Cocaine Slang & Street Terms

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug made from the leaves of the coca plant, which is native to South America. It affects the central nervous system by increasing levels of dopamine, a brain chemical linked to pleasure and reward. This produces short-term effects such as increased energy, alertness, and feelings of euphoria.

Cocaine usually comes in a white powder form that can be snorted, rubbed on the gums, or dissolved and injected. Another form, called “crack cocaine,” is processed into small crystals that are typically smoked, producing a rapid and intense high.

Slang is often used for cocaine and other drugs because it serves several purposes in communication. One of the main reasons is secrecy: people use slang to hide what they are talking about from law enforcement, employers, family, or others who might disapprove. Using code words makes it harder for outsiders to recognize drug-related conversations.

Another reason is identity and culture. Slang creates a sense of belonging among people who use drugs, much like inside jokes or nicknames do in other groups. Certain terms become tied to music, nightlife, or street culture, making them part of shared language.

Slang also provides variety and creativity. Instead of saying “cocaine” directly, people use words like “blow” or “snow” to make the conversation sound less clinical or less risky. It can also make the drug seem more appealing or less threatening, which may encourage use.

Finally, slang is used for convenience and speed. Short words like “bump” or “line” are quicker to say and often describe specific amounts or ways of using the drug.

Learn more about slang for cocaine below.

Cocaine Slang & Street Names

Common slang terms for cocaine include:

• Coke
• Blow
• Snow
• White or White Lady
• Powder
• Nose Candy
• Yayo
• Dust
• Flake

Crack Cocaine Slang

Common slang terms for crack cocaine include:

• Rock
• Hard
• Base
• Cookies
• Dice
• Gravel
• Nuggets
• Sugar Block
• Apple Jacks
• Chemical

Cocaine Use Slang

Slang used in cocaine use include:

• Bump: taking a small amount, often off a key or fingertip
• Rail: a line of cocaine prepared for snorting
• Snorting a line: inhaling powdered cocaine through the nose
• Chopping up: preparing cocaine into fine powder or lines
• Keying: taking a hit using the tip of a key
• Dusting: slang for snorting or using small amounts
• Blasting: smoking crack cocaine
• Cooking: turning powder cocaine into crack form for smoking
• Mainlining: injecting cocaine directly into a vein

Cocaine Mixing Slang

• Speedball: cocaine mixed with heroin, injected or snorted
• Snowcap: marijuana joint or bowl topped with powdered cocaine
• Primo: cigar or cigarette laced with both cocaine and marijuana
• Bumping up: combining cocaine with ecstasy or MDMA
• Belushi: cocaine mixed with heroin, another term for a speedball
• Eightball: one-eighth of an ounce of cocaine, sometimes used in mixes with other drugs
• Woolie (or Woo-Woo): cocaine combined with crack or marijuana dipped in PCP