straight edge

See also: straightedge

English

Etymology

The subculture takes the name from the 1981 song Straight Edge by the hardcore punk band Minor Threat.^[1]^[2] Compare straight (“not using alcohol, drugs, etc.”) attested since the 1904.^[3]

Noun

straight edge (countable and uncountable, plural straight edges)

(uncountable) A lifestyle and subculture that advocates abstinence from alcohol, tobacco and the usage of recreational drugs.
Synonym: sXe
(countable) One who follows this lifestyle.
(countable) Alternative spelling of straightedge (“tool to check straightness”).

Derived terms

Adjective

straight edge (comparative more straight edge, superlative most straight edge)

(informal) Living one's life opposing or eschewing the use of substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.

References

^ Ian MacKaye (lyrics and music) (1981) “Straight Edge”, performed by Minor Threat: “I don't even think about speed / That's something I just don't need / I've got the straight edge”
^ Ross Haenfler (2006) Straight Edge, Rutgers University Press, →ISBN, page 7
^ “straight, adj., adv., and n.”, in OED Online ⁠, Oxford, Oxfordshire: Oxford University Press, March 2024.