Teen Slang · Safety to watch

What does “Trip” mean?

A drug-induced experience. 'Bad trip.' Also: a journey.

Where “Trip” comes from

Drug culture vocabulary.

Why teens actually say it

Context decides whether it's literal travel or a psychedelic experience.

What it means for you as a parent

Note context. 'Trip on shrooms' is literal; 'trip to grandma's' is not.

How it’s used

  • “He had a bad trip and couldn’t calm down.” Describing a frightening drug experience; a real safety concern.
  • “That road trip was unreal, best weekend ever.” Just means a fun journey here. Happy and harmless.

← Browse the full A–Z teen slang glossary (500+ terms)

Contact us Have a question? Need help? Send us a note — we read every message.