Heroin, an opioid drug synthesized from morphine, has a vast array of slang names that vary by region, culture, and even the circles in which it’s used. These names can often provide insight into the characteristics of the drug, the effects it has on its users, and the societal attitudes towards it. This essay explores some of the most commonly used slang terms for heroin and the nuances behind their origins and usage.
Street Names: Smack, Dope, Mud, Horse, Skag, Junk, H, Black tar, Black pearl, Brown sugar, Witch hazel, Birdie powder, Dragon, Hero, White stuff, China white, Mexican horse, Pluto, Skunk, Number 2.
H, Smack, and Dope
Three of the most widespread slang terms for heroin are “H,” “smack,” and “dope.” “H” is a straightforward abbreviation of heroin, used commonly for its brevity and ease. “Smack” reportedly comes from the Yiddish word “schmeck,” meaning a sniff or a taste, referring to the way heroin was originally consumed by sniffing. Over time, “smack” has evolved to represent the drug in any form. “Dope” originally referred to a variety of drugs that had a stupefying effect on the user; however, it has become synonymous with heroin due to the drug’s strong sedative and euphoric effects.
Black Tar, Brown Sugar, and China White
Heroin’s appearance and purity are often reflected in its street names. “Black tar” heroin, which is sticky like roofing tar or hard like coal, originates primarily from Mexico and is prevalent in the western United States. The name directly references its dark, glossy appearance. “Brown sugar” is a variant of heroin that is more granular and brownish in color, indicative of its less refined quality. “China White,” on the other hand, refers to heroin that is very pure and potent, often a white or off-white powder. This term not only indicates the drug’s appearance but also hints at an erroneous exotic quality, as if it were sourced from the Far East, despite most “China White” heroin actually being produced in Southeast Asia.
Horse, Junk, and Skag
“Junk,” “skag,” and “horse” are terms with more obscure origins. “Junk” may either refer to the drug’s originally low price or the perception of heroin users gathering junk or scrap metal to fund their addiction. “Skag” is thought to derive from the Scandinavian word “skag,” which means a branch or offshoot, metaphorically describing the pathways of addiction branching off from mainstream life. “Horse” is believed to come from the powerful kick or effects the drug has, similar to the strength of a horse.
Gear, Boy, and Thunder
Heroin is often referred to as “gear” in some communities, a term that can also be used generically to denote any kind of drug equipment or paraphernalia. “Boy” is a street term used predominantly in the United States, contrasting with “girl,” which is often used to refer to cocaine. The use of “boy” and “girl” for these drugs can reflect gendered perceptions of the substances—heroin as potent and strong and cocaine as lighter and more socially acceptable. “Thunder” suggests the intense impact and powerful rush associated with heroin use.
Reference
- Drug Enforcement Agency – Slang Terms and Code Words: A Reference for Law Enforcement Personnel
- police.nsw.gov.au – “Street” names for Heroin Common terms
- National Institute on Drug Abuse – Heroin | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
- Heroin: MedlinePlus
