Ride or Die

Ride or die is a slang expression for people who are faithful, loyal and trustworthy in relationships, meaning they would either ride with one or die for one.

The phrase is a reference to a “Bonnie and Clyde” type of relationship, where partners stay and work together against all odds.

“Ride or die” initially had a different meaning, as it comes from 1950’s biker slang.

The phrase originally reflected on the fact, that if a biker couldn’t ride, he’d rather die.

Over the years, however, the meaning of the expression shifted to the present day sense of “ride and die”.

The term was further popularized in the 90’s and 2000’s, when hip hop artists like Ice Cube, Jay Z, or The Lox turned to the “ride and die” trope of Bonnie and Clyde.

One of the earlier songs that spread the concept was Ride or Die from Baby Gangsta, Juvenile, and Lil Wayne, released in 1997.

“Ride or die” was first defined on Urban Dictionary in 2003.

• Onelove.org – Why Ride or Die Culture Promotes Unhealthy Relationships