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Dipstick: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ›ข๏ธ
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dipstick

 

[ หˆdษชpstษชk ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

measurement tool

A dipstick is a long, narrow tool used to measure the level of a liquid in a container, commonly used in automotive contexts to check engine oil levels. It can also refer to a stick that dips into a container to gauge the amount of liquid it holds. Dipsticks are essential for maintaining proper fluid levels in engines to ensure optimal performance. They can be made of metal or plastic and often have measuring markings on them.

Synonyms

gauge, indicator, measuring stick

Examples of usage

  • Use the dipstick to check the oil level.
  • He pulled out the dipstick to see how much gas was left.
  • The technician verified the fluid levels using a dipstick.
Context #2 | Noun

informal insult

Informally, the term "dipstick" may be used as a derogatory slang term to describe someone who is seen as foolish or incompetent. It conveys a sense of disdain for someone's lack of intelligence or common sense. The use of the term in this context is usually light-hearted or joking but can also be more serious depending on the situation.

Synonyms

fool, idiot, simpleton

Examples of usage

  • Stop acting like a dipstick and think things through.
  • He called him a dipstick for forgetting the meeting.
  • Don't be such a dipstick and make that mistake.

Translations

Translations of the word "dipstick" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น vara de mediรงรฃo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคกเคฟเคชเคธเฅเคŸเคฟเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช ร–lmesstab

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ batang pengukur

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั‰ัƒะฟ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ bagnet

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ‡ใ‚ฃใƒƒใƒ—ใ‚นใƒ†ใ‚ฃใƒƒใ‚ฏ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท tige de mesure

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ varilla

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท dipstick

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋”ฅ์Šคํ‹ฑ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ู‚ูŠุงุณ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mฤ›rnรก tyฤ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ meracia tyฤ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆฒนๅฐบ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ merilna palica

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ mรฆlisdรฝfa

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ำฉะปัˆะตัƒัˆั–

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒ–แƒแƒ›แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ รถlรงรผ รงubuฤŸu

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ varilla

Etymology

The term 'dipstick' originates from the combination of the words 'dip' and 'stick'. The verb 'dip', which means to immerse or lower something into a liquid, has Old English roots from the word 'dippa', while 'stick' comes from the Old English 'sticca', meaning a pointed instrument or an elongated piece of wood. Dipsticks have been used for centuries in various forms to gauge fluid levels, making the term a practical descriptor for this specific function. The informal usage of 'dipstick' began in British slang during the 20th century, adopting a more negative connotation as a term for individuals perceived to be lacking in intelligence. The evolution of the word reflects both its practical application in mechanical contexts and its figurative use in describing human behavior.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,016 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.