WordGarden.iofrig
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /frˈɪɡ/
US
Meanings
Noun
an informal spelling of fridge or refrigerator
Verb
to have sex with someone or masturbate; an offensive expression
to waste time or behave foolishly, especially in frig around or frig about
(slang)to cheat, trick, or take advantage of someone
Beyond the definition
"Frig" is an informal word with a few different uses, and the tone matters a lot. Most often, it appears as a rude or old-fashioned verb meaning to masturbate, or as a milder stand-in for a stronger swear word, as in "Oh, frig!" or "What the frig?" In some older or casual writing, it can also mean to fiddle with something or handle it in a restless way. Very rarely, people use it as a short form of "refrigerator," but "fridge" is the normal spelling today and is much safer in everyday writing.
The word "frig" has a mixed history, and that is why it can feel a little tricky. In older and informal English, it has been used as a verb for fiddling with something, moving the hands about, or handling something in a small, restless way. It also developed a clearly vulgar sense meaning to masturbate. From that, it came to appear in mild exclamations such as "Oh, frig!" or in forms like "frigging," where it works as a softer substitute for a stronger swear word.
Some people have also used "frig" as a short form of "refrigerator," probably helped by the influence of names such as Frigidaire. But that use is much less important today than the spelling "fridge," which is the normal modern form. If you write "frig" when you mean the kitchen appliance, many readers may notice the rude sense first, or simply think the spelling looks odd.
So in modern English, the safest reading is this: as a noun for the appliance, use "fridge"; as a slang word, "frig" usually sounds rude, joking, dated, or softened by context. In fiction or speech, it can help show character voice, especially in older, rougher, or playful dialogue. In clear everyday writing, though, it is better used with care.
Examples
- 1
Informal emphasis
It's frigging cold out here.
- Cautionfrigging
informal, impolite emphasis for anger or impatience
- 2
Surprise or anger
What the frig is going on?
- Phrasewhat the frig
a mild swear used to show surprise or anger
- 3
Wasting time
Stop frigging around and finish the report.
- Phrasefrig around
waste time or behave foolishly instead of doing something
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- frig