Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Tripping Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🤪
Add to dictionary

tripping

[ˈtrɪpɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

physical action

Tripping refers to the action of stumbling or losing one's balance while walking or running, often leading to a fall. It can occur due to various reasons, such as encountering an obstacle, being distracted, or slipping on a surface. In a broader sense, the term can also imply making a mistake or error in judgment, akin to metaphorically stumbling through a situation. Tripping can happen to anyone, and it is often a humorous or lighthearted topic when discussed in casual conversation.

Synonyms

falling, losing balance, slipping, stumbling, tumbling.

Examples of usage

  • I almost fell while tripping on the sidewalk.
  • He was tripping over his own feet while trying to dance.
  • She tripped when she stepped off the curb.
  • The dog tripped me as it ran past.
  • Be careful not to trip over the loose rug.
Context #2 | Noun

colloquial experience

In contemporary slang, 'tripping' can also refer to experiencing altered perceptions, often due to the influence of drugs, particularly hallucinogens. This usage denotes a state where one might feel disoriented or have unusual thoughts and sensations. It is often mentioned in the context of recreational drug use, wherein individuals report various vivid experiences. Additionally, 'tripping' can refer to the act of going on a spontaneous adventure or outing, sometimes without a clear destination.

Synonyms

adventure, altered state, disorientation, hallucinogenic experience.

Examples of usage

  • He was tripping hard after taking that substance.
  • That trip was confusing; I was really tripping.
  • She loves tripping with friends on the weekends.
  • The stories he tells about his tripping experiences are wild.
  • We went tripping through the city all night.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The term 'tripping' gained a new dimension in the 1960s and 70s counterculture, closely linked to experiencing altered states due to psychedelics.
  • Hip-hop music often uses 'tripping' in lyrics to describe over-the-top situations or actions, emphasizing a playful or outrageous vibe.
  • Movies like 'The Trip' showcase comedic scenarios stemming from characters stumbling through absurd adventures, highlighting the humor in tripping.

Psychology

  • In psychology, 'tripping' can symbolize losing grip on reality, often discussed in the context of stress or disorientation.
  • The phenomenon of trip-related experiences often highlights how perceptions can be altered by various factors, including mood and environment.
  • Social psychology explores how the fear of tripping can affect people's behavior in public spaces, impacting confidence and movement.

Literature

  • Poets and authors often use 'tripping' as a metaphor for life's unexpected challenges and the moments that make us stumble along our path.
  • In children's literature, characters who trip or stumble often embark on humorous adventures, reinforcing the idea that mistakes can lead to fun.
  • Classic novels sometimes depict characters tripping as a sign of their vulnerability, making the reader relate more closely to their journey.

Origin of 'tripping'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'trip' comes from the Old French 'triper,' meaning 'to trip or stumble' and has been used in English since the 14th century.
  • In Middle English, the term also referred to a light swift movement, showing its evolution from a physical act to a verbal expression.
  • The modern usage can also refer to emotional or mental states, like 'tripping out' during intense experiences.

The word 'tripping' has its origins in Middle English 'trippen, trippien', derived from the Old English 'trippian', which means 'to tread' or 'to dance lightly'. This term evolved over the centuries, with variations occurring in different dialects. By the late 16th century, it began to be used more broadly to describe the action of stumbling or losing one's footing, particularly in physical movement. The colloquial usage of 'tripping' to describe altered states of consciousness can be traced back to the counterculture movements of the 1960s when it became associated with drug use, particularly hallucinogens. The dual meanings of the word reflect its rich linguistic history and adaptability in colloquial speech.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,958, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.