01
der Plug
plug
In youth and drug subcultures, a colloquial term for a drug dealer or a source for drugs.
example
Er hat mir die Nummer von seinem Plug gegeben, falls ich was brauche.
He gave me his plug's number in case I need something.
der Plug
plug
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Origin of the word
'Plug' is a direct loanword from English. Depending on the context and social group, it has taken on different meanings in German.
EXAMPLE
Das Wort „Plug“ hört man immer öfter in der Jugendsprache.
You hear the word 'Plug' more and more often in youth slang.
Context clues
The meaning of 'Plug' becomes clear only through context. If it is about drugs, it means the dealer. If people are talking about body jewelry, it means the piercing. In a technical setting, it means a component.
EXAMPLE
Er fragte seinen Freund, ob er einen guten Plug kenne. (Drogendealer)
He asked his friend whether he knew a good plug. (drug dealer)
Register: youth slang
In the meaning 'Drogendealer' (drug dealer), 'Plug' is a word from current youth and colloquial language. In formal or everyday conversations outside this scene, it will not be understood.
EXAMPLE
In dem Rap-Song geht es um das Leben auf der Straße und den Kontakt zum Plug.
The rap song is about life on the streets and contact with the plug.
Context: body jewelry
As a term for piercing jewelry, 'Plug' is a technical term from the body modification scene. It is often mentioned together with a size in millimeters or the material (e.g., wood, acrylic, steel).
EXAMPLE
Mein Ziel ist es, meine Ohrlöcher so weit zu dehnen, dass ein 20-Millimeter-Plug hineinpasst.
My goal is to stretch my ear holes wide enough for a 20-millimeter plug to fit in.
Compare with
Plug vs Tunnel
tunnel
'der Tunnel' and 'der Plug' can both have to do with openings in technical or spatial contexts, but in use they mean almost the opposite. A 'Tunnel' is a long passage through which something or someone can pass. A 'Plug' is a part that closes an opening or creates a connection; in German, 'Stecker' or 'Stöpsel' is often more natural for this. The words are mainly easy to mix up if you are thinking of a hole or a tube. The key point is: the tunnel is the route, while the plug is the part for the opening.
Plug
Für das Gerät brauchen wir einen passenden Plug, sonst hält die Verbindung nicht.
We need a suitable plug for the device; otherwise the connection will not hold.
Tunnel
Die neue Straße führt durch einen Tunnel unter dem Fluss.
The new road leads through a tunnel under the river.
In real life
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