Rib Someone: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
September 1, 2023

To "rib someone" is to joke with them in a friendly or playful way, usually to make them feel embarrassed or amused. It can also mean to fool someone or trick them into believing something untrue.

In short:

  • To "rib someone" is to tease, joke, or fool them in a good-natured way.
  • It can also mean to mislead someone or persuade them to believe a lie.

What Does "Rib Someone" Mean?

To "rib someone" is to tease them in a good-natured or humorous way, often to make them blush or laugh. Another meaning is to deceive someone or make them accept a false idea.

Where Does "Rib Someone" Come From?

The origin and history of the idiom "rib someone" are unclear. However, one possible explanation is that it comes from poking someone in the ribs with a finger or an elbow to get their attention or make them laugh. According to this theory, the idiom implies that teasing or fooling someone is like tickling them in the ribs.

Historical Example

"I have been ribbed unmercifully by my friends for having written such things."

—wrote in an essay by American humorist Robert Benchley in 1929

10 Examples of "Rib Someone" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use the idiom "rib someone" in different sentences, demonstrating different contexts and situations:

  • Never mind. He always ribs me about my fear of spiders, but I know he's just joking.
  • Yoink! She ribbed him by sending him a fake love letter from his crush.
  • Son of a biscuit! He ribbed me by telling me he had bought me a diamond ring, but it was a plastic toy.
  • They ribbed her for being late to the meeting as of late.
  • She enjoys ribbing him about his obsession with video games and surfing the net.
  • He likes to rib his co-workers about their mistakes in the reports. Quite frankly, he's a bit of a scrub.
  • She didn't mind when her friends ribbed her about her crush on the teacher. It seems like she enjoyed it.
  • They ribbed him for tagging along and wearing a funny hat to the party, but he didn't care.
  • She ribbed him by hiding his phone and making him think he had lost it.
  • They ribbed her by dressing up as zombies and scaring her on Halloween.

Examples of "Rib Someone" in Pop Culture

The idiom "rib someone" is also used in various forms of popular culture.

Here are some examples of its appearances in pop culture:

  • In the 1980 comedy film Airplane!, the character Ted Striker "ribs his" ex-girlfriend Elaine Dickinson about her job as a flight attendant. He says: "You know what I do? I take them up in the air, and I land them. That's what I do. That's all I do. That's all I ever do."
  • In the 2005 sitcom The Office, Jim Halpert "ribs his" co-worker Dwight Schrute about his work ethic. He says: "Fact: Bears eat beets. Bears. Beets. Battlestar Galactica."
  • In the 2003 novel The Da Vinci Code, the character Robert Langdon "ribs his" companion Sophie Neveu about her knowledge of symbols. He says: "You're a cryptographer, Sophie. You should know better than anyone that symbols have multiple meanings."
  • In the 1984 song, Girls Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper, the singer "ribs her" father about her lifestyle. She sings: "Oh daddy dear, you know you're still number one; But girls they want to have fun; Oh girls just want to have fun."

Other Ways to Say "Rib Someone"

The idiom "rib someone" is not the only way to express the idea of teasing or annoying someone in a friendly or mild way.

Other ways are:

  • To poke fun at someone
  • To pull someone's leg
  • To kid someone
  • To razz someone
  • To roast someone
  • To josh someone
  • To rag on someone
  • To wind someone up
  • To bust someone's chops
  • To banter with someone

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Rib Someone"

Here are some common questions and answers about the idiom "rib someone":

  • What does "rib someone" mean?

To "rib someone" is to joke with them in a friendly or playful way, usually to make them feel embarrassed or amused. It can also mean to fool someone or trick them into believing something untrue.

  • What is the origin of the phrase "rib someone"?

The origin and history of the idiom "rib someone" are unclear. However, one possible explanation is that it comes from poking someone in the ribs with a finger or an elbow to get their attention or make them laugh. According to this theory, the idiom implies that teasing or fooling someone is like tickling them in the ribs.

  • Is "rib someone" a positive or negative expression?

It depends on the situation and the relationship between the speaker and the listener. If they are close friends or family members who share a sense of humor and trust, then ribbing someone can be a positive way of showing affection and having fun. However, if they are strangers or enemies with different opinions and values, then ribbing someone can be a negative way of showing disrespect and hostility.

  • How can I tell if someone is "ribbing" me or insulting me?

Some clues can help you distinguish between "ribbing" and "insulting." For example, you can pay attention to the tone of voice, the facial expression, body language, and the speaker's context. They are probably ribbing you if they sound friendly, smiley, relaxed, and casual. They probably insult you if they say angry, serious, tense, and formal.

  • How can I respond if someone "ribs" me?

There are different ways to respond if someone "ribs" you. For example, you can laugh along with them, rib them back, ignore them, or confront them. The best way to respond depends on how you feel about their ribbing and what you want to achieve. Ignoring or confronting them can be good options if you dislike their ribbing and want to end the conversation.

  • How can I "rib someone" without hurting their feelings?

Some tips can help you "rib someone" without hurting their feelings. For example, you can choose a topic that is not too sensitive or personal for them, such as their hobbies or preferences. You can also use a light-hearted tone and a friendly smile to show that you are joking and not serious. You can also compliment or apologize if you think you offended them too far.

  • How can I avoid being "ribbed" by someone?

Some strategies can help you avoid being "ribbed" by someone. For example, you can change the subject or steer the conversation away from topics that invite ribbing, such as your weaknesses or mistakes. You can also show confidence and self-esteem by not reacting negatively or defensively to their ribbing. You can also set boundaries and tell them politely but firmly that you do not appreciate their ribbing and want them to stop.

  • What is the difference between "rib someone" and "roast someone"?

Both expressions mean to tease or mock someone, but they have different degrees of intensity and intention. To "rib someone" is to knock them lightly or mildly, usually in a friendly or affectionate way. To roast someone is to tease them harshly or severely, usually humorously or sarcastically. "Ribbing someone" is more common in everyday speech than burning someone in comedy shows or events.

  • What is the difference between "rib someone" and "kid someone"?

Both expressions mean to tease or joke with someone, but they have different levels of formality and frequency. To "rib someone" is to knock them informally and occasionally, usually among friends or family. To "kid someone" is to tease them formally and frequently, usually among acquaintances or strangers. "Ribbing someone" is more playful and spontaneous, while "kidding someone" is more polite and deliberate.

  • What is the difference between "rib someone" and "poke fun at someone"?

Both expressions mean to tease or make fun of someone, but they have different implications and effects. To "rib someone" is to knock them well, usually to make them laugh or smile. To "poke fun at someone" is to tease them mockingly, usually to make them embarrassed or annoyed. "Ribbing someone" is more positive and friendly, while "poking fun at someone" is more damaging and rude.

Final Thoughts About "Rib Someone"

The idiom "rib someone" is a fun and friendly way of expressing the idea of teasing or joking with someone playfully or harmlessly. It can also mean to annoy or bother someone lightly or mildly. The idiom has various origins, meanings, examples, and alternatives that can enrich your vocabulary and communication skills.

Here are some key points to remember about the idiom:

  • To "rib someone" means to tease or joke with them in a friendly way.
  • It can also mean annoying or bothering them lightly.
  • It can have positive or negative connotations depending on the situation.
  • The idiom is informal and conversational.
  • Lastly, it can be used as a verb or a noun in a sentence.

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