swipes
B1informal to neutral
Definition
Meaning
A sharp, sweeping, or glancing blow or movement; a critical remark; a dismissive action, often done quickly with a hand or finger.
As a noun: plural of 'swipe,' referring to the act of passing a card, key, or finger through a reader. As a verb (3rd person present): makes such a motion or blow; accesses something by swiping; steals quickly or casually (slang).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The core physical motion connects to digital interaction (swiping a screen/card), criticism, and petty theft. The digital sense has become dominant in everyday use.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The slang meaning 'to steal' is slightly more established in AmE. Compound nouns like 'swipe card' are common in BrE; 'swipe card' or 'card swipe' are used in AmE.
Connotations
Identical connotations for physical/digital actions. In informal contexts, 'take a swipe at someone' (criticize) is equally common.
Frequency
Digital transaction sense is extremely high frequency in both varieties. The 'critical remark' sense is moderately frequent.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] swipes [Object] (e.g., She swipes her card).[Subject] swipes at [Target] (e.g., He swipes at the insect).[Subject] takes a swipe at [Target] (idiomatic, for criticism).Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Take a swipe at someone/something (to criticize or attack).”
- “Swipe left/right (to reject/approve, from dating apps).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to card payments or secure access: 'The system logs all employee swipes.'
Academic
Rare. May appear in social science papers discussing digital interaction or metaphorically for criticism.
Everyday
Very common for touchscreens, cards, and informal criticism: 'He swipes through his photos.' / 'The review took a swipe at the director.'
Technical
In computing/UX: 'The app responds to vertical swipes.' In security: 'Unauthorised card swipes trigger an alert.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She swipes her Oyster card at the gate.
- The critic swipes at the government's new policy in his column.
- Someone's swiped my biscuits from the tea room!
American English
- He swipes his credit card at the pump.
- The article swipes at the former president's record.
- Did you just swipe my pen from my desk?
adverb
British English
- Not applicable (no standard adverbial form).
American English
- Not applicable (no standard adverbial form).
adjective
British English
- Swipe-card entry is required after hours.
- The new phone has a faster swipe recognition.
American English
- Swipe card access is disabled.
- The tablet has a smooth swipe response.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She swipes the screen to unlock her phone.
- You need to swipe your card here.
- He took a playful swipe at the ball.
- The journalist took a swipe at the mayor's decision.
- After several failed swipes, the card reader finally accepted her payment.
- The opposition leader's speech contained pointed swipes at the economic policy.
- The interface requires precise swipes to navigate the complex diagram.
- Her memoir is elegantly written, though it contains subtle swipes at her former collaborators.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SWIPEr cleaning a screen with a SWIPing motion, or a cat taking a SWIPe at a toy. The motion is quick and lateral.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTERACTION IS PHYSICAL CONTACT (swiping a screen). CRITICISM IS A BLOW (taking a swipe at someone).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'свайп' (a direct borrowing for touchscreen action). The verb 'to swipe' is not 'свипеть'.
- The slang 'to swipe' (steal) is closer to 'стащить' or 'стянуть', not a general word for theft.
- 'Take a swipe at' is idiomatic; a direct translation ('взять удар по') would be incorrect.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'swipe' for a deep, pressing touch (correct: 'press' or 'tap').
- Using 'swipe' without a preposition for criticism: *'He swiped her' (wrong for criticism). Correct: 'He took a swipe at her' or 'He swiped at her policies.'
- Confusing noun/verb forms: 'He did a swipe' is less natural than 'He took a swipe' or 'He swiped.'
Practice
Quiz
In the context of modern dating apps, what does 'swipe left' typically mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, its original meaning is a sweeping blow or motion. It is used for cards, keys, and metaphorically for criticism.
Yes, but this is informal/slang, implying a quick, casual theft (e.g., 'He swiped a candy bar').
They are often interchangeable for criticism. 'Take a swipe at' is slightly more idiomatic and common in journalism. For a physical action, 'swipe at' is used (e.g., swipe at a fly).
Use it with verbs like 'take' (take a swipe), 'give', or 'make'. It can also be a countable noun for a digital action (e.g., 'It takes three swipes to get to the menu').