Pole

In street slang, a "pole" refers to a firearm, typically a handgun. The term is frequently used by rap artists in both their music and everyday language, with notable examples including Chief Keef, Trippie Redd, and 6ix9ine. When rappers mention "toting a pole," they are often referring to carrying a gun, usually as a display of power or as a threat.

Origin of pole

The exact origin of the term "pole" is unclear, but it gained widespread recognition in 2017 after rappers Trippie Redd and 6ix9ine popularized it in their song "POLES 1469" (e.g., "you know I tote a pole"). Following the song's release, the term quickly spread among other rappers and their fans. It often implies a sense of danger or readiness to defend oneself, with lyrics like "I got a pole to mess you up" or "don't make me pull out my pole" becoming common in the genre.