Dab Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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dab
[dæb ]
Definitions
dance move
To perform a dance move by dropping the head while raising an arm and the elbow on one side.
Synonyms
dance move, move.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| dab |
A popular dance move where you drop your head into the crook of one arm while raising the opposite arm dramatically. This has a playful and often youthful connotation.
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| dance move |
A specific motion or sequence of motions executed during a dance. This has a neutral connotation and is used to describe any type of dance action.
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| move |
A general word for any action or maneuver, particularly in dance or sports. Its connotation can vary depending on the context but is generally neutral.
|
Examples of usage
- He dabbed on the dance floor.
- She dabbed to the beat of the music.
drug use
A small amount of a substance, especially in drug use.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| dab |
Use it when you want to describe applying a small amount of a substance, usually in a gentle or quick way.
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| small amount |
Appropriate when talking about a small quantity of almost any substance or item, optionally for more formal or general contexts.
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| drop |
Ideal for describing a small quantity of liquid, usually referring to individual droplets.
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Examples of usage
- He took a dab of the substance.
- She only needed a dab to feel the effects.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- The 'dab' dance move became wildly popular in the mid-2010s, often seen in sports celebrations and music videos.
- Rapper Cam Newton and various athletes contributed to the dab's popularity, turning it into a cultural phenomenon.
Art and Cooking
- In painting, dab refers to a technique where you apply color with little strokes, creating textures and layers.
- In cooking, you can dab a bit of sauce or oil onto foods to enhance flavor without overwhelming them.
Science
- Used in scientific contexts, 'dab' can refer to applying small amounts of substances, for instance in laboratory experiments.
- Dabbing is also a term related to the consumption of cannabis concentrates, indicating a method of using small amounts for effects.
Psychology
- The act of dabbing can signify playfulness in children's interactions, emphasizing lightness and fun in their movements.
- In dance therapy, the dab movement can express joy and spontaneity, triggering positive emotional responses.
Origin of 'dab'
Main points about word origin
- The word originated from the Middle English 'dabben', meaning to touch or pat.
- Dab has been used in various contexts, typically implying a small touch or stroke, dating back to the 15th century.
The term 'dab' originated as a dance move in the hip-hop culture in the 2010s. It gained popularity through social media and became a viral trend. The usage of 'dab' expanded to other contexts, such as drug use, to refer to a small amount of a substance. The word 'dab' has evolved to have multiple meanings and is commonly used in informal settings.
See also: dabbler.