808

English

Etymology

After the 808 area code.

Proper noun

the 808

1. (informal) The state of Hawaii.

Noun

808 (plural 808s)

1. (informal) A Roland TR-808 drum machine.
2. (informal) A synthesized drum or bass sound that emulates the sound of a Roland TR-808.
   1. (music, chiefly hip-hop) A bassline or sub-bassline, or the sound used for such.
      • 2021, Caleb Azumah Nelson, Open Water, Viking, page 129:

        He too is filling the pocket, darting in the space between the 808 and the glittering melody, closing the distance with his short lines and ad libs.

   2. (TikTok slang, humorous) A crashout.