Digs Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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digs

[dɪɡz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

archaeology

A site where archaeologists excavate to uncover artifacts and other historical remains.

Synonyms

digging, excavation, site.

Examples of usage

  • The team of archaeologists made an exciting discovery at the digs.
  • The digs revealed ancient tools and pottery.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A place where someone lives or stays temporarily.

Synonyms

pad, place, residence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
digs

Used informally, often among younger people or in casual conversation, to refer to someone's living situation or accommodations.

  • Check out my new digs!
  • He's got some cool digs in the city.
place

A general term for a location where someone lives. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts and is widely understood.

  • Do you want to come over to my place?
  • I found a nice place to rent.
residence

A formal term used in official documents, legal contexts, or when referring to the home of a more distinguished person. It conveys a sense of permanence or formality.

  • The residence of the ambassador is very luxurious.
  • You need to provide proof of residence.
pad

Another informal term for one's living space, often used by younger people. It can sometimes imply a cool or stylish residence.

  • Let's hang out at my pad tonight.
  • She moved into a new pad downtown.

Examples of usage

  • His new digs are really nice and spacious.
  • She invited us over to her digs for a barbecue.
Context #3 | Verb

informal

To break up, turn over, or remove earth, sand, etc., with a tool or machine.

Synonyms

burrow, dig up, excavate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
digs

Commonly used in informal language to refer to someone's living quarters or home.

  • He just moved into his new digs near the university.
  • Her digs are quite cozy and well-decorated.
excavate

Mostly used in formal contexts, especially in archaeology or construction, to describe the process of carefully removing earth to find something buried or to prepare a site for building.

  • Archaeologists plan to excavate the ancient ruins next summer.
  • They need to excavate the site before beginning construction on the new building.
dig up

Used when referring to the action of uncovering something that has been buried in the ground. It can also mean to discover or uncover information.

  • They had to dig up the old tree roots before planting the new garden.
  • The journalist worked hard to dig up crucial information for the story.
burrow

Typically used to describe the action of animals creating a tunnel or hole to live in. It can also be used metaphorically to talk about someone immersing themselves deeply in an activity or hiding away.

  • The rabbit burrowed deep into the ground to create its nest.
  • She burrowed herself in her blankets and refused to come out.

Examples of usage

  • He digs in the garden every weekend.
  • The construction crew dug a deep hole for the foundation.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culture

  • 'Digs' appears in various songs and pop culture references, often used to describe someone who appreciates or vibes with something.
  • In the 1960s, 'dig' was popularized among the counterculture movement as a term meaning to understand or enjoy.
  • 'Digs' can also refer to archeological sites where researchers explore ancient human activities.

Psychology

  • Research shows that digging can be a therapeutic activity, providing stress relief through physical engagement with the environment.
  • Children often learn best through tactile experiences, and activities that involve digging can enhance sensory exploration.
  • Play-based learning that includes digging has been found to help develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination in young children.

Science

  • In geology, digging is crucial for studying soil layers, which helps scientists understand Earth’s history.
  • Excavation techniques in digs are essential for uncovering fossils and evidence of past life on Earth.
  • Certain species of animals, like moles and rabbits, dig intricate tunnels underground for shelter and food.

Literature

  • In many adventure novels, characters often 'dig' as a metaphor for searching for deeper truths or hidden treasures.
  • The act of digging plays a crucial role in classic literature, symbolizing the quest for knowledge or understanding.
  • Authors often use the phrase 'digging deep' to convey the idea of exploring complex emotions or relationships.

Origin of 'digs'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originated from the Old English 'dīc', meaning a ditch or a mound.
  • Over time, it evolved and became associated with the action of breaking the earth.
  • In modern slang, 'digs' can also refer to a place to live, like a home.

The word 'digs' originated from the Middle English word 'diggen', meaning 'to delve'. It has been used since the 18th century to refer to archaeological excavation sites and later expanded to include informal living spaces. The verb form of 'digs' has roots in Old English and has been used to describe the action of digging or excavating since ancient times.


See also: dig, digger, digging.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,017, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.