Search
Select the dictionary language
to hold it down
01
(African American) used to tell someone to remain calm, quiet, or composed, often in response to excitement
Slang
What does "to hold it down" mean in African American slang?
It is used in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and hip hop culture to tell someone to remain calm, quiet, or composed, often in response to excitement, anger, or a tense situation. People typically say "Hold it down, don't start nothing" or "Just hold it down until I get back." The term originated in late 20th century AAVE and street culture, where "holding it down" also meant being reliable or protecting a territory, and this calming usage remains common in casual speech and rap lyrics.
Examples
I'll be back, hold it down while I'm gone.
