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Fagging Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fagging

[ˈfægɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

school life

Fagging is a historical practice primarily associated with British boarding schools where younger students, known as 'fags,' are assigned to serve more senior students. This could involve running errands, carrying books, or performing various chores for their seniors. While the practice is rooted in a hierarchical system of young and old students, it has been controversial and criticized for promoting bullying and hazing. In modern contexts, the term is declining in use as schools move towards promoting equality and respect among students.

Synonyms

hazing, seniority, servitude.

Examples of usage

  • The fags were responsible for cleaning the common room.
  • He was exhausted from the strenuous fagging duties assigned by his prefect.
  • Fagging was seen as a rite of passage in many elite schools.
  • During the fagging period, younger students often learned the traditions of the school.

Translations

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

Origin of 'fagging'

The term 'fagging' comes from the early 19th century and is derived from the slang term 'fag,' which originally meant a 'young boy' or 'a servant.' This term was notably utilized within the sphere of British public schools, which had their own set of traditions and customs. Fagging was an accepted form of mentorship where older boys would be responsible for the guidance of younger ones, albeit through servitude. The practice reflects the longstanding traditions of hierarchy and respect within educational institutions. Over the years, as societal views regarding bullying and equality have evolved, the practice of fagging has been increasingly criticized and dismantled, leading to a decline in its prevalence in modern schools.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,589, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.