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

After word of this got back to Spears, she went scorched Earth, posting once again to Instagram but, this time, seeming to neg Timberlake's lack of basketball skills.

From Salon • Feb. 2, 2024

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

Finally, any suggestion of surprise, particularly around age – “you look great for 55” – is in neg territory.

From The Guardian • Mar. 3, 2020

“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