The Dual Meaning Of 'Blue Strips': From $100 Bill Slang To A Life-Saving Tool

The phrase "blue strips" has rocketed into the modern lexicon, but its meaning is surprisingly two-fold, encompassing both a viral pop-culture slang term for wealth and a critical public health term in the context of drug safety. As of December 2025, understanding which context is being discussed is vital, as the term can refer to a symbol of financial power or a literal tool used in harm reduction efforts to prevent accidental overdose.

This deep dive will explore the fascinating evolution of the term, breaking down how a simple visual feature on a piece of currency became a lyrical obsession, and why the same two words now represent a crucial, life-saving measure in the ongoing public health crisis.

The Primary Slang Meaning: Blue Strips and the $100 Bill

The most common and widely recognized meaning of "blue strips" in contemporary slang, particularly within hip-hop and pop music, is a reference to the United States one-hundred-dollar bill.

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This specific term is derived from a distinct security feature on the newer design of the $100 note.

The Blue Security Ribbon: A Symbol of Wealth and Power

The modern $100 bill, often called a "Ben Franklin" or "Benji," features a prominent, woven blue 3-D security ribbon running vertically down the center of the paper.

• Visual Feature: This ribbon is not printed, but woven into the paper, making it difficult to counterfeit.
• Slang Origin: The visual prominence of this blue strip led to its adoption as a quick, catchy stand-in for the $100 bill itself.
• Metaphor for Wealth: Using "blue strips" in lyrics or conversation is a direct way to refer to large sums of money, financial empowerment, and success.

The term gained significant traction through music, notably with artists like Jessie Murph, whose song "Blue Strips" uses the phrase as a central metaphor.

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In her context, the "blue strips" symbolize the money and power she gains following a betrayal, turning the financial slang into an anthem of revenge and self-empowerment.

This usage firmly establishes "blue strips" as a pop-culture entity synonymous with high-value currency and financial independence.

A Critical Context: Blue Strips as Fentanyl Test Strips (FTS)

While the financial meaning is pervasive in entertainment, a far more critical and life-altering definition of "blue strips" exists in the realm of public health and harm reduction: the Fentanyl Test Strip (FTS).

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In this context, the "blue strip" is a small, easy-to-use paper strip designed to detect the presence of fentanyl or fentanyl analogs in illicit drug supplies.

The Life-Saving Technology of FTS

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine and is frequently mixed into other street drugs without the user's knowledge.

The accidental ingestion of fentanyl is a leading cause of the overdose crisis, making FTS an essential harm reduction tool.

• Function: Users can dissolve a small sample of their drug (such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, or counterfeit pills) in water and then dip the FTS into the solution.
• Appearance: The strips often have a dark blue end or wavy blue lines that indicate where to hold or dip the strip, leading to the colloquial term "blue strips."
• Result Interpretation: The strip displays lines (similar to a pregnancy test) to indicate whether fentanyl is present (a single line) or not detected (two lines).
• Public Health Initiative: Organizations like the CDC and various local health departments actively promote the use of FTS to provide people who use drugs with crucial information about the safety of their supply.

The entity of "blue strips" as Fentanyl Test Strips represents a proactive, non-judgmental approach to save lives by informing users of the deadly risks lurking in the illicit drug market.

Related Drug Slang and Misconceptions

The critical context of Fentanyl Test Strips sometimes intersects with other drug-related slang that uses the color blue, which can lead to confusion when the phrase "blue strips" is used.

"The Blues" and Counterfeit Pills

Another prevalent term in drug culture is "the blues," which is a common street name for counterfeit prescription pills that contain fentanyl.

These pills are often pressed to look like legitimate pharmaceutical opioids, such as oxycodone (often stamped "M30"), but are in fact deadly fentanyl.

• Blue Fentanyl Pills: These illicitly manufactured pills are often blue to mimic genuine prescription drugs, which is why they are called "the blues."
• Distinction from FTS: It is important to distinguish between "blue strips" (the test kits) and "the blues" (the actual fentanyl pills).

Other, less common slang terms related to drugs and the color blue include "Blue Magic" or "Blue Meanies," referring to specific types of heroin or LSD, respectively, but these are generally less current than the Fentanyl-related entities.

The sheer number of slang terms and code words in drug culture emphasizes the need for clear communication, especially for law enforcement and public health officials who must navigate this complex language.

Conclusion: Navigating the Context of 'Blue Strips'

The term "blue strips" is a perfect example of how language evolves rapidly in the digital age, taking on entirely separate and equally powerful meanings depending on the context. Whether you encounter it in a chart-topping song or a public health advisory, the phrase demands attention.

In pop culture, the term is a straightforward, aspirational shorthand for the blue security ribbon on a $100 bill, symbolizing money, power, and success. In the public health sector, it refers to the Fentanyl Test Strip (FTS), a small, blue-tipped device that serves as a vital tool in the urgent battle against opioid overdose.

To ensure accurate understanding, always consider the surrounding conversation: is the topic wealth, music, and success, or is it illicit substances, safety, and harm reduction? Knowing the difference is key to interpreting this modern, multifaceted term.