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
der Plug
plug
A type of jewelry inserted into stretched piercings, especially in the earlobes, to keep them open.
EXAMPLE
Sie trägt einen schwarzen Plug mit 12 Millimetern Durchmesser im Ohr.
She wears a black plug with a diameter of 12 millimeters in her ear.
der Plug
plug
A technical component used to close an opening or create a connection; a stopper or plug. This use is rarer in German than the term 'Stecker' (plug).
EXAMPLE
Für die Wartung muss der Techniker den Service-Plug in die dafür vorgesehene Buchse einsetzen.
For maintenance, the technician has to insert the service plug into the socket provided for it.
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
For jewelry worn in a stretched earlobe, Tunnel refers to a hollow piece of jewelry that you can see through. A Plug is also inserted into a stretched earlobe, but it is closed or solid. The key distinction is whether the center is open or closed.
Plug
Sie trägt einen geschlossenen Plug in ihrem geweiteten Ohrläppchen.
She is wearing a closed plug in her stretched earlobe.
Tunnel
Sie trägt einen hohlen Tunnel, durch den man hindurchsehen kann.
She is wearing a hollow tunnel that you can see through.
In real life
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