Pipped Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Sports

• In horse racing, if a horse is 'pipped' at the post, it means it lost in the final seconds of the race.
• The term is often used in competitive sports to describe a narrow victory, capturing the drama of close contests.
• Players in games like tennis and soccer sometimes experience being pipped by an opponent's last-minute point.

Metaphor in Language

• In conversation, to say someone got 'pipped' often implies a surprise defeat, emphasizing the sudden nature of competition.
• The idiom expresses the idea of unexpected outcomes, indicating that nothing is certain until the end.
• It suggests a small but vital advantage in various contexts, highlighting that every detail can matter.

Pop Culture

• The term was popularized in various sports commentaries, adding a dramatic flair to narration.
• Films and literature often reference being 'pipped' to signify moral or competitive victories, effective in storytelling.
• In young adult fiction, characters often experience being pipped in friendly competitions, underscoring themes of resilience and rivalry.

Psychology

• The thrill of being pipped can reflect our natural instinct for competition and the psychology of winning.
• Experiencing a pipped victory can lead to increased motivation and goal-setting behavior in individuals.
• This feeling combines elements of surprise and satisfaction, contributing to the emotional highs in competitive settings.

Main points about word origin

• Derived from the old English word 'pip', which means to break or burst.
• Historically, the term was used in card games where one player would 'pip' another by winning unexpectedly.
• The word gained popularity in the early 19th century, particularly within British slang.

The verb 'pip' is thought to originate from the late 19th century, potentially derived from the sound of the pipping of a chick hatching or a similar auditory sensation. The term found its use in various contexts, including racing and competitive events, emphasizing a narrow escape or victory. The figurative use has expanded, associating it with instances of outsmarting or overcoming an opponent in general situations. Its rise in popularity can be tied to its informal adoption in sports lingo and competitive discourse, embodying that thrilling sensation of a close win. The word’s application has continued to evolve, often used in both serious contexts (like sports) and more casual or humorous exchanges.

At position #40,101, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.

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