Hood

Hood (noun / US & UK Slang)

(Also heard as: The hood, My hood, Hood rat)

Definition:

Hood is short for neighbourhood, especially a local area where someone grew up. “From the hood” means from a tough or working-class area. It can sound affectionate or tough depending on who says it.

Where Hood Comes From:

It is a clipping of “neighbourhood” and became widespread through American hip-hop in the 1980s and 1990s. British speakers picked it up through rap and drill music alongside terms like “ends”.

How People Actually Use Hood:

People say “my hood” or “I never left the hood”. In Britain “ends” is more common, while “hood” feels more American. It is also used in phrases like “hood classic”, meaning a well-loved local favourite.

Is Hood Rude?

No, though outsiders using it about a rough area can sound patronising. Some compounds, like “hood rat”, are insults.

Examples in the Wild:

• “I am heading back to the hood.”

  Meaning: I am going back to my neighbourhood.

• “Everybody in the hood knows him.”

  Meaning: Everyone locally knows him.

• “Nothing beats the chicken shop in my hood.”

  Meaning: My local chicken shop is the best.

Similar Slang:

Ends, Manor, Mandem, Roadman, Yard

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