Spin the Block – Meaning, Origin & Usage
Ever overheard someone debate whether or not to ‘spin the block’ and felt completely clueless as to what they may have meant? This article is going to explain it all.
We’ll kick things off with explaining what this relatively new slang means, before doing a brief deep dive into the origin of the term. We will also cover how the phrase grew in popularity, and how it, and similar phrases are used today. By the end, you’re sure to feel like an expert.
And without further ado, let’s get down to it.
What does “spin the block” mean?
OK, we’ll level with you. The phrase “spin the block” can have several meanings. We’ll tell you them all, but for the purpose of this article, we’ll be concentrating on one interpretation in particular.
Here’s the full list:
- Walk around the block
- Drive around the block
- Go around the block
- Move location
- Double back
- Double backing
- Double tap
- Return to the place you’ve just been to
- Coming around again
- Coming around again to target (or shoot) someone
- Getting back together with a previous romantic interest
The last one mentioned is one of the more common interpretations in English slang, and is the one we will focus on here.
Origins of the phrase “spin the block” (slang)
In its most literal sense, the phrase “spin the block” refers to moving around a block of buildings, either in or with a vehicle, or on foot
Later the phrase came to be used metaphorically, to refer to coming back to somewhere where they have already been. This was then expanded upon in the rap scene in the late 2010’s to refer to coming back around to target someone, or coming back around to shoot someone. By 2023 there were at least 4 songs released titled “Spin the block”.
However, it wasn’t until the arrival of TikTok that the more common meaning, of referring to giving an ex a second chance, came to the fore. By the end of 2023, people started using the phrase “spin the block” on social media to refer to getting back with an ex, or hooking up with an ex again.
Popularity of the phrase in modern day
While the phrase has grown in use on the rap scene for sure, the popularity hasn’t been quite as viral in terms of its more common meaning, referring to getting back together with an ex-partner or love interest, or at least trying to get back together with them after a falling out.
How the phrase “spin the block” is used today, with examples
Here are some example conversations featuring the phrase in use.
Person 1: Dave seems to want to spin the block. What should I say to him?
Person 2: Don’t even think about it. That guy’s bad news. He’ll only do it to you all over again.
Person 1: Shirley’s looking super hot tonight. Maybe I should spin the block. Would love to hit that again.
Person 2: Damn, I was actually thinking of asking her out myself! I guess it’s cool, but you may have to grovel before she’ll get in the sack with you again.
Person 1: I’m bored. Maybe I’ll go spin the block with Debbie, give me something to do.
Person 2: You’re crazy. You should just get on the dating apps and find someone better.
Person 1: Would you ever spin the block with Craig?
Person 2: I don’t think so since I landed a hot date with my Charlie boy. I mean, just look at his photo – abs for days!
To spin the block or not to spin the block
If you ever find yourself considering spinning the block with an ex, think carefully. Questions to ask yourself include:
- Is it love?
- Is it toxic?
- Do you bring out the worst or best in each other?
- Is an apology due?
- Has an apology been made?
- Do you need space?
- Were they controlling?
- Why did you break up?
- Will they ever change for the better?
Different variations of the phrase “spin the block” explained
The phrase “spin the block” has a few different, but simple variations. For example, there’s “spinning the block” which means actively getting back or trying to get back with an ex.Then there’s simply “spinning” which means the same thing.
Similar phrases in slang and what they mean
Truth be told, the phrase “spin the block” is not the most well known phrase with the word “block” in it, not by a long shot. For instance, there’s “been around the block” which generally refers either to someone who is older, or someone with lot’s of real-life experience who has become worldly-wise.
A similar, lesser-used phrase would be “just around a block” which simply refers to the location of something, which is elsewhere on the same block. This phrase is generally only used when giving directions to somewhere.
Interestingly, there’s also a slang phrase in English, which is kind of saying the opposite of “spin the block” or “spinning the block”. Whereas “spinning the block” refers to trying to get back with an ex-partner or love interest, or thinking of giving them a second chance, there’s also the phrase “standing on business”. The phrase “standing on business” is used when instead of considering getting back with an ex, someone has decided to stand firm and stand their ground by not rushing to get back with them.
Final word
So, to summarise, the slang phrase “spin the block” can have several meanings, but this article has focused on the phrase referring to giving an ex-partner a second chance. The phrase was popularised through the app TikTok around 2023.
If you find yourself considering spinning the block with an ex, think carefully. Because you broke up for a reason. You might be better off standing on business, or the two of you might be better off together, or single, or with other people. There’s no need to rush into anything.
