tig
RegionalInformal
Definition
Meaning
A children's game where one player chases and touches others to make them 'it'.
Can refer to the act of touching in such a game, or informally to any light touch or chase.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in British English; synonymous with 'tag' in American English for the same game.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'tig' is the common term for the chasing game; in American English, 'tag' is used.
Connotations
Both have playful and childish connotations, associated with outdoor play.
Frequency
'Tig' is frequent in the UK, especially in spoken language among children; 'tag' is standard in the US and more widely recognized.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
play [tig]be [tig]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “tig and tag”
Usage
Context Usage
Everyday
Common in informal settings among children, especially in playgrounds.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He tigged me and I became 'it'.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Let's play tig in the garden!
- We often play tig during our school breaks.
- The rules of tig require the 'it' player to chase and touch others.
- In pedagogical studies, games like tig are analyzed for their role in developing social skills in children.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a big tiger chasing in a game of tig.
Conceptual Metaphor
PURSUIT IS A GAME
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Confusion with 'тигр' (tiger), as 'tig' sounds similar but means a game.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'tag' in American contexts.
- Using it in formal writing where 'tag' might be preferred.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary American English equivalent for 'tig'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, in American English, the equivalent game is called 'tag'.
Yes, in British English, 'to tig' means to touch someone in the game, as in 'He tigged me.'
'Tig' is a dialectal variant of 'tag', with origins in English dialects, possibly from Middle English.
It is pronounced /tɪɡ/, rhyming with 'big'.