From ‘Addies’ to ‘Zannies'
A guide to prescription pill slang and emojis on social media
In today’s digital world, social media platforms like Snapchat have become unexpected marketplaces for prescription drugs, often disguised under coded names and casual slang.
For teens and young adults, this coded language can make dangerous substances seem accessible and even ordinary, while leaving parents in the dark when they glance over at a text.
This guide breaks down some of the most common prescription pills and counterfeit prescription pills circulating on Snapchat, along with their street names, slang terms and emoji codes.
By understanding online terms, you’ll be better equipped to recognize potential risks and open up conversations about safe, informed choices.
Whether it’s painkillers like “Percs”, stimulants like “Addies”, or sedatives like "Zannies,” becoming aware of the slang terms is a crucial step in protecting young people from digital dangers. Emojis are another way drug dealers evade AI filters as well as adult oversight.
Here’s what you—and your children—need to know:
Painkillers are prescribed by doctors for pain and may include potent opiates. Some brand names and nicknames include:
OxyContin — also called Oxies or Hillbilly Heroin
Percocet — also called Percs or Blues. Also look for emojis: 💊🍌🅿️🔵
Roxicodone — also called Roxies or Blues
Vicodin — also called Vics or Hydro
Stimulants are prescribed by doctors for narcolepsy and attention disorders. Some brand names and nicknames include:
Adderall — also called Addies, Study Buddies or Beans. Also look for 💊 and A-🚊
Concerta — also called Kiddie Cocaine or Skittles
Ritalin — also called Rids, Vitamin R or Kiddie Cocaine
Vyvanse — also called Vykes, Vy or Vitamin V
Sedatives are prescribed by doctors for anxiety and sleep problems. Some brand names and nicknames include:
Ambien — also called Ambies, A-Minus or Zombie Pills
Ativan — also called As, Benzos or Downers
Valium — also called Vs, Vallies or Blues
Xanax — also called Xannies, Zannies or Z Bars. Also look for 💊 🍫 🚌
Some pills or collections of pills contain mixed ingredients or have unknown ingredients, so the emojis and nicknames are more general. Some nicknames include:
Pressies
Skittles
Trail mix
Beans
Uppers
Downers
Tabs
🍁 is a general emoji for drugs
💊 is a general emoji for pills
🚀💥💣 indicate highly potent drugs
This is not a complete list. The list above covers only some of the pill brand names, nicknames and emoji codes circulating on social media.
The purpose of nicknames and emoji codes is to create confusion and to evade the attention of parents and police. New nicknames and emojis emerge all the time, and may vary by region.
They can be an abbreviation of the pill’s brand name, or they may reflect the pill’s colour, shape, or effects. By becoming familiar with these common terms, you’ll become adept at identifying new variations of common slang terms.
The names may be complicated, but the moral of the story is simple: Never buy pills online.
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