Unzip: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term originated in the 1960s and combines the prefix 'un-' with 'zip', suggesting the action of reversing the zipping process.
• Earlier forms of 'zip' in the 1920s came from the sound of a zipper itself, often used in the context of clothing.

Technology

• In computing, to 'unzip' means to extract files from a compressed folder, making them usable again.
• The ZIP file format was created in 1989 by Phil Katz and is now widely used for file compression and sharing.

Pop Culture

• Unzipping has appeared in various movies and cartoons, often representing a moment of surprise, mystery, or discovery.
• The action is commonly associated with fashion, as garments with zippers are prevalent and symbolize casual style.

Psychology

• The act of unzipping can metaphorically relate to revealing personal layers, as people often 'zip up' their emotions in social settings.
• Gestures such as unzipping can be linked to openness and vulnerability, displaying trust in others.

Literature

• Unzipping can symbolize the process of revealing truths or secrets in storytelling, often creating tension or excitement.
• Fictional characters might use unzipping a bag as a moment to discover hidden treasures or face challenges.

Ranking #35,810, 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.

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• 35807 predicating
• 35808 lodestone
• 35809 marzipan
• 35810 unzip
• 35811 alleluia
• 35812 impracticality
• 35813 damnably
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