What does oxy mean?
“Oxy” is an informal name for oxycodone, a prescription opioid used to relieve severe pain. The shortened term commonly refers to a pill or capsule containing the medicine, particularly in North American informal English and in reporting about illicit drug use. Because the expression can sound casual or euphemistic, it may obscure the seriousness of an opioid-related substance or offence. In ordinary conversation, “oxy” is more likely to appear in discussions of prescriptions, drug markets, arrests, or overdoses than in formal medical writing. The standard pharmaceutical name, oxycodone, is preferred in clinical, legal, and educational contexts when precision is important.
nounAn informal, usually shortened name for oxycodone, a prescription opioid painkiller. The term is often used for the pills taken in a recreational or abusive context.
- An informal name for oxycodone, especially a tablet or capsule containing the drug.
"The investigation found that several suspects were selling oxies on the street."
"He was charged with possession of oxies after police found several pills in his vehicle."
"The documentary described how the opioid was sold to users who called it an oxy."
The usual informal plural is used for individual tablets or doses of the drug.
"The dealer was convicted of distributing oxies throughout the neighbourhood."
A four-letter nickname can conceal one of the most heavily controlled and potentially dangerous prescription drugs.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does oxy come from?
The word is a clipping of “oxycodone,” whose name combines the prefix oxy-, associated with oxygen and sharp or acidic qualities, with “codeine,” a related alkaloid-derived painkiller. Oxycodone was developed in the early 20th century as a semisynthetic opioid. The shortened form “oxy” became established in informal English, particularly in North America.
Related word forms
How oxy is actually used
Informal and sometimes euphemistic. It is especially common in North American drug reporting and informal speech; the standard medical name is “oxycodone.”
Easily confused with oxy
“Oxy” is an informal clipped form of oxycodone, while “oxycodone” is the standard name of the drug.