What does dexy mean?
Dexy is a British slang term, pluralised as dexies, for a tablet of Dexedrine — the brand name of dexamphetamine, an amphetamine-based stimulant. The word flourished in the 1960s, when it became closely associated with mod subculture and the all-night dance scenes where young people used amphetamines to stay awake and energetic. It is strongly informal, dated, and colloquial: a modern speaker might use it only ironically or in reference to that era, and it would be out of place in formal writing. Beyond its literal sense, the word has a lasting cultural footprint thanks to Dexys Midnight Runners, the English band behind 'Come On Eileen', whose name was reportedly inspired by the dexies worn into the small hours on the Northern soul circuit. For readers encountering it in fiction or journalism about the sixties, dexy signals period slang for speed.
nounA tablet of Dexedrine, an amphetamine stimulant drug; used as British slang, especially in 1960s youth culture.
- A tablet of Dexedrine or similar amphetamine stimulant (British slang)
- (by extension) any amphetamine-type stimulant pill in 1960s–70s British slang
"Mods popping dexies to keep dancing through the night became an emblem of the sixties scene."
"The all-nighter crowd survived on coffee and dexies."
"He was caught with a handful of dexies in his coat pocket."
Standard plural formed by adding -es.
"He was searched and found to be carrying several dexies."
The band Dexys Midnight Runners took their name not from running at midnight, but from the amphetamine pills — 'dexies' — associated with the all-night Northern soul scene.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of dexy
Dexy is a clipped, slangy shortening of Dexedrine, the brand name for dexamphetamine introduced by the pharmaceutical company Smith, Kline & French in the mid-twentieth century. The name itself combines 'dex-' (from dextro-, referring to the dextrorotatory form of the amphetamine molecule) with the '-drine' ending common to sympathomimetic drug names. The slang form arose in Britain, most likely during the late 1950s or early 1960s, among young people who used the drug recreationally.
How dexy is actually used
Strongly informal and dated slang, tied to British 1960s mod and youth culture; it would sound archaic or nostalgic today. The word carries connotations of recreational drug use and should be avoided in formal writing.
Easily confused with dexy
Dexy is slang for the amphetamine drug Dexedrine, while dextrose is a simple sugar (glucose); both derive from 'dextro-' (right-turning) but are entirely unrelated in meaning.