Street
firm
What does firm mean?
A criminal gang or an organised group of football hooligans, especially in London usage.
"He ran with a West End firm in the seventies."
Origin
Extension of 'firm' (business) to organised crime; strongly London-associated (e.g. the Krays' firm).
Frequently asked questions
What does 'firm' mean in slang?
It means an organised criminal gang or a crew of football hooligans, especially in London usage.
Where does this sense of 'firm' come from?
It extends the ordinary business meaning of 'firm' to organised crime, and is strongly associated with London gangs such as the Krays' firm.
How is it used?
You might say 'he ran with a West End firm in the seventies' to describe someone who was part of a gang.
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