Dig somebody in the ribs
verb phrase
To poke or jab someone in the rib area, usually with an elbow, to get their attention or to tease them.
His friend quietly dig him in the ribs to show him the surprise his family had planned for his birthday.
Often appears as...
- give a dig in the ribs
- feel a dig in the ribs
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb phrase
To make a comment or joke to tease or annoy someone.
John's friend never missed an opportunity to dig him in the ribs about his childhood nickname.
Often appears as...
- take a dig in the ribs
- make a dig in the ribs
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial, Idiomatic
verb phrase
To poke or jab someone in the rib area, usually with an elbow, to get their attention or to tease them.
His friend quietly dig him in the ribs to show him the surprise his family had planned for his birthday.
Often appears as...
- give a dig in the ribs
- feel a dig in the ribs
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb phrase
To make a comment or joke to tease or annoy someone.
John's friend never missed an opportunity to dig him in the ribs about his childhood nickname.
Often appears as...
- take a dig in the ribs
- make a dig in the ribs
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial, Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Gesture
Literally involves a gentle, playful poke, not meant to harm but to signal or joke.
During the movie, she'd dig him in the ribs every time a funny scene came up.
Pro Tip 2/3Friendly Attention
Used among friends to subtly get attention without interrupting others.
He dig her in the ribs to quietly point out the surprise guest.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Aggressive
Should not be confused with aggressive behavior; it's a light, friendly touch.
In a crowded room, she dig him in the ribs to pass the note.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Gesture
Literally involves a gentle, playful poke, not meant to harm but to signal or joke.
During the movie, she'd dig him in the ribs every time a funny scene came up.
Pro Tip 2/3Friendly Attention
Used among friends to subtly get attention without interrupting others.
He dig her in the ribs to quietly point out the surprise guest.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Aggressive
Should not be confused with aggressive behavior; it's a light, friendly touch.
In a crowded room, she dig him in the ribs to pass the note.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Gesture
Literally involves a gentle, playful poke, not meant to harm but to signal or joke.
During the movie, she'd dig him in the ribs every time a funny scene came up.
Pro Tip 2/3Friendly Attention
Used among friends to subtly get attention without interrupting others.
He dig her in the ribs to quietly point out the surprise guest.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Aggressive
Should not be confused with aggressive behavior; it's a light, friendly touch.
In a crowded room, she dig him in the ribs to pass the note.
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