divvy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (very low frequency in written English, more common in informal spoken British English)Informal, colloquial. Potentially derogatory when used as an adjective.
Quick answer
What does “divvy” mean?
To divide or share something between people.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To divide or share something between people.
Can refer to the act of dividing/sharing, to a stupid person (adj.), or to a dividend payment (n.).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Adjective 'divvy' (stupid) is exclusively British; noun 'divvy' (dividend) is British financial slang. The verb 'divvy up' is understood in both but more common in UK informal speech.
Connotations
In the UK, the adjective is mildly insulting. In the US, the word primarily conveys the sharing action.
Frequency
More common overall in British English.
Grammar
How to Use “divvy” in a Sentence
divvy something up (between/among people)divvy updivvy out somethingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “divvy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We'll need to divvy up the winnings from the bet.
- He divvied out the chores fairly.
American English
- After the game, they divvied up the leftover snacks.
- The council will divvy up the grant money.
adjective
British English
- That was a divvy thing to say.
- Don't be divvy, read the instructions first.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Informal: 'Let's divvy up the quarterly bonus among the team.' (Financial slang: 'We're expecting a decent divvy this year.')
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Informal sharing: 'We divvied up the pizza.' UK: 'Don't be such a divvy!'
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “divvy”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Using the adjective in American English where it's not understood.
- Incorrect: 'Let's divvy the cake.' Correct: 'Let's divvy up the cake.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal and colloquial. Avoid it in formal writing and speech.
'Divvy' is informal and almost always implies sharing among people. 'Divide' is neutral and can be used in mathematical or general contexts.
Rarely. The phrasal verb 'divvy up' is the standard form. 'Divvy out' is also possible.
Because the adjective meaning 'foolish' is specific to British English. An American would only know the verb meaning.
To divide or share something between people.
Divvy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɪvi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɪvi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Divvy up the loot.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'DIVide' and 'giVE' – to DIVVY is to divide and give out shares.
Conceptual Metaphor
SHARING IS SPLITTING A WHOLE / FOOLISHNESS IS LACK OF SUBSTANCE
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English can 'divvy' mean 'stupid'?