pic: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumInformal, colloquial
Quick answer
What does “pic” mean?
A short, informal word for 'picture' (most often a photograph).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A short, informal word for 'picture' (most often a photograph).
A photographic image, especially one taken digitally and shared on social media or messaging platforms. Can also refer to a movie ('motion picture') in very informal contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. Both varieties use 'pic' colloquially. The slightly expanded form 'piccy' (as in 'Take a piccy') is more common in British informal speech.
Connotations
Neutral-to-casual in both. Conveys ease and familiarity. Not used in formal writing.
Frequency
Very high in digital/online communication (texts, social media) across both varieties. Slightly less frequent in formal spoken contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “pic” in a Sentence
have a pic of NPtake a pic of NPpost a pic on NP (platform)send a pic to NPVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pic” in a Sentence
verb
American English
- Did you pic the venue yet? (Very rare, non-standard slang for 'pick')
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in very casual internal communications ('Can you send me a pic of the whiteboard?').
Academic
Virtually never used.
Everyday
Very common in spoken and digital communication among friends and family.
Technical
Used informally in IT/digital media contexts discussing image files, but 'image' or 'file' is preferred.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pic”
- Using 'pic' in formal essays or reports.
- Misspelling as 'pick'.
- Overusing in speech where 'picture' or 'photo' would be more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it's a recognized informal clipping of 'picture,' included in modern dictionaries as a colloquialism, especially for 'photograph.'
No. It is strictly for informal, spoken, or digital communication. Use 'picture,' 'photograph,' or 'image' in formal contexts.
In meaning, very little in casual use. 'Pic' is more informal and digital-native. 'Photo' specifically implies a photograph, while 'pic' can occasionally refer to drawings or screenshots, though it usually means a photo.
Yes, 'piccy' (/ˈpɪki/) is a further informal, chiefly British, variation of 'pic.' It has the same meaning but sounds even more casual and affectionate.
A short, informal word for 'picture' (most often a photograph).
Pic: in British English it is pronounced /pɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /pɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the big pic(ture) (not the clipped form)”
- “pic or it didn't happen (internet slang)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
PICture is too long for a quick text, so you CUT it down to PIC.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PICTURE IS A CAPTURED MOMENT (the word 'pic' inherits this).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'pic' be LEAST appropriate?