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Additionally, the Various Meanings of 'Fade' in Modern Slang
You’ve probably come across the phrase ‘catch a fade’ on social media or heard it tossed around in conversation. But what does it actually mean? In slang, ‘catch a fade’ refers to getting beaten or knocked out, often used to provoke someone or challenge them to a fight. Want to dive deeper into the phrase? Keep reading! We'll explore its usage, origins, other interpretations of ‘fade,’ and related slang expressions.
What Does 'Catch a Fade' Really Mean?
The term ‘catch a fade’ is slang for getting physically hurt or knocked unconscious. It’s typically used as a challenge or warning before a fight, similar to expressions like ‘catch hands,’ ‘throw hands,’ or ‘square up.’
Steps
What 'Catch a Fade' Means
‘Catch a fade’ refers to getting knocked out or physically beaten. When someone tells another person they’re about to ‘catch a fade,’ they’re signaling anger and readiness to fight. This phrase is often used in a confrontational tone to escalate a disagreement, warning the other person that they’ll be attacked if they keep provoking or insulting.
- ‘You wanna catch a fade? Keep disrespecting my girlfriend and see what happens.’
- ‘Maya’s about to catch a fade if she keeps spreading lies about me. I’m ready to fight her.’
- ‘You wanna act tough? Say it to my face, or catch my fade, bro.’
- Other common variations include: ‘catch the fade,’ ‘catch this fade,’ and ‘catch my fade.’
- ‘Run a fade’ is another expression with the same meaning, which also refers to fighting or knocking someone out. You might also hear ‘run the fade,’ ‘run my fade,’ or ‘run this fade.’
How to Use 'Catch a Fade'
Use ‘catch a fade’ to warn someone you’re losing patience. If someone is insulting you, disrespecting someone close to you, or generally annoying you, telling them to ‘catch a fade’ sends a clear message: you’re ready to fight them to settle things.
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Them: ‘You don’t deserve Amira. You’re a joke.’
You: ‘You wanna catch a fade? Keep talking and we’ll see what happens when I start swinging.’ -
Them: ‘I didn’t take your headphones.’
You: ‘I can see them in your backpack. If you don’t give them back, you’re about to catch a fade.’
The Origins of 'Catch a Fade'
‘Catch a fade’ originates from African American Vernacular English (AAVE). The phrase is believed to have emerged from southern California in the 1990s and early 2000s, gaining popularity within the Black community. It likely derives from an earlier use of the word ‘fade,’ which meant to defeat or punish someone.
- For instance, the term ‘catch a fade’ gained further attention through hip-hop and rap, with artists like E-40 featuring it in his track Catch a Fade alongside Kendrick Lamar and Droop-E.
What does it mean to ‘get a fade?’
‘Get a fade’ refers to a specific haircut style. A fade haircut involves trimming the sides and back of the hair so that they gradually shorten, blending smoothly into the skin. The top portion of the hair remains longer.
- It's rare for someone to use ‘get a fade’ in the context of fighting. However, if you're unsure whether the term refers to a fight or a haircut, pay attention to the situation and read their body language.
- If you're curious about a fade haircut, there are various styles, such as the ‘low fade’ which starts near the ear, or the ‘high fade’ that begins higher up, offering a more bold, dramatic look.
What does ‘fade’ mean in slang?
‘Fade’ can refer to fighting, defeating someone, or being intoxicated. The word ‘fade’ has several meanings in slang, which can change based on context. Below are some of its most popular interpretations:
- To fight or hurt someone (as in ‘catch a fade’).
- “This guy is about to catch my fade if he doesn’t stop dissing me.”
- To defeat or kill someone, which comes from the literal meaning of ‘fade,’ meaning to fade away or disappear.
- “They tried to fade me, but I’m undefeatable.”
- To be intoxicated, either from alcohol or marijuana.
- “I got way too faded at the party last night. Brianna kept pouring me shots and I kept taking them.”
- To ignore someone.
- “Are you trying to fade me? You never ask me to hang out anymore.”
- To be capable of doing something or to handle a situation.
- “Oh, the concert’s only $15? I can fade that.”
Related Expressions
Catch hands or throw hands Both of these expressions, ‘catch hands’ and ‘throw hands,’ refer to initiating a fight and physically confronting someone. Much like ‘catch a fade,’ these phrases are used to let someone know you're prepared to fight if they continue to disrespect or provoke you.
- ‘You’re about to catch these hands if you don’t stop running your mouth about my brother.’
- ‘Oh, you wanna throw hands? Keep talking and you’ll see what happens.’
Square up The phrase ‘square up’ means to get into a fighting stance, preparing to face off with someone. It’s rooted in boxing, where fighters square up to each other before a bout.
- ‘I heard the things you’ve been saying about me. You better be ready to square up.’
- ‘Watch what you say unless you want to square up.’
FAFO FAFO stands for ‘f**k around and find out.’ This acronym is used in texts and on social media as a warning to someone who is pushing your limits. It’s essentially telling them that if they continue to mess with you, there will be consequences.
- ‘Oh, she’s mad that I hurt her feelings? She’s been talking trash about me for months. FAFO.’
- ‘If you make her cry, you’re gonna FAFO. I don’t play when it comes to my friends.’
Knock out To ‘knock someone out’ means to deliver such a powerful blow that the person loses consciousness. Much like ‘catch a fade,’ you might threaten to ‘knock out’ someone if they are provoking you.
- ‘What did you just say to me? I’m gonna knock you out.’
- ‘I’m ready to knock him out. I can’t believe he thought he could steal from me.’
Knuck if you buck ‘Knuck if you buck’ is a slang term used to indicate that you’re prepared to fight. It originates from the phrase ‘knuckle up if you buck wild’ and became widely known through the 2004 hit song Knuck If You Buck by Crime Mob.
- ‘Okay, you’re upset with me? Knuck if you buck. I’m ready to fight if you are.’
- ‘Got something to say about my boyfriend? Knuck if you buck.’
