Where did the slang dig it come from?

slang sense of "understand" is recorded by 1934 in African-American vernacular. Both probably are based on the notion of "excavate." A slightly varied sense of "appreciate" emerged by 1939. So there were a few intermediate steps between "digging a hole" and "digging a game".

This particular use of 'dig' can mean either to like or understand something. It could also mean a combination of the two, as a general verb of approval for something. The term was particularly popular during the 1960s-1970s and is today considered slightly old-fashioned.

Where did the phrase "ya dig" come from? It came to America with the Irish of the diaspora especially after the Great Hunger. The Irish root was an dtuigeann tú? (do you understand) more-or-less pronounced “un diggan too”. It got shortened to “You dig?”.

dig noun C (ACCOMMODATIONS)

informal for lodgings : Many students in London have to live in digs.

From Middle English diggen (“to dig”), alteration of Old English dīcian (“to dig a ditch, to mound up earth”) (compare Old English dīcere (“digger”)) from dīc, dīċ (“dike, ditch”) from Proto-Germanic *dīkaz, *dīkiją (“pool, puddle”), from Proto-Indo-European *dʰeygʷ- (“to stab, dig”).

“Dig”, as slang, meaning to like something is very dated but some people still say it, especially people who grew up in the 1930's and 1940's. By the way, they would say “Do you dig it?” not “Can you dig it?” And the reply might be, “Yeah, I dig it” or “I really dig it!”

If you can dig it, that means you're into it, you like it, and you think it's cool—be "it" a thing, a situation, or a vibe. It could also mean that you understand it. Like many idioms on this list, the origins came from African American and jazz slang from the 1930s and progressed in popularity throughout the 1960s.

booker T!!! The expression originated from the Gaelic "tigim", meaning I understand.

"The American Dictionary of Slangsays 'dig' derives from the 'Celtic word. . . twig', meaning 'to understand'. There is no Celtic word twig, because there is no 'Celtic language'. The vernacular 'twig' and 'dig' are both derived from the Irish 'tuig'." On the derivation process, however, certainty deserted him.

(slang, derogatory) A dull, unattractive girl or woman. She's a real dog. (slang) A man, guy, chap. You lucky dog! (derogatory) Someone who is cowardly, worthless, or morally reprehensible.

Digs is derived from the earlier term diggings, which shares the same meaning of "living quarters" or "lodging." This sense of diggings goes back to the 19th century.

Dug – Dug simply means “dog” in Scottish dialect. Bring your wee pal with you to the Highlands, we have dug-friendly rooms at The Kingsmills! Heilan Coo – The iconic “Highland cow“.

“Bloke” would be the American English equivalent of “dude.” It means a "man." In the same vein as “bloke,” “lad” is used, however, for boys and younger men.

Slang. to have or take part in a street fight between or among teenage gangs: Rival gangs rumbled on Saturday afternoon.

nounSlang. a neighborhood, especially an urban neighborhood inhabited predominantly by African Americans of low socioeconomic status: It's hard for these kids to break the cycle of poverty and get out of the 'hood.

dig in. Excavate trenches to defend oneself in battle and hold one's position, as in The battalion dug in and held on. This usage gained currency in the trench warfare of World War I.

Can You Dig it? Typically meaning, “Are you cool with that? Do you understand?” This phrase was used all the time if you grew up during the 70's. If you wanted to check with your friends to see if they were down with hanging out after school, you'd say “Can yah dig it?”

On this page you'll find 34 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to dig it, such as: appraise, check, determine, estimate, fix, and gauge.

If you have a dig at someone, you say something which is intended to make fun of them or upset them. She couldn't resist a dig at Dave after his unfortunate performance. Synonyms: cutting remark, crack slang, insult, taunt More Synonyms of dig. 7.

Rad – great, excellent and cool. You would use it as an expression for something awesome. Say you went to see a live band and you thought that it was out of this world, you could also use the word rad to show how much you enjoyed it. Hip – a slang word for in the know and fashionable.

Top 10 American Slang Words in 2023

Shaq does nothing without flair. The phrase comes from the movie "The Warriors," a classic, great film about a gang leader named Cyrus who tried to unite New York's gangs into one force. "Can you dig it?" he bellowed over and over to the Central Park gathering where he announced his plan.

The five-part Can You Dig It? A Hip-Hop Origin Story audio series narrated by hip-hop legend Chuck D is out now. Commemorating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, this Audible Original series documents the journey and rarely told story that set the table for hip-hop to be born in the Bronx during the early 1970s.

' Catchphrase Came From An Iconic Movie. Booker T believes stealing things from other forms of entertainment is part of what wrestling is.

Bob: slang for money. See also quid and sterling. Bonnet: car hood. Boot: car trunk. Bord Fáilte (pronounced bord fal-cha): The Irish Tourist Board (Gaelic, "Board of Welcome")

The Republic of Ireland has one national civilian police force, called “An Garda Síochána”, meaning 'Guardians of the Peace of Ireland'. It has 14,500 staff members and provides both local and national law enforcement services. It is commonly referred to as “Garda”.

"It'll be grand."

This one's a little confusing - grand takes on a slightly different meaning when in Ireland. When someone says something is 'grand', it actually means that whatever they're referring to is okay or fine.