prog: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, slang, dated
Quick answer
What does “prog” mean?
A British slang term, short for 'programme' (particularly a TV or radio schedule) or 'progressive' (especially in music). Also a dated verb meaning to beg or forage for food.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A British slang term, short for 'programme' (particularly a TV or radio schedule) or 'progressive' (especially in music). Also a dated verb meaning to beg or forage for food.
In modern British university slang, it can refer to a student 'proctor' or disciplinary officer. In North America, as a noun it can be an informal, dated term for a progressive person or a member of a progressive political group.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK: Primarily slang for TV/radio 'programme' or a university 'proctor'. Also the historical verb 'to prog'. US: Primarily a dated, informal shortening of 'progressive' (political/music). The TV sense is not used.
Connotations
UK: Informal, casual, sometimes nostalgic (TV listing). The 'proctor' sense is institutional. US: The 'progressive' sense is informal, potentially slightly counter-cultural or historical.
Frequency
Rare in both varieties. More likely encountered in specific UK contexts (e.g., 'What's on the prog tonight?') or historical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “prog” in a Sentence
to prog for something (verb, archaic)to watch [the] prog (noun)a prog rock fan (noun, attributive)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “prog” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- In the 18th century, the poor would prog for scraps outside the tavern. (archaic)
American English
- (Verb form not used in modern AmE)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- He's got some really prog tastes in music, all 1970s experimental rock.
American English
- The campus had a strong prog faction in the student government. (dated)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Limited to historical texts or specific UK university jargon for 'proctor'.
Everyday
Very limited UK use for 'TV programme'. Generally considered old-fashioned or niche.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “prog”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “prog”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “prog”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Assuming US speakers will understand the UK 'TV programme' meaning.
- Overusing it; 'programme' or 'show' is far more common.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is rare, informal, and often considered dated or specific to certain groups.
No, this meaning is not recognised in American English. A US listener would likely be confused.
'Prog' is an informal, chiefly British shortening of 'programme' (schedule/broadcast) or 'progressive'. 'Program' is the standard spelling in computing and American English for all senses.
Only indirectly. When 'prog' means 'progressive', it shares the same root. The other meanings (programme, proctor, beg) have different etymologies.
A British slang term, short for 'programme' (particularly a TV or radio schedule) or 'progressive' (especially in music). Also a dated verb meaning to beg or forage for food.
Prog is usually informal, slang, dated in register.
Prog: in British English it is pronounced /prɒɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /prɑːɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on the prog (archaic, meaning 'on the scrounge')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a frog hopping through a TV PROGramme. The frog is the PROG.
Conceptual Metaphor
SHORTENING IS CASUALNESS (The shortened form indicates informality and in-group membership).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would a British speaker most likely use the word 'prog'?