Dabbed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dabbed

[dæbd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

dance move

Dabbed is the past tense of 'dab', which refers to a popular dance move characterized by a quick, sharp motion where a person drops their head while raising an arm, often placed at a diagonal angle. This dance became widely recognized in the mid-2010s, especially among youth and in pop culture. Dabbed can also refer to applying a small amount of something, like makeup or a substance, gently. The term can hold different meanings based on the context, but often it is associated with a celebratory or playful gesture.

Synonyms

applied, danced, patted, touched.

Examples of usage

  • He dabbed in celebration after scoring a goal.
  • She dabbed her makeup to look perfect for the event.
  • They all dabbed together when their favorite song played.
  • After winning the championship, the players dabbed for the cameras.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The 'dab' dance move became famous in the 2010s, where a person drops their head into the bend of their elbow while raising the opposite arm.
  • This dance move gained widespread popularity in sports and music, particularly associated with hip-hop culture.

Science

  • In medicine, 'dabbing' may refer to a method of applying ointments or medications to small areas of the skin.
  • The technique is important in art conservation, allowing professionals to clean delicate surfaces without causing damage.

Art

  • Many artists use dabbing techniques to create textured effects in paintings, adding depth to their work.
  • This technique can be seen in various forms of art, from watercolor painting to acrylics, enhancing visual interest.

Behavioral Psychology

  • Gentle actions like dabbing can have calming effects, often used in activities such as meditation or mindfulness.
  • In expressive arts therapy, dabbing can help individuals communicate emotions indirectly through artistic actions.

Origin of 'dabbed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'dab' likely comes from the Middle English 'dabben,' which means to pat or touch lightly.
  • It originally referred to a gentle, quick action, often related to applying color or substance in art.

The term 'dab' likely originated from a range of sources, with one of the most prominent being the hip-hop culture in Atlanta during the early 2010s. It gained immense popularity through social media platforms like Vine and Instagram, where users began to share videos of themselves performing the move. The word's usage can also reflect earlier meanings, where 'dab' in English emerged in the late 16th century, often referring to touching or applying lightly. The modern dance move encapsulates a blend of various cultural influences and has become a representative gesture in mainstream entertainment, often recognized in music videos and live performances. Its playful nature and visual appeal have solidified 'dabbing' as a significant part of contemporary pop culture.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,234, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.