crabb: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowDialectal / Archaic
Quick answer
What does “crabb” mean?
A variant spelling of 'crab', primarily used in Scottish and Northern English dialects to refer to the crustacean or a sour-tempered person.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A variant spelling of 'crab', primarily used in Scottish and Northern English dialects to refer to the crustacean or a sour-tempered person.
Can also refer to a type of apple (crab apple) or be used as a verb meaning to criticize or complain peevishly, though the verb form is rare with this spelling.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'crabb' has some historical use in Scottish and Northern English dialects. In American English, this spelling is virtually non-existent and would be considered an error.
Connotations
In the UK, it may carry a slight rustic or old-fashioned dialectal connotation if recognized. In the US, it has no distinct connotation beyond being incorrect.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, but marginally more attested in historical UK texts.
Grammar
How to Use “crabb” in a Sentence
[Subject] is a crabb.They crabb [about something].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crabb” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He would crabb about the weather constantly.
American English
- She crabbed at the poor service. (Standard 'crabbed' is used.)
adverb
British English
- Not used.
American English
- Not used.
adjective
British English
- He had a crabb disposition.
American English
- Not used.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical/dialectology studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used in standard communication.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “crabb”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “crabb”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crabb”
- Using 'crabb' in formal writing instead of 'crab'.
- Assuming 'crabb' is the standard spelling.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'crabb' is not standard modern English. It is an obsolete or dialectal variant. The correct spelling is 'crab'.
You might find it in older texts, particularly from Scotland or Northern England, or in works of fiction attempting to represent those dialects.
No, you should not. Always use the standard spelling 'crab' unless you are specifically writing dialect dialogue or reproducing a historical text.
No, it carries the same core meanings (the animal, a sour person) but is simply a non-standard spelling.
A variant spelling of 'crab', primarily used in Scottish and Northern English dialects to refer to the crustacean or a sour-tempered person.
Crabb is usually dialectal / archaic in register.
Crabb: in British English it is pronounced /krab/, and in American English it is pronounced /kræb/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “catch a crabb (rowing term for a faulty stroke)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Crabb has an extra 'b' for 'bad-tempered'.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SOUR PERSON IS A SOUR FRUIT (crab apple).
Practice
Quiz
In which context might the spelling 'crabb' be marginally acceptable?