Straight edge

adj, noun, slang

adj, noun, slang ·Uncommon ·College level

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A lifestyle and subculture that advocates abstinence from alcohol, tobacco and the usage of recreational drugs. uncountable
  2. 2
    One who follows this lifestyle. countable
  3. 3
    Alternative form of straightedge (“tool to check straightness”). alt-of, alternative, countable
Adjective
  1. 1
    Living one's life opposing or eschewing the use of substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. informal

Synonyms

All synonyms
plain edge

Etymology

The subculture takes the name from the 1981 song Straight Edge by the hardcore punk band Minor Threat. Compare straight (“not using alcohol, drugs, etc.”) attested since the 1904.

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