vid.: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (informal/spoken). Not used in formal writing.Informal, colloquial. Often used in online/social media contexts, among younger speakers, or in casual conversation.
Quick answer
What does “vid.” mean?
Short for 'video'. Primarily refers to a short video recording or film, often amateur or informal in nature.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Short for 'video'. Primarily refers to a short video recording or film, often amateur or informal in nature.
Can refer to any video content, especially in digital contexts (e.g., sharing a vid online). In historical slang (late 20th century), sometimes used as a term for television ('the vid') or a music video.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Used in both varieties with minimal difference. The term is more strongly associated with online/internet culture, which is largely transnational.
Connotations
Informal, slightly dated but still understood. Can sound deliberately casual or 'retro'.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both. Possibly slightly more common in UK English as a slang term for television historically ('on the vid').
Grammar
How to Use “vid.” in a Sentence
Watch a vid (of something)Post a vid (to somewhere)Make a vid (about something)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “vid.” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I'll vid the concert on my phone.
- He's always vid-ing his cat.
American English
- I'm gonna vid the parade.
- Did you vid the touchdown?
adverb
British English
- N/A - Extremely rare and non-standard.
American English
- N/A - Extremely rare and non-standard.
adjective
British English
- It's a vid diary project.
- She's a vid game streamer.
American English
- Check out my vid channel.
- He works in vid production.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. 'Video' or 'presentation' is standard.
Academic
Not used. 'Video recording' or 'film' is appropriate.
Everyday
Casual conversation about sharing short videos online or on phones.
Technical
Not used as a technical term. 'Video file' or 'asset' is standard.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “vid.”
- Using 'vid' in formal writing.
- Pronouncing it as /vaɪd/ (like 'vide' in 'provide').
- Using it to refer to full-length movies.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is an informal, clipped form of 'video', widely understood but not used in formal contexts. It is listed in modern dictionaries as an informal noun.
Yes, informally (e.g., 'I'll vid it'). However, 'film' or 'record' are more common and neutral verbs.
'Vid' is casual and often implies a short, informal clip. 'Video' is the standard, neutral term for any moving visual recording, from a short clip to a feature film.
No. 'Vid' rhymes with 'bid' and 'lid' (/vɪd/). 'Feed' rhymes with 'need' (/fiːd/).
Short for 'video'. Primarily refers to a short video recording or film, often amateur or informal in nature.
Vid. is usually informal, colloquial. often used in online/social media contexts, among younger speakers, or in casual conversation. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on the vid (old slang for on TV)”
- “vid kid (historical, enthusiast)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
VIDeo without the 'eo' – a shortened, quick version.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER FOR CONTENT (a vid contains moving images and sound).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'vid' be LEAST appropriate?