rip on: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium-LowInformal, colloquial. Common in spoken language, especially among younger speakers and in casual social contexts.
Quick answer
What does “rip on” mean?
To criticize, mock, or make fun of someone persistently and often harshly.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To criticize, mock, or make fun of someone persistently and often harshly.
To engage in sustained verbal teasing, ridicule, or fault-finding directed at a person, often in a group setting or among peers. The tone can range from light-hearted banter to aggressive bullying.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The phrasal verb is understood in both varieties but is significantly more common and established in American English, particularly in youth and sports culture.
Connotations
In AmE, it can be seen as part of male bonding or team dynamics (e.g., in locker rooms). In BrE, it might be perceived as a direct Americanism and is less culturally embedded.
Frequency
High frequency in informal AmE; low to medium frequency in informal BrE, where 'take the mickey out of', 'wind up', or 'slag off' might be more natural equivalents.
Grammar
How to Use “rip on” in a Sentence
[Subject] + rip on + [Object (Person)][Subject] + rip on + [Object] + for + [Reason (Noun/Gerund)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “rip on” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The lads always rip on James for his posh accent.
- They were just ripping on each other, no harm meant.
American English
- The players rip on the rookie during training camp.
- My brothers rip on me for my taste in music.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly inappropriate in formal business settings. May occur in very informal workplace banter among close colleagues.
Academic
Not used in academic writing or formal discourse.
Everyday
Core domain of use. Common among friends, family members, teammates, or in social media comments.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “rip on”
- Using it with a non-person object (e.g., 'They ripped on his idea'). While understood, 'criticized' or 'tore apart' is more natural for ideas.
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Confusing it with 'rip into' (which can be for things or people and implies a fiercer, more sudden attack).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Rip on' often implies teasing within a group where the target is 'in on the joke,' though it can cross into bullying depending on context and intent. Bullying is more one-sided and malicious.
It's primarily used for people. For objects or ideas, synonyms like 'criticize,' 'tear apart,' or 'bash' are more common (e.g., 'He bashed the new policy,' not 'ripped on the new policy').
'Rip on' suggests a more persistent, ongoing, and often harsher form of mockery, sometimes as a group activity. 'Make fun of' is more general and can be a one-time, lighter comment.
It is informal and can be rude if the target isn't consenting to the banter. Among friends who understand the dynamic, it may be acceptable. It is always disrespectful in tone, even if the intent is playful.
To criticize, mock, or make fun of someone persistently and often harshly.
Rip on is usually informal, colloquial. common in spoken language, especially among younger speakers and in casual social contexts. in register.
Rip on: in British English it is pronounced /rɪp ɒn/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪp ɑːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “rip someone a new one (much more aggressive and vulgar)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a group RIPPING a poster of a person, symbolizing tearing them apart with words. The 'on' suggests the criticism is being applied directly TO them.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRITICISM IS PHYSICAL TEARING/DAMAGE. VERBAL ATTACK IS PHYSICAL ASSAULT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'rip on' LEAST appropriate?