ride-or-die

In Australia this expression surfaced in the reality TV  show, The Challenge.  In late 2022 there was a ride-or-die series in which contestants were invited to bring their choice of partner along with them as support, their own particular ride-or-die rather than a partner chosen for them by the producers of the show.

The phrase goes back to American 1950s biker culture. It expressed the sentiment that a true biker would either ride his bike or die.  Then it transferred to the biker’s partner, the ride-or-die chick who would ride with him through any danger or difficulty.

And finally the meaning generalised to a ride-or-die, the person that you could count on as your friend and ally in all circumstances. To ride or die with someone is to be their unswerving ally.  Since about 2000 the frequency of this word has increased noticeably.