ripsnorter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low; archaic/dated slang.Informal, slang, humorous; now chiefly used for humorous or self-conscious effect.
Quick answer
What does “ripsnorter” mean?
A person or thing that is exceptionally lively, vigorous, remarkable, or outstanding.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person or thing that is exceptionally lively, vigorous, remarkable, or outstanding.
An event, performance, or situation that is full of energy, excitement, or intensity. Can refer to a spectacular success, a fierce argument, a wild party, or a remarkable piece of work.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originated in the US in the 1800s. While understood in the UK, it retains a stronger historical association with American frontier and colloquial speech. In modern UK usage, it sounds even more archaic and is less likely to be encountered spontaneously.
Connotations
US: Associated with 19th-century frontier boastfulness and tall tales. UK: Perceived as an amusing Americanism, often with a slightly 'cowboy' or 'Wild West' flavour.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties. More likely to appear in historical fiction, comedic writing, or deliberate archaisms in the US than in the UK.
Grammar
How to Use “ripsnorter” in a Sentence
be + a + ripsnorter (It was a ripsnorter)have + a + ripsnorter (We had a ripsnorter of a time)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ripsnorter” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He gave a ripsnorter of a speech at the club.
American English
- We're in for a ripsnorter blizzard tonight, folks.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. If used, would be in very informal, jocular praise: 'The Q4 sales figures were a real ripsnorter!'
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Rare. Used humorously among friends to describe an event: 'That barbecue turned into a ripsnorter after Tom started the karaoke.'
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ripsnorter”
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ripsnorter”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ripsnorter”
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Using it to describe a quiet, intellectual achievement.
- Spelling as 'rip-snorter' or 'rip snorter' (though hyphenated form is historically common).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is context-dependent. It primarily means 'exceptionally vigorous or intense.' This can be positive (a great party) or negative (a nasty argument). The tone is usually informal and emphatic.
No, 'ripsnorter' is exclusively a noun. The related (and even rarer) adjective is 'ripsnorting'.
It is very rare in contemporary spontaneous speech. Its main use today is for deliberate humorous, folksy, or archaic effect in writing or storytelling.
It is 19th-century American slang, likely from 'rip' (as in 'tear apart') and 'snort' (as in a loud exhalation of breath), suggesting something violent and noisy.
A person or thing that is exceptionally lively, vigorous, remarkable, or outstanding.
Ripsnorter is usually informal, slang, humorous; now chiefly used for humorous or self-conscious effect. in register.
Ripsnorter: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɪpˌsnɔː.tər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɪpˌsnɔr.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a ripsnorter of a time”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'rip' in the fabric and a 'snort' of laughter or derision – something so forceful it rips and makes you snort with amazement.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXCEPTIONAL INTENSITY IS A PHYSICAL FORCE (that rips and snorts).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'ripsnorter' be LEAST appropriate?