WordGarden.iorag
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /rˈæɡ/
US
- /ˈræɡ/
Meanings
Noun
an old piece of cloth, especially one used for wiping or cleaning
a newspaper or magazine, especially one regarded as low-quality or sensational
a piece of ragtime music or another lively syncopated tune
Verb
(informal)to tease, mock, or scold someone persistently
Beyond the definition
A rag is usually an old piece of cloth, often worn or torn, used for dirty jobs like wiping up spills, polishing furniture, or cleaning a greasy engine. You can picture a mechanic with one over their shoulder. Beyond cleaning, "rag" is also a common, slightly insulting word for a low-quality newspaper or tabloid. If you think a paper is full of gossip and nonsense, you might call it a "worthless rag." It is a word that moves easily from everyday cleaning to sharp comments about the press.
The word "rag" has a surprisingly versatile history, originating from its literal meaning as a torn or weathered piece of fabric. In its most common sense, a rag is a humble utility tool—think of an old T-shirt repurposed to dust a bookshelf or mop up a leak. Beyond the cloth itself, "rags" serves as a collective noun for tattered or impoverished clothing, famously featured in "rags-to-riches" stories where a protagonist overcomes poverty to achieve great success.
In the world of media, "rag" takes on a cynical edge. It is a colloquial, often derogatory term for a newspaper or magazine that is considered sensationalist or poorly written. "I wouldn't even use that rag to wrap my lunch!" is a classic way to question a publication's credibility.
The word also functions as a verb. To "rag" or "rag on" someone means to tease, nag, or keep criticizing them. For example, you might rag a friend about a silly mistake they made. In British English, a "rag" can also refer to a traditional university event with parades, jokes, and pranks held to raise money for charity.
Finally, there is a musical connection. "Rag" appears in "ragtime," an early popular music style known for its syncopated rhythm and strongly linked with piano music in the late 1800s and early 1900s. From cleaning a kitchen floor to the lively beat of a piano, "rag" is a simple syllable that carries a surprising amount of history and nuance.
Examples
- 1
Cleaning
She wiped the kitchen counter with a wet rag.
- 2
Car cleaning
I keep an old rag in the car to clean the windows.
- 3
Clothing
In the old photo, the children are dressed in rags.
- 4
Gossip magazine
That magazine has turned into a gossip rag.
- Phrasegossip rag
an informal, often low-quality magazine or newspaper about celebrities
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Success story
She went from rags to riches after her business took off.
- Phrasefrom rags to riches
from being very poor to being rich
- 6
Anger trigger
Mentioning his ex in front of him is like a red rag to a bull.
- Phraselike a red rag to a bull
very likely to make someone angry
- 7
Teasing
The other kids kept ragging him about his haircut.
- Usagerag someone about something
make fun of someone repeatedly; mainly British English
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- ragnounverb
Forms
- ragspluralnounverb
- raggedpast tenseverbnoun
- ragging-ing formverbnoun