To curb-stomp, someone is not a pretty thing. The act of the curb stomp will kill or severely injure the party getting the stomping.
It's a gang-style execution method used in many different situations and roots in Nazi Germany. This post isn't for people with sensitivity to violence.
This post looks at everything you need to know about the origins of the phrase "curb stomp" and how to use it in conversations.
Curb-Stomp Meaning
To curb-stomp someone is a graphic violent action, usually ending in the person's death after getting stomped. Many gangs use the curb stomp to kill other rival gang members that infringe on their turf to extort money or sell drugs.
Gang members would execute other rival gang members with the curb stomp as a visual signal to other members of the gang that they are not welcome in the area, and the next stomp could be them.
To curb-stomp, someone means you're committing an act of murder or attempted murder, and you could go to prison for life if convicted by the authorities. Even the act of threatening to curb-stomp someone could get you in serious trouble if you say it as a genuine threat to another person.
Curb-Stomp Example Usage
"Did you watch American History X? The curb stomp by Edward Norton's character was brutal."
"If you come around here again, I'll curb stomp you to death."
"Mike was about to curb stomp that other guy before Reg stepped in to stop him."
"I went to jail for life because I chose to curb-stomp someone and killed them."
Curb-Stomp Origin
The curb stomp has its origins in Nazi Germany, where the soldiers and Nazi death squads would use it as a means of torture and punishment during World War II. The curb stomp is a brutal action, and it would send a message to people in the area that were hiding or supporting the Jewish people running from the Reich.
The action gaining notoriety in the 1998 film, "American History X." This film reveals the shocking underbelly of neo-Naziism in the United States in the 80s and 90s. Edward Norton plays one of the central roles in the movie. During an attempted break-in to his vehicle, he catches one of the perpetrators and curb stomps him in front of his little brother, played by Edward Furlong.
The scene was one of the most graphic ever produced in the Hollywood industry, and much controversy emerged from its use in the movie.
It's obvious that the director knew the link between the curb stomp and the Nazis, as it was the defining moment in the film resulting in Norton's character going to prison. As a result, the studio rereleased the DVD version of the movie with the curb stomp edited out of the film.
Phrases Similar to Curb Stomp
- Stomp someone out.
- Beat someone down.
- Break someone off.
Phrases Opposite to Curb Stomp
- Help someone out.
- Protect someone.
What is the Correct Saying?
- Curb stomp.
- Curb stomped.
- Curb stomping.
Ways People May Say Curb Stomp Incorrectly
You can phrase curb stomp into a conversation, but not in professional settings. Curb stomp evokes visuals of graphic violence, and that's not suitable for the workplace or for discussion with people you don't know.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Curb Stomp
Curb stomp will suit informal conversations between friends, usually during a discussion on some type of physical violence between two or more parties. If you are looking to threaten someone's life, then you could apply the phrase to the situation, whether you mean that you'll carry it out or not. However, be careful saying it to people as you could end up in trouble with law enforcement.