ribbing

¹ American  

[rib-ing] / ˈrɪb ɪŋ /

noun

1. an act or instance of teasing.

---

ribbing ² American  

[rib-ing] / ˈrɪb ɪŋ /

noun

1. ribs rib collectively.

2. an assemblage or arrangement of ribs, rib, as in cloth or a ship.

---

ribbing British  

/ ˈrɪbɪŋ /

noun

1. a framework or structure of ribs

2. ribs collectively

3. a raised pattern in woven or knitted material, made in knitting by doing purl and plain stitches alternately

---

Etymology

Origin of ribbing¹

First recorded in 1930–35; rib ² + -ing ¹

Origin of ribbing¹

First recorded in 1555–65; rib ¹ + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Nelson, who said he takes a ribbing from his young teammates for his graying hair, has a rich family history when it comes to Olympic hockey.

From Los Angeles Times

Back then, debate over Geriatric Millennials sparked self-deprecating jokes, think pieces and quizzes dictating if you're meant to pile on the ribbing or be subjected to it.

From BBC

For the second year in a row, comedian Nikki Glaser got the Golden Globes party started by ribbing everyone from the A-listers attending the ceremony to the industry at large to current events.

From Los Angeles Times

None have more than Marchand, whose ribbing style once earned the nickname “Little Ball of Hate” from none other than former President Barack Obama.

From The Wall Street Journal

As a series living in “the kind lane,” the characters are accepted for who they are — even if there’s gentle ribbing at times.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• banter
• taunt
• taunting