Ride or Eie – Meaning, Origin & Usage
There can be quite some confusion around the term ‘ride or die’ because the meaning of the phrase has changed and evolved through the years. However, this article is going to break all that down for you…
We will cover the meaning, origin, and evolution of the phrase, before delving into usage of the phrase, including mentions in hip hop music, various misconceptions of the phrase, and similar, alternative words and phrases that you can use in its place. By the end of the article you’re sure to feel like an expert.
And without further ado, let’s get straight to it.
Understanding the term ‘ride or die’ – what does it mean?
As mentioned earlier, the meaning of the term ‘ride or die’ has changed over the years. That said however, there does seem to be a consensus around it’s current meaning, which is ‘an extremely loyal person to the point where they’re prepared to put themselves in risky situations for someone.
Historical origins of the phrase ‘ride or die’
Historically, the term ‘ride or die’ dates back to the 1950s when it was frequently used by people in motorbike gangs to express how, if they couldn’t ride their bike, they would rather die. However, even though this version of the term is still in use today, the expression shortly evolved to its current meaning, which leads us nicely onto our next section.
The evolution of the phrase ‘ride or die’
Bonnie and Clyde
The more recent meaning of the term can be traced back to Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, better known as the infamous criminal duo, Bonnie and Clyde. The couple were known for their bank robberies and store robberies, and even multiple murders, including at least nine police officers and four civilians. Their crime spree came to a swift end when they were ambushed by police and shot dead in 1934.
Their exploits captured the attention of the American press and in 1967 a film was released about the duo, titled Bonnie and Clyde, starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway in the title roles. The film was a big success and it successfully revived interest in the criminals and glamorized them with a romantic aura.
Since then, the term ‘ride or die’ has been used to describe the relationship that Bonnie had with Clyde, an ‘us against the world’ vibe in which she not only accepted her life as a partner in crime, but also a willingness to do anything for her partner even if it means putting herself in danger.
Thelma and Louise
The phrase “ride or die” is a central theme in the 1991 movie Thelma & Louise, which is about two best friends who become accidental fugitives and embark on a high-speed road trip. Thelma and Louise are literally each other’s ride or die. They kiss and hold hands as Louise steps on the gas and they accelerate over the cliff to their certain deaths.
Popular usage of the phrase ‘ride or die’ in hip hop music
Usage of the phrase ‘ride or die’ began to soar in the later 1990s and onwards, when it was appropriated by hip hop music and culture. The first song to popularize the “Ride or Die” trope was released in 1997, “Ride or Die” by Baby Gangsta featuring Lil Wayne and Juvenile on his 3rd album, It’s All on U, Volume Two. Jay-Z and the Ruff Ryders then advanced the term into the mainstream in 1998 and 1999 respectively, with the songs “Ride or Die” on the album Volume Two Hard Knock Life and “Ryde or Die” on the album Ryde or Die Volume One.
By the 2000s the term had made it to mainstream hip hop, and when this article was written there were 24 songs listed on Wikipedia that use the phrase. There were also two films released with ‘ride or die’ in the title.
It’s around the 2000s that the phrase ‘ride or die chick’ came to be used for women who were loyal to a fault to their partners to the point that they’d willingly put themselves in danger.
Similar alternative phrases – a quick comparison
There are many alternative words and phrases to describe loyalty to someone. That said however, there are few alternative phrases that can pack the same punch as ‘ride or die’. Here follows some examples:
- Partner in crime
- Devoted companion
- Wingman
- BFF
- Tried and true
- Bestie
- Brother/Sister
- Loyal to a fault
Misconceptions about the phrase ‘ride or die’
Since the phrase ‘ride or die’ originated with the rise of motorbike gangs, it should come as no surprise that the term is still associated with motorbike gangs, as opposed to it’s more prevalent meaning, especially in hip hop culture, where it’s used to describe someone who is a ‘partner in crime’ who is so loyal that they’d be prepared to put themselves in danger for someone.
How to use the phrase ‘ride or die’ in conversation
‘Ride or die’ is a slang term, only to be used in casual, informal conversation as opposed to in formal, professional communication, even with a work bestie, or work wife.
You can describe people who would get in trouble for you as ‘ride or die’ companions. You might also describe a Goomar as a ‘ride or die chick’.
Final word
So, to summarise, the phrase ‘ride or die’, in addition to its use by motorbike gangs, is predominantly used to refer to someone who will stand by someone even if it means putting themselves in danger.
This meaning of the phrase first came into being with the release of the 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde which glamorised the couple and their criminal exploits, boosted by the ‘ride or die’ theme on the film 1991 Thelma and Louise. Since then the term became particularly prevalent in the hip hop scene.
