Cribbing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cribbing

[ˈkrɪb.ɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

act of copying

Cribbing refers to the act of copying someone else's work or ideas, particularly in an academic or professional context. It is often associated with cheating or plagiarism, where one takes another's content without giving proper credit.

Synonyms

copying, fraud, plagiarism, theft.

Examples of usage

  • He was caught cribbing during the exam.
  • The student's cribbing led to serious consequences.
  • Cribbing can undermine the integrity of academic work.
Context #2 | Verb

to copy or plagiarize

To crib means to copy or steal ideas and expressions from another person's work, often used in the context of writing or studying. It implies a lack of originality and honesty.

Synonyms

duplicate, imitate, reproduce.

Examples of usage

  • She is accused of cribbing lines from famous poems.
  • Many students fall into the trap of cribbing instead of studying.
  • He cribbed his friend's homework for the entire semester.

Translations

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Origin of 'cribbing'

The word 'cribbing' has its roots in the early 19th century, deriving from the noun 'crib,' which means a small bed or cot, often associated with a child's bed. The transition of 'crib' into the verb form to imply stealing or copying someone else's work appears to have evolved from the notion of putting something into a 'crib' or 'cage,' suggesting a confinement or limitation of original ideas. Over time, 'cribbing' specifically became associated with the academic sphere in the late 20th century when concerns about plagiarism and cheating in educational settings came to prominence. Its usage reflects broader societal issues regarding originality, creativity, and ethical standards in scholarship and beyond.