neg

¹ American  

[neg] / nɛg /

noun

1. Informal. a photographic negative.

2. Slang. a backhanded compliment, especially one used when flirting.

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verb (used with object)

1. Slang. to imply that (someone or something) is not good enough; to insult with a backhanded compliment or with qualified approval, especially as a ploy to lower the self-esteem of a person or cheapen an object before showing romantic interest or making an offer.

   He negged me for my weight while insisting that curvy ladies can be sexy too.

neg. ² American  

abbreviation

1. negative.

2. negatively.

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NEG ¹ British  

abbreviation

1. negative

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neg. ² British  

abbreviation

1. negative(ly)

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Etymology

Origin of neg

First recorded in 1870–75; shortening of negative ( def. )

Example Sentences

While she's out she has visions of her former selves, echoes of her messy past, who neg and taunt her.

From Salon • Apr. 22, 2022

The question sounded like a neg, but it eventually spurred enough introspection to prompt her to leave her stable job at Google and take a chance on a new career path.

From The Verge • Aug. 10, 2021

This is a more blatant version of a common pop music trope, the line that sounds like it’s complimenting a woman but is actually a neg.

From Slate • May 20, 2021

When Franklin, in a moment of accidental candor, criticizes Andre’s “gauche” curatorial taste, Andre falls in love—a neg that launches a thousand theatrical ships.

From The New Yorker • Mar. 11, 2019

“In the meantime, call down to the blood bank. I need two units of O neg and keep two units ahead.”

From "If I Stay" by Gayle Forman