dig
HighInformal to neutral; widely used across registers.
Definition
Meaning
To break up and move earth using a tool, hands, or claws to create a hole or uncover something.
To investigate, search for, or discover information; to appreciate or understand something; to make a critical or sarcastic remark.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word has strong physical and metaphorical uses. The metaphorical sense of 'understanding/appreciating' is informal (e.g., 'I dig jazz'). The sense of 'making a critical remark' often implies a sharp, pointed insult.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Very minor. The slang sense 'to like/appreciate' (e.g., 'I dig it') is slightly more dated in British English but understood. The phrase 'dig in' (start eating) is equally common. The noun 'digs' meaning rented accommodation is primarily British.
Connotations
In both, 'dig' can imply effort and persistence, whether physical (digging a trench) or mental (digging for information). The critical 'dig' is seen as informal and mildly aggressive.
Frequency
The physical verb is equally common. The noun for accommodation ('digs') is high-frequency in UK, rare in US.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] dig + (object) + (prepositional phrase): 'They dug a hole in the garden.'[verb] dig + for + object: 'Reporters dug for the truth.'[verb] dig + into + object: 'She dug into her savings.'[verb] dig + (object) + up/out: 'He dug up some old photos.'Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “dig your own grave”
- “dig deep”
- “dig your heels in”
- “dig up dirt (on someone)”
- “dig in (your pockets/start eating)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Metaphorical: 'We need to dig into the data to find the anomaly.'
Academic
Literal in archaeology/geology; metaphorical in research: 'The historian dug through the archives.'
Everyday
Literal gardening; metaphorical for searching: 'Can you dig out my old boots from the cupboard?'
Technical
Primarily literal in construction, mining, and archaeology.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We plan to dig a pond at the bottom of the garden.
- The journalist kept digging until she uncovered the scandal.
- 'Nice tie,' he said, clearly intending it as a dig.
American English
- They're digging a foundation for the new house.
- I really dig the vibe of this cafe.
- She dug into the budget to find extra funds.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form.
American English
- No standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- Not commonly used as a pure adjective. 'Dig' in 'dig site' is a noun modifier.
American English
- Same as British. The participial 'digging' functions adjectivally: 'a digging machine'.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The dog likes to dig in the backyard.
- We dug a small hole for the plant.
- Archaeologists are digging at the ancient Roman site.
- He made a rude dig about her cooking.
- The company had to dig deep into its reserves during the crisis.
- I've been digging through old files looking for the contract.
- Her seemingly innocuous comment was actually a thinly-veiled dig at his management style.
- The researchers dug into decades of climate data to identify the trend.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a dog (sounds like 'dig') using its paws to DIG a hole to bury a bone.
Conceptual Metaphor
INVESTIGATING IS DIGGING ('dig into a problem'), CRITICISM IS A PHYSICAL BLOW ('a sly dig'), APPRECIATION IS GRASPING ('I dig that tune').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not to be confused with 'digital' or 'digit'. The slang 'to dig' (like) has no direct Russian equivalent; using 'любить' is too strong. 'Делать подкоп' is too narrow for general digging.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect past tense: 'digged' (correct: 'dug'). Confusing 'dig it' (understand/like) with 'get it' (understand). Overusing the slang sense in formal writing.
Practice
Quiz
In the sentence 'I dig your new jacket,' what does 'dig' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The correct past tense and past participle is 'dug' (e.g., 'They dug a trench yesterday').
It's an informal term for rented accommodation or lodgings (e.g., 'She found cheap digs near the university').
It's understood but sounds quite dated, originating from 1930s/40s jazz culture. 'I'm really into...' or 'I love...' are more current.
'Dig into' often means to start eating heartily or to investigate something thoroughly. 'Dig up' means to remove from the ground by digging or to discover something (often hidden or forgotten).