Addiction Drug Use Heroin Common Slang Terms for Heroin By Buddy T Buddy T Facebook Twitter Buddy T is an anonymous writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Learn about our editorial process Updated on March 24, 2020 Fact checked Verywell Mind content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Emily Swaim Fact checked by Emily Swaim LinkedIn Emily is a board-certified science editor who has worked with top digital publishing brands like Voices for Biodiversity, Study.com, GoodTherapy, Vox, and Verywell. Learn about our editorial process Print Diverse Images/UIG/Getty Images In the culture surrounding illegal drugs, there are thousands of slang terms, nicknames, and street names for every imaginable drug. Hundreds of those street terms are used for heroin, a highly addictive illegal drug. Slang terms for heroin are derived from a wide variety of sources, including the physical appearance and type of heroin; where it's from; the effect it has on users; and how it is packaged for sale. Some street names for heroin are simply designed to cover up the topic of conversation and throw eavesdroppers off track. Terms Based on Appearance Some of the slang terms are based on the drug's appearance after it is cut and packaged for sale on the street. Some terms are based on the color of the drug and others on its composition. Black PearlBlack SheepBlack TarBrown CrystalBrown RhineBrown SugarDieselDirtGolden GirlRed ChickenRed EagleSaltSpider BlueWhite JunkWhite NurseWhite Stuff Do You Know What Heroin Looks Like? Terms Based on Location of Origin A few of the slang terms are derived from the supposed origin of the drug. Chinese RedMexican HorseMexican Mud Terms Based on the Effects of Heroin Many of the nicknames given to heroin over the years have to do with the effect it has on the user or the quality or pureness of the drug at the street level. Dead on ArrivalHairyHard CandyHard OneHell DustJoy FlakesNice and Easy How Heroin Use Affects Your Health Terms Based on People and Characters Some of the most colorful street terms are the names of people or characters loosely associated with the drug or simply because their names start with the letter H. Sometimes, there seems to be no logic at all behind the nickname. Aunt HazelBeastBig HarryBoyCharlieDoojeyDragonGeorge SmackHarryHazelHelenHenryHerculesHombreMorenaOld SteveRamboWitch Terms Based on Packaging Some nicknames are based on how the drug is packaged by street-level dealers, either by the packaging's appearance or cost. Big BagBlue HeroBrick GumBurrito Terms Based on the Word "Heroin" Many of the slang terms are plays on the word "heroin" or are mispronunciations of the word. Others are used just because they begin with the letter H. Big HCapital HCharlie HorseGalloping HorseGood HHH CapsHeavyHelicopterHeroHorse Terms Used to Deceive Like street terms for other illegal drugs, many of the slang terms for heroin are used for no other reason except they disguise the true topic of the conversation to others who might overhear. Some of these terms seem to have no other logical explanation. A-bombAntifreezeBallotBasketballBombs AwayBonitaBozoButterFairy DustFlea PowderLifesaverNoiseReindeer DustScag (skag)SmackTootsie Roll If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. 5 Things Everyone Should Know About Heroin Addiction 1 Source Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. National Institute on Drug Abuse. What are the long-term effects of heroin use? Additional Reading Drug Enforcement Agency. Slang Terms and Code Words: A Reference for Law Enforcement Personnel. By Buddy T Buddy T is an anonymous writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit Get Treatment for Addiction Advertiser Disclosure × The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which Verywell Mind receives compensation.