“187” is a slang term meaning murder or a reference to killing. It comes from Section 187 of the California Penal Code and is commonly encountered in crime reporting, movies, hip-hop lyrics, and online discussions. Because the term may sometimes be used as a genuine threat, its meaning always needs to be interpreted carefully.
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187 Meaning
What Does 187 Mean in Slang?
In slang, “187” means murder or refers to killing. The expression comes from Section 187 of the California Penal Code, which defines the crime of murder.
Over time, the number became widely recognized outside legal contexts. It now appears in music, movies, television, crime stories, social media posts, and conversations about popular culture.
For example:
“The lyric includes a reference to 187.”
In this sentence, “187” is being used as a reference to murder or serious violence.
The exact tone depends on the situation. In a song or movie, it may be part of fictional storytelling. In a direct message or confrontation, however, it could be interpreted as a threat and should not automatically be dismissed as a joke.
Is 187 a Police Code?
People sometimes call “187” a police code, but this description needs clarification.
The number comes specifically from Section 187 of the California Penal Code. Law enforcement officers, journalists, musicians, and members of the public may use the number as shorthand for murder in California-related contexts.
However, “187” is not a universal police radio code used with the same meaning in every state or country. Police codes and terminology can vary between departments and locations.
Therefore, the most accurate explanation is:
“187” is a California Penal Code reference that became slang for murder.
It should not be presented as a standard international police code.
How Do You Pronounce 187?
When used as slang, “187” is usually pronounced:
- “one-eight-seven”
- “one-eighty-seven”
It is less commonly pronounced “one hundred eighty-seven” when referring to its slang meaning.
For example:
“The song includes a one-eight-seven reference.”
Pronouncing each number separately makes it clear that the speaker is referring to the slang expression or legal code rather than simply the number 187.
Origin of 187
The expression originated with Section 187 of the California Penal Code, which defines murder under California law.
People familiar with the legal system began using the section number as shorthand for the offense. Its use then spread into street language, crime reporting, movies, television, and hip-hop culture.
Hip-hop music played an important role in making the term recognizable outside California. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, references to criminal codes and law-enforcement language became increasingly common in songs describing crime, policing, violence, and life in particular communities.
As these songs reached larger audiences, many listeners began recognizing “187” even if they had no direct connection to California law.
How 187 Is Used
Common Contexts
“187” can appear in several different situations. Its meaning and seriousness depend on the context.
The term is not normally used in polite or professional conversation unless someone is discussing its legal, linguistic, or cultural meaning.
187 in Music and Popular Culture
The number “187” became widely recognized through hip-hop music. Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg helped popularize the reference in the early 1990s through the song “Deep Cover.”
Other artists later used the number in lyrics involving crime, conflict, policing, or violent storytelling. These references helped introduce the expression to audiences who were unfamiliar with the California Penal Code.
However, a lyric containing “187” does not necessarily describe a real event. It may be:
- Part of a fictional story
- A reference to crime or violence
- A way to create a threatening tone
- Commentary on social conditions
- A reference to an earlier song or cultural expression
The number has also appeared in film. One Eight Seven, starring Samuel L. Jackson, uses the code as its title and explores violence within a difficult school environment.
In crime novels, films, and television programs, legal codes may be used to make dialogue sound realistic. Nevertheless, viewers should not assume that every police department uses “187” in exactly the same way.
Examples in Conversations
Examples in Text Messages and Social Media
Examples in text messages include:
- “I heard ‘187’ in that song. Do you know what it means?”
- “It comes from the California law covering murder.”
- “That movie used 187 as part of a crime investigation.”
- “I thought 187 was a universal police code, but it is actually based on California law.”
Examples in social media posts include:
- “Today I learned why 187 appears in so many hip-hop lyrics.”
- “The title One Eight Seven refers to California’s murder statute.”
- “Context matters when interpreting numbers used as slang.”
If “187” is sent directly to someone alongside violent or threatening language, it should not be treated as harmless slang. A person who believes there is an immediate danger should contact the appropriate local emergency service.
Common Mistakes About 187
Several misconceptions can make this expression confusing.
Mistake 1: Thinking 187 Means Any Serious Crime
“187” does not generally mean any crime or any type of violence. Its original and primary slang meaning is specifically connected to murder.
Mistake 2: Calling It a Universal Police Code
Although officers or reporters may use it as shorthand in some California contexts, it is not a standardized police radio code with the same meaning everywhere.
Mistake 3: Saying 187.1 Means Attempted Murder
“187.1” should not be presented as the attempted version of Section 187. In California legal shorthand, 664/187 may be used to refer to attempted murder because Section 664 addresses attempts and Section 187 addresses murder.
Here is a simple comparison:
| Number | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 187 | Murder under the California Penal Code |
| 664/187 | A common California legal reference to attempted murder |
| 211 | Robbery under the California Penal Code |
Unrelated slang numbers such as “420” do not need to be treated as variations of “187.”
Mistake 4: Assuming It Is Always Figurative
In music and film, “187” is often part of fictional or artistic storytelling. In other circumstances, however, it may refer to a real crime or function as a threat.
Always consider:
- Who used the term
- Who received the message
- What was said before and after it
- Whether the conversation involved violence or intimidation
Mistake 5: Using It in Everyday Conversation
“187” is not a casual substitute for words such as “angry,” “wild,” or “intense.” It has a serious association with murder and may sound threatening, offensive, or alarming when used carelessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 187 mean in slang?
In slang, “187” means murder or refers to killing. It comes from Section 187 of the California Penal Code.
What does 187 mean in police language?
In California-related law-enforcement contexts, “187” may be used as shorthand for murder. It is not a universal police code used identically by every department.
Does 187 mean attempted murder?
No. Section 187 refers to murder. Attempted murder may be represented in California legal shorthand as “664/187,” combining the law concerning criminal attempts with the murder statute.
Why is 187 used in music?
Artists may use “187” to create crime-related imagery, tell a story, describe conflict, or discuss experiences involving violence and policing. Hip-hop helped make the term widely recognizable.
Is 187 always a threat?
No. It may simply be a legal, musical, cinematic, or cultural reference. However, when it is directed at someone within a hostile or violent message, it could be interpreted as a threat.
Test Your Understanding
187 Meaning Quiz
5 quick questions · About 1 minute
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