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Jawn: The Philly Slang That Defines a Culture

In the latest episode of Complex's 'Goat Talk,' Rick Ross asks Meek Mill what the goated slang is from his Philadelphia hometown.

I’ma say jawn. Everybody always asks about jawn in Philly,” Meek responded

What is Jawn? The Philly Slang That Rick Ross and Meek Mill Love

If you are a fan of hip-hop, you might have heard the word jawn being used by some of your favorite rappers. But what does it mean and where does it come from? In this article, we will explore the origin and usage of this versatile slang term that has become a staple of Philadelphia culture.

Jawn is a noun that can refer to anything or anyone, depending on the context. It is often used as a substitute for a specific name or word that the speaker does not know or does not need to say. For example, you can use jawn to refer to a person, a place, a thing, an event, or a situation. Here are some examples of how jawn can be used in a sentence:

• "Who is that jawn over there?" (meaning: who is that person over there?)
• "Let's go to that jawn tonight." (meaning: let's go to that place or event tonight)
• "This jawn is fire." (meaning: this thing or song is amazing)
• "What's the name of that jawn?" (meaning: what's the name of that thing or movie?)
• "That jawn was crazy." (meaning: that situation or experience was wild)

Jawn is a word that is unique to Philadelphia and its surrounding areas. It is not used in other parts of the country or the world, and it is considered a marker of Philly identity and pride. Jawn is also a word that is constantly evolving and adapting to new contexts and meanings. It can be used as a singular or a plural noun, and it can be modified by adjectives or other words to create new expressions. For example, you can say "big jawn" to refer to something large, "baby jawn" to refer to something small or cute, or "Philly jawn" to refer to something that is characteristic of Philadelphia.

The origin of jawn is not clear, but linguists have traced it back to the word joint, which is an old word that dates back to the 1200s and originally meant the point where two bones meet. Joint later came to mean a disreputable place where criminals met, and then a general term for a place, especially a place where a party is happening. Joint was also adopted by hip-hop culture in the late 1970s and early 1980s and used to refer to anything, not just a place. Joint then spread from New York City to Philadelphia, where it was pronounced as jawn due to the local accent and dialect. Jawn then became a distinct word that was used exclusively by Philadelphians and gained popularity and recognition in the 1990s and 2000s.

Jawn is a word that reflects the diversity and creativity of Philadelphia and its people. It is a word that can express affection, admiration, surprise, or excitement. It is a word that can be used in casual or formal settings, among friends or strangers, and across different generations and backgrounds. It is a word that has been embraced by celebrities and artists who have roots in Philadelphia, such as Will Smith, Kevin Hart, Questlove, Meek Mill, and Rick Ross. Jawn is more than just a word; it is a way of life. As Meek Mill said in the latest episode of Complex's 'Goat Talk,' "I'ma say jawn. Everybody always asks about jawn in Philly."¹

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Conclusion: 

Jawn is a word that has a long and rich history, and it is a word that showcases the uniqueness and diversity of Philadelphia and its people. Jawn is a word that can be used to refer to anything or anyone, and it is a word that can convey various emotions and meanings. Jawn is a word that has been popularized by famous Philadelphians who have used it in their music, movies, and interviews. Jawn is more than just a word; it is a symbol of Philly pride and identity.

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