to bust off
Pronunciation
/bˈʌst ˈɔf/

Definition & Meaning of "bust off"in English

to bust off
01

(African American) to start shooting, often suddenly or aggressively

Slang
Grammatical Information
Composition
Simple
Action verb
Regular
Separable
Particle
off
Base verb
bust
Present tense
bust off
3rd person singular
busts off
Present participle
busting off
Past simple
busted off
Past participle
busted off

What does "bust off" mean in African American slang?

It is used in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and hip hop culture, particularly in gangsta rap and street slang, to describe starting to shoot a gun, often suddenly or aggressively, typically at a rival or enemy. People typically say "He bust off at the opps" or "They bust off as soon as they saw the police." The term originated in late 20th century urban AAVE, especially in East Coast and Southern hip hop scenes, and remains common in street narratives, drill music, and crime related slang.

Examples
He bust off in the middle of the street.
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