This message is hidden because BlazerWookee is on your ignore list. I kid, I kid. I'd agree it's probably MIXUM.
I still don't get "fams." I know I'm probably missing something really simple, but I just can't wrap my thick skull around it.
Oh, I know where it first appeared, and how it was used, and what it means. I just don't understand why it means what it means. Same thing with "props." It just seems like someone made a random sound, and then said to themselves, "Hey, I'm gonna make that mean 'people who've done time.'"
It came from the Otis Redding song "Respect" (made famous by Aretha Franklin): "Propers" got shortened to "props" in the vernacular. At least that's my understanding.
Huh. I had to look up "fams" because, well, to be honest I just love using indie/street language with my middle class middle age white friends here in Idaho. It just busts us "crackers" up. If I find a new one before they do, I get extra credit (or as they say, "cred".) *hoists out suspenders* Anyway, the first 13 definitions in urbandictionary.com for "fams" all seem to say it's a term of endearment, as in "family", "brother," "homie", etc. Either BenDavis was using it sarcastically, he just didn't understand the term himself, or he's so "street" that urbandictionary.com just can't roll wit him. Now then, I believe I have to go read some old William Safire columns, try on the new bow tie I saw George Will wear last week, and choke a bitch.