div: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-MidInformal, slang
Quick answer
What does “div” mean?
A foolish or stupid person.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A foolish or stupid person.
An informal, often derogatory term for someone considered unintelligent, boring, or unsophisticated. In computing, 'div' is an abbreviation for 'division', referring to a block-level container element in HTML.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The slang term is almost exclusively British/Irish. American speakers would be unlikely to use it and might not understand it in this sense.
Connotations
In British slang, it often implies a lack of style, intelligence, or social awareness. It can be mild playground insult.
Frequency
Slang usage is declining in British English. The computing term 'div' is universal and frequent in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “div” in a Sentence
He/She/It is a [adjective] div.Don't be such a div.[Verb]ing like a div.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “div” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He divvied up the sweets between the kids. (Note: 'divvy' as verb, related but distinct)
American English
- She divvied up the bill. (Note: 'divvy' as verb, related but distinct)
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- That was a div move, spilling your drink.
American English
- Not applicable as slang. In computing: 'div element'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used (except in computing science).
Everyday
Used as mild, often humorous insult among friends (UK).
Technical
As HTML tag: <div class="container">Content</div>
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “div”
- Using 'div' as slang in formal writing.
- Americans trying to use the British slang and sounding unnatural.
- Confusing the slang 'div' with 'divvy' (noun: foolish person; verb: to share).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal and derogatory, but generally mild. It's more of a teasing insult among friends than a deeply offensive slur.
Its etymology is uncertain. One theory links it to 'deviant', as it was used in UK borstals (youth prisons). Another links it to 'Divvy', short for 'Dividend', a low-intelligence character in a 1960s UK TV show.
The slang 'div' is only a noun. The similar-sounding verb 'divvy' (meaning to divide or share) is etymologically distinct and exists in both UK and US English.
No, they are complete homonyms (sound the same). The HTML term is short for 'division'. The slang term has a separate origin. This is a classic coincidence in English.
A foolish or stupid person.
Div is usually informal, slang in register.
Div: in British English it is pronounced /dɪv/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪv/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Divvy up (slang: to share/divide, etymologically distinct but homophonous)”
- “To be a bit of a div”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'DIV'iding your brain cells and having very few – that makes you a 'div'.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTELLIGENCE IS A WHOLE OBJECT; a 'div' is someone who is missing most of that object.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'div' most likely to be heard as an insult?