SLABSwangasCandy paintChopped and screwed
01 / HOUSTON
SLAB
A customized car associated with Houston's car culture, often a large American sedan.
“The SLAB arrived with a paint job nobody could miss.”Original example for this guide.
Wilkins describes a creative tradition rooted in Houston's Black neighborhoods, where the cars express personal and community identity.
Reference: Langston Collin Wilkins, PhD, University of Houston Libraries: SLAB history ↗
02 / HOUSTON
Swangas
Distinctive rims central to Houston SLAB car culture.
“Everyone stopped to check out the swangas at the car show.”Original example for this guide.
The University of Houston exhibit traces their place in the tradition to rims on particular Cadillac models.
Reference: Langston Collin Wilkins, PhD, University of Houston Libraries: SLAB history ↗
03 / HOUSTON
Candy paint
A glossy, layered car finish with a wet-looking shine.
“The sunlight brought out every shade in that candy paint.”Original example for this guide.
In SLAB culture, the finish can express community identity as well as individual style.
Reference: Langston Collin Wilkins, PhD, University of Houston Libraries: SLAB history ↗
04 / HOUSTON
Chopped and screwed
A Houston hip-hop production style associated with DJ Screw, using slowed music and repeated or cut-up passages.
“The chopped-and-screwed mix gave that familiar song a different pace.”Original example for this guide.
UH Libraries identifies DJ Screw as the originator and preserves material documenting his work. This is a musical technique, not just a synonym for any slow song.
Reference: University of Houston Libraries: DJ Screw and the Rise of Houston Hip Hop ↗
JANK slang guide · References checked October 16, 2026. Meanings vary by speaker and context.