What Is An “Ice Cold Fatty”?

If you’ve ever ventured into the jam-packed universe of a Phish or Grateful Dead adjacent show, you’ve probably heard the call of “Ice cold fatties! 3 for 20, no deals!” reverberate through the lot.

No, we’re not talking about Fatty’s Beer Works and their Extra Chill Pils. What you’re hearing is the siren song of nitrous oxide, also affectionately known as “hippie crack” on Shakedown Street.

The Wooks and The Lots

Wooks—those dreadlocked, patchouli-scented denizens of festival lots—are often the entrepreneurs behind this particular venture. Between tie-dye booths and food trucks, they hawk these “ice cold fatties,” which are actually balloons filled with nitrous oxide.

A Word on Nitrous Oxide

For the uninitiated, nitrous oxide, or NOS, is also called “laughing gas,” often used for medical or dental anesthesia. In the lot context, it’s sold in balloons for recreational inhalation. But before you jump on this transient bandwagon, be aware that the practice is generally illegal and poses significant health risks.

Hippie Crack: A Double-Edged Sword

The allure of nitrous oxide is so strong that it’s often termed “hippie crack.” While the gas can induce feelings of euphoria, it’s crucial to understand that misuse can lead to oxygen deprivation, leading to unconsciousness or worse. The substance is no joke and should not be taken lightly.

However, some heads lovingly refer to this state as “womping out.”

Bless Your Heart, Now Clean Up

One can’t help but say, “Bless your heart” to those wooks lost in the hustle. But let’s be real for a moment: If you’re going to partake, the least you can do is clean up after yourself. Abandoned balloons are not just an eyesore; they’re environmental pollutants.

The Price Point: 3 for 20, No Deals

If you’re considering engaging in this subculture, the going rate is generally “3 for 20, no deals,” as the lot vendors love to shout. It’s a non-negotiable standard, and frequent lot-goers know the drill.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it. An “ice cold fatty” isn’t a chilled craft beer; it’s a slice of lot culture that comes with its own set of risks and responsibilities. If you’re going to dive into this world, do so with both eyes open. And for the love of all things jam-band, please, pick up your balloons.