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to ride for
01
(African American) to support, protect, or have someone's back wholeheartedly
Slang
Grammatical Information
Composition
Simple
Action verb
Regular
Inseparable
Particle
for
Base verb
ride
Present tense
ride for
3rd person singular
rides for
Present participle
riding for
Past simple
rode for
Past participle
ridden for
What does "to ride for" mean in African American slang?
It is used in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and hip hop culture to mean supporting, protecting, or having someone's back wholeheartedly, even in difficult or dangerous situations. People typically say "She rides for her family no matter what" or "I need someone who will ride for me." The term originated in late 20th century AAVE and hip hop, particularly in street and gang culture, where loyalty is paramount, and remains common in rap lyrics and casual conversation about trust and allegiance.
Examples
I 'll always ride for my friends.
