You may have seen the number “187” in movies, rap lyrics, or online slang. It sounds simple, but it actually carries a very serious meaning.
So what does “187” mean, and why is it used in pop culture? Let’s break it down in a clear and easy way.
187 Meaning – Created by Englishstudyonline
187 Meaning
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What Does 187 Mean?
In simple terms, “187” is a slang expression that comes from Section 187 of the California Penal Code, which defines the crime of murder.
Over time, the number has been picked up in music, movies, and pop culture, where it is used symbolically rather than literally.
It is usually pronounced “one-eight-seven” or “one-eighty-seven”, not “one hundred eighty-seven.”
Note: Although the term appears frequently in entertainment, it refers to a serious topic and should be understood as part of cultural or artistic expression—not something to encourage in real life.
How “187” Is Used in Slang
In slang, “187” is often used to refer to serious violence in a symbolic or storytelling way. You’ll mostly see it in:
- Hip-hop lyrics
- Crime-related movies or TV shows
- Discussions about urban culture or media
In many cases, it’s used to reflect themes or narratives rather than real-life intent.
Examples of “187” in Use
Conversation
- Person A: “Did you hear about the news last night?”
- Person B: “Yeah, they said it was a 187. Pretty serious situation.”
- Person A: “Why is everyone talking about that song?”
- Person B: “It references a 187, but more as storytelling than anything else.”
Texting
- “That movie had a lot of crime scenes—one part mentioned a 187.”
- “Some rap lyrics use 187 to describe intense situations.”
- “I heard that term ‘187’ before, mostly in songs.”
Social Media
- “Pop culture uses numbers like 187 to represent serious themes.”
- “It’s interesting how ‘187’ became so widely known through music.”
Related Terms
Here are some related terms and codes you might come across in similar contexts:
- 211 – Robbery (California Penal Code)
- 187.1 – Attempted version of the same crime code
- 213 – A legal code related to serious offenses
- 420 – A well-known slang term in pop culture (different context)
These numbers are often used in legal, media, or cultural references, not in everyday polite conversation.
187 in Popular Media
Music and Lyrics
The number “187” became widely recognized through hip-hop music. Artists like Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg helped popularize it in the early 1990s, especially in songs like “Deep Cover.”
Later, artists such as Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. also referenced it in their lyrics, often using it to reflect social issues or storytelling themes.
Film and Television
In movies and TV shows, “187” is often used as a shorthand to represent serious crime cases. For example, the film “One Eight Seven”, starring Samuel L. Jackson, focuses on life in a challenging school environment.
Shows like The Wire and Law & Order use similar codes to add realism and quickly communicate the seriousness of a situation.
Literature
In books, especially crime or detective stories, “187” helps set the tone and establish high stakes. It adds realism and reflects the kind of language used in law enforcement or media narratives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “187” mean in slang?
It is a slang term based on a legal code, often used in music or media to represent serious violence symbolically.
What does “187” mean in police code?
In California law, “187” refers to the crime of murder.
Why is “187” used in music?
Artists use it as part of storytelling or to reflect real-life themes and experiences.
Is “187” used in everyday conversation?
Not usually. It’s mostly found in entertainment, slang, or cultural references.
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