Definition of gangsta

The word "gangsta" is a derivative of the term "gangster," which originated during the Prohibition era in the United States in the 1920s. Gangsters were criminals involved in organized crime syndicates that dealt in illicit activities such as bootlegging, prostitution, and gambling. The origin of the term "gangsta" can be traced back to the late 1980s and the emergence of gangsta rap – a subgenre of hip hop music that glorified gang violence, drug dealing, and criminal behavior. Rap artists like Ice-T, N.W.A., and Dr. Dre popularized the term "gangsta" to describe street-smart, rugged individuals who lived by their own rules and followed a code of honor within the criminal underworld. The etymology of the word "gangsta" is a combination of the words "gang" and "star," with "star" representing someone who is famous or notable in the criminal world. The concept of a "gangsta" as a pop culture icon or role model also emerged during this time, leading to the coining of the popular phrase "Gangsta's Paradise." Today, the word "gangsta" has also entered colloquial English, with people using it to describe anyone who exhibits the characteristics of a "gangsta" in everyday life, such as being confident, independent, and defiant. However, the use of the term still carries connotations of criminal activity and violence for many people.