shife

English

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -aɪf

Adjective

shife (comparative more shife, superlative most shife)

1. (African-American Vernacular) Aggressive-looking, tough.
   • 1991, “Nasty Bitch”, performed by Bust Down:

     And he knew he was shife, he knew he was hype.

   • 1996, “One Day”, performed by UGK (Chad Butler and Bernard Freeman):

     Niggas be lookin' shife, so I look shife back.

   • 1998, “Betrayal”, in Moment of Truth, performed by Gang Starr:

     Why'd the game have to go and take the young boy's life / Only the wicked live shife, payin' the price

   • 2004, “Let Me Live”, performed by Trae (Frazier Thompson III):

     Let me live my life, y'all know y'all ain't right. / Niggas be so shife, can I do one thang.