5 Shocking Meanings Of "Slime You Out": Decoding Drake And SZA's Toxic Slang Anthem

The phrase "Slime You Out" exploded into the mainstream consciousness with the September 2023 release of Drake and SZA's collaborative single, immediately becoming one of the most talked-about pieces of urban slang in recent memory. As of late 2025, the term remains a defining piece of modern hip-hop vernacular, carrying a particularly cold and calculated meaning that goes far beyond a simple breakup. At its core, "sliming someone out" is the ultimate act of emotional detachment and betrayal: it means to use a person, typically for sexual gratification or personal benefit, and then discard them without any remorse or emotional entanglement. The song, which served as the lead single for Drake’s album *For All The Dogs*, is a slow, R&B-infused track that acts as a call-and-response narrative between two toxic ex-lovers, with both artists taking turns airing their grievances while simultaneously admitting to their own manipulative tendencies. The phrase itself is a stark, blunt summary of a transactional relationship, where one party is intentionally used and then left feeling like they were smeared or covered in metaphorical "slime."

The Definitive Meaning of "Slime You Out": A Slang Breakdown

The modern definition of "Slime You Out" is a negative evolution of the term "slime" within hip-hop and street culture. While the word "slime" itself is often used as a term of endearment, "sliming someone out" flips the script, transforming the friendly term into an action of cold-hearted manipulation.

1. Transactional Use and Discarding

The primary and most widely accepted meaning, especially in the context of the Drake and SZA track, is to use someone for sexual pleasure and then quickly move on, ensuring there are no emotional ties or future commitments. It is a calculated, purely physical exchange where the user leaves the other person feeling cheapened or "slimed." This concept of emotional exploitation is central to the song’s theme.

2. Betrayal and Manipulation

More broadly, "sliming someone out" can mean to do someone dirty, betray them, or manipulate them for personal gain. This definition is rooted in older urban slang, where "slime" can imply being deceitful or misleading. It’s about being fundamentally untrustworthy, not just in a romantic sense, but in a way that suggests a complete disregard for the other person’s well-being.

3. The Hip-Hop Origin of 'Slime'

To fully grasp the phrase, one must understand the positive origin of the root word. The term "Slime," or "Slatt" (Slime Love All The Time), is a popular term of endearment in Atlanta's hip-hop scene, heavily popularized by artists like Young Thug and his YSL (Young Stoner Life) collective. In this context, "slime" is equivalent to "friend," "homie," or "ally." One co-founder of YSL even claimed in court that 'SLIME' stands for "Slug Love I Me Everything." The transition from this positive, close-knit term to the negative, exploitative "slime you out" highlights a dark twist in relationship dynamics—it’s the betrayal of someone you were once close to.

Drake and SZA's Lyrical Call-and-Response: The Song's Narrative

The 2023 single "Slime You Out" is a rare and highly anticipated collaboration, marking the first time Drake and SZA officially worked together, despite their careers often running parallel. The song is structured as a conversation between two people who are equally flawed and self-aware of their toxicity. Drake kicks off the track by pointing the finger at his ex-lover, accusing her of being too focused on materialistic things and using him. He sets the stage for the "sliming out" concept, suggesting that he is now preparing to be just as cold and detached as his partner was. His verse is a classic "dark side of Drake" moment, where he embraces the villain role while simultaneously playing the victim. SZA's verse, which appears in the third section of the song, is a powerful rebuttal and a confession. She calls out her ex for being shady and failing to measure up, but she also addresses the central term head-on. She sings about having too much pride to let a man "slime her out," indicating a clear understanding of the transactional nature of the relationship and a refusal to be the one who is used and tossed aside. The entire track is a cynical examination of modern dating, where both parties are engaging in bad behavior and attempting to "slime" the other out first.

The Controversies: Halle Berry and Lyrical Backlash

Beyond the explicit meaning of the slang, the release of "Slime You Out" was instantly mired in controversy, which only amplified its cultural footprint and led to mixed critical reception.

The Halle Berry Cover Art Scandal

The most significant controversy revolved around the single's cover art, which featured an unauthorized, grainy image of actress Halle Berry being covered in green slime at the 2012 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards. Berry publicly criticized Drake on social media, making it clear that she had refused permission for the use of the photo. This move by Drake—using a prominent celebrity's image without consent—was widely seen as a calculated, attention-grabbing stunt that mirrored the song’s theme of using someone without their permission. The scandal forced Drake's team to eventually remove the image from the single's official artwork on streaming platforms.

The "American Slaves" Lyric Backlash

The song also drew backlash for a specific lyric in Drake's verse that many found insensitive and offensive. The line, which referenced a toxic relationship dynamic, used the phrase "whipped and chained you like American slaves." This line immediately sparked a debate among fans and critics, who argued that referencing the brutality of slavery in the context of a personal relationship grievance was inappropriate and tone-deaf. The controversy contributed to the mixed reviews the song received, with critics like Charlamagne Tha God offering sharp critiques that Drake later responded to.

How to Identify if You're Being "Slimed Out"

The popularity of the term "Slime You Out" has made it a cautionary phrase in modern dating culture. Knowing the signs can help you avoid being on the receiving end of a purely transactional relationship:

• Zero Emotional Investment: The person avoids deep conversations, refuses to meet your friends or family, and only communicates when they want something physical.
• Inconsistent Communication: They exhibit "breadcrumbing" behavior, disappearing for days or weeks and then reappearing with minimal explanation, only to repeat the cycle.
• Self-Serving Behavior: All interactions seem to revolve around their needs, schedule, or desires. They take but rarely give back, whether it's emotional support or time.
• Lack of Remorse: If confronted about their behavior, they show no genuine regret, offering shallow apologies or deflecting blame, proving their emotional detachment.
• The "Ghosting" Precursor: The person stops responding or simply disappears after achieving their objective (the "out" part of "slime you out").

In summary, "Slime You Out" is a powerful, if toxic, piece of modern urban slang that perfectly encapsulates the cold, transactional nature of certain contemporary relationships. While the root word "slime" is a term of loyalty in the YSL world of Young Thug and Gunna, the full phrase, popularized by Drake and SZA, is a warning sign. It is a cultural commentary on emotional exploitation, a theme that resonated deeply enough to propel the single to chart success despite its surrounding controversies.