaning of "joined":
This meaning, simply referring to something that is connected or joined, also comes from Latin and shares the same root as the anatomical meaning. The Old French word "jointiz" (adjective meaning "joined") is related to the noun "joint" and also influenced the development of the term.
3. Slang term for a marijuana cigarette:
This meaning has a more recent and specific origin. It started as Anglo-Irish slang in the early 19th century, referring to an annex or side-room "joined" to a main room. By the late 19th century, it had evolved into American slang for any type of establishment, particularly opium dens. Its first recorded use for a marijuana cigarette was in 1938.
So, depending on what you're interested in, the term "joint" has roots in either Latin or Old French, with some more recent developments in specific contexts like slang.
Small list of terms.
As a popular recreational drug, marijuana is known by a huge number of nicknames.
An entire culture surrounds this particular substance, and there’s a lot of different slang involved in its use.
The common scientific name is cannabis, but the most common slang terms include:
Weed, Pot, Grass, Dope, Reefer, Ganja, Hash, Herb, Chronic
And then you fire up that badass tube of happiness and you are:
Toking, Poking, Blazing, Cheeching, Smoking trees, Mowing the grass, Biting one’s lips, Blasting, Blowing, Burning one down, Chasing, Firing one up, Going loco, Hitting the hay, Torching up, Getting the wind