digs: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, dated in some contexts but still understood. Colloquial.
Quick answer
What does “digs” mean?
A temporary place to live, especially rented accommodation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A temporary place to live, especially rented accommodation; lodgings.
Informal term for a place where one resides, often implying a shared, simple, or temporary living situation. It is almost always used in plural form.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily a British English term, though understood in American English. In American English, 'apartment', 'place', or 'pad' (slang) are more common for similar informal contexts.
Connotations
In British English, it has a slightly old-fashioned, studenty, or bohemian feel. In American English, it sounds distinctly British and may be seen as quaint or humorous.
Frequency
Frequent in British informal speech, especially among older generations or in historical contexts. Rare in contemporary American speech.
Grammar
How to Use “digs” in a Sentence
[possessive adjective] + digslive in + [possessive adjective] + digshave + [possessive adjective] + digslook for + [adjective] + digsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “digs” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He digs the garden every weekend.
- They are digging a hole for the pond.
American English
- She digs in her heels when she's angry.
- I really dig this new song.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rare, except in historical/sociological texts describing living conditions.
Everyday
Common in informal conversation, especially in the UK, to discuss where someone lives temporarily.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “digs”
- Using it as a singular noun: 'a dig' is incorrect. It's always 'digs'.
- Using it in formal writing.
- Overusing it in American English contexts where 'apartment' or 'place' is more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a plural-only noun, but it refers to a single living space. You cannot say 'a dig'. Correct: 'My digs are nice.'
It is understood but sounds very British. Americans would more likely say 'apartment', 'place', or informally 'pad'.
It comes from the 19th-century slang 'diggings', implying a place where one 'digs in' or settles, possibly influenced by mining terminology for a place of work/residence.
Typically, no. It implies temporary, rented, often modest accommodation. Using it for a luxurious house would be humorous or ironic.
A temporary place to live, especially rented accommodation.
Digs is usually informal, dated in some contexts but still understood. colloquial. in register.
Digs: in British English it is pronounced /dɪɡz/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪɡz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “How are the new digs?”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a student **digging** through a messy room in their rented flat – that's their **digs**.
Conceptual Metaphor
A HOME IS A BURROW / HOLE (from 'diggings')
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'digs' most appropriately used?