veg
B2Informal, colloquial, spoken
Definition
Meaning
(Informal) To relax or do nothing in a passive manner; a state of inactivity. Also, a short form for vegetable.
In a culinary context, as a noun, it can refer to vegetables collectively or as ingredients. In a behavioral context, as a verb, it means to be inactive, especially mentally, often in front of a screen or while recovering.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Veg" is primarily an informal and often spoken abbreviation. As a verb, it carries a connotation of deliberate, lazy inactivity rather than forced rest. It often requires the particle "out" (veg out). As a noun, it is a mass noun used for vegetables collectively, especially in British English. It is less formal than "vegetables".
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
As a noun meaning vegetables, "veg" is far more common and established in UK English. In US English, the noun form is understood but less frequent. The verb "veg (out)" is common in both varieties, with 'out' being slightly more optional in UK English.
Connotations
In UK English, "veg" (noun) is a casual, friendly term. In both varieties, "veg (out)" as a verb implies a harmless, unproductive state, sometimes with a mildly self-deprecating or humorous tone.
Frequency
In UK: Noun - Very High (informal), Verb - Common. In US: Noun - Low/Medium, Verb - High (informal).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
veg (out) [on + something]veg (out) [in front of + something]veg [for + period of time]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “veg out”
- “be a couch potato (related concept)”
- “turn into a vegetable (metaphorical)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Extremely rare and inappropriate except in very informal internal chats (e.g., 'I'm just going to veg this weekend').
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Very common in spoken informal contexts to discuss food or leisure time (e.g., 'What veg do you want with the roast?', 'I need to veg tonight.').
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- After the long flight, I just want to veg in front of the telly.
- He vegged for the whole bank holiday.
- Don't bother him, he's vegging.
American English
- I'm going to veg out and watch some Netflix.
- She vegged on the couch all afternoon.
- Let's just veg for a bit before we decide.
adverb
British English
- Not typically used as an adverb.
- N/A
- N/A
American English
- Not typically used as an adverb.
- N/A
- N/A
adjective
British English
- I'll make a veg curry.
- We need some veg stock for the soup.
- It's a great veg patch in their garden.
American English
- Is this a veg dish? (less common)
- I picked up some veg broth.
- The recipe calls for veg shortening.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I eat veg every day.
- The children don't like veg.
- We need to buy more fresh veg for the salad.
- After school, I sometimes just veg in my room.
- I'm planning to veg out this weekend and recharge my batteries.
- The recipe requires about 500g of chopped mixed veg.
- After the intense project deadline, he spent Sunday in a state of complete veg-out, refusing to even check his emails.
- The chef's philosophy centres on seasonal, locally-sourced veg, treated with respect.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a VEGetable just sitting in the ground, doing nothing. To VEG is to be like that vegetable.
Conceptual Metaphor
HUMAN IS A PLANT (inactive state is like a vegetable's state).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid directly translating 'veg' (noun) as 'овощь' (incorrect) – the correct collective noun is 'овощи'.
- The verb 'veg (out)' does not translate neatly to 'отдыхать' (to rest) as it implies more passive, brainless inactivity. Closer to 'бездельничать' or 'тупить' (colloquial).
- Do not confuse with 'Vegas' (as in Las Vegas).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'veg' as a formal noun in writing (use 'vegetables').
- Omitting 'out' after the verb in contexts where it sounds unnatural (e.g., 'I vegged all evening' is acceptable, but 'I vegged on the sofa' often sounds better with 'out').
- Using countable form incorrectly (e.g., 'two vegs' – should be 'two types of veg' or 'two vegetables').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'veg' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a real, established informal word found in dictionaries. It originated as a clipping of 'vegetable' and has developed its own specific meaning, especially as a verb.
No, 'veg' alone can function as a verb, especially in UK English (e.g., 'I vegged all day'). However, 'veg out' is the more complete and common phrasal verb form, especially in US English. Using 'out' is never wrong.
No. 'Veg' is strictly informal and colloquial. In academic or formal writing, use 'vegetables' (noun) or rephrase the verbal idea (e.g., 'be inactive', 'relax passively').
'Veg' is generally treated as an uncountable/mass noun (like 'fruit' or 'money'). You don't say 'vegs'. For plural types, you say 'types of veg' or 'vegetables'. E.g., 'I bought some veg' or 'I bought three different vegetables'.