The fifth and final season of Top Boy dropped on Netflix on Thursday, September 7, 2023, bringing the gritty crime drama to a close. The series, executive produced by Canadian rapper Drake, follows drug kingpins Dushane and Sully in their last showdown at the fictional Summerhouse Estate in Hackney, east London. With street talk and British colloquialisms prevalent throughout, many viewers may find themselves baffled by the lingo. Here is a guide to some of the key terms used in the show.
You get me: A regular phrase akin to 'do you understand me?' or 'you know what I mean,' used to confirm acknowledgment. Example: 'I'm only at this party because the birthday girl is my cousin, you get me.'
Bruv: Short for 'brother,' but can refer to a friend or extended family member, not just a blood relative. Example: 'Bruv, what are you doing tonight? I'll come meet you later.'
Cuz: A simplified way of saying 'cousin,' often used for extended family or friends. Example: 'Alright, cuz, let's go.'
Wasteman: A derogatory term for a worthless person with nothing positive in their life. Example: 'Danny has no job, he's living rent free with his girlfriend and owes me money. What a wasteman.'
What you sayin': A greeting similar to 'how are you?' or 'what's up,' asking for news. Example: 'What you sayin', Marcus. I ain't seen you since last year, man.'
Yard: From Jamaican Patois, meaning home or residence. Example: 'I'm not going. The walk from my yard to the post office is long!'
P's: Slang for money or cash. Example: 'I need to get my p's up.'
Zoot: A rolled marijuana cigarette, also called a spliff or joint. Example: 'Do you want to come outside and smoke a zoot with me?'
Likkle: Meaning small or little. Example: 'Wow, I remember Lisa when she was just a likkle girl.'
Bare lies: A phrase used in London to affirm that something is 100% true, like 'the whole truth.' Example: 'That's bare lies, I saw it with my own eyes.'
