verb
Common
bags
bagz
Bags (verb) means to claim something for oneself before anyone else can. Example: “I bags the front seat!”
verb
1
To claim something for oneself before anyone else can.
"I bags the front seat!"
"She bagged the best desk by the window before the others arrived."
"He always bags the last biscuit before anyone else has a chance to reach."
intj
1
Used, chiefly by British children, to stake a first claim on something.
""Bags I go first!" he shouted, racing to the swing."
""Bags the top bunk!" called the youngest child as they entered the cabin."
""Bags I sit next to the window," she said, climbing onto the coach."
How to use bags
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA very informal British way of calling dibs on something.
When to use it
Mostly used in casual British English, especially among children — "bags I" is the classic form.
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- bagses
- Past tense
- bagsed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I _____ the front seat!
Etymology
From the verb bag in the sense "to make first claim on something," extended into a playground exclamation.
Related words
Rhymes for bags
See all rhymes for bags →Frequently asked questions
What does “bags” mean?
The word “bags” means to claim something for oneself before anyone else can. In plain terms, a very informal British way of calling dibs on something.
How do you pronounce “bags”?
“Bags” is pronounced bagz (/bæɡz/ in IPA).
How do you use “bags” in a sentence?
Here is “bags” used in a sentence: “I bags the front seat!”
What is the opposite of “bags”?
The opposite of “bags” — its antonyms — is fains.
What part of speech is “bags”?
Depending on how it is used, “bags” can be a verb and an intj.
Is “bags” a common word?
“Bags” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “bags” have?
“Bags” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to claim something for oneself before anyone else can.
What does it mean to 'bags' something?
To bags something is to claim it for yourself by saying so before anyone else does. It is playground and informal speech: you might bags the front seat, the last biscuit, or first go on a game. Speaking first is what secures your claim, so quick reactions win.
Is 'bags' the same as calling 'dibs'?
Yes, they mean the same thing in different places. 'Bags' or 'bagsy' is the British and Australian way of claiming something first; 'dibs' is the American equivalent. Both are informal, spoken rules among children and friends: whoever calls it out first has the recognised claim on the item or turn.
Is 'bags' formal or informal?
It is very informal, belonging to casual and childhood speech rather than serious writing. You would say it among friends or family to grab something light-heartedly, but never in a business or formal setting. In professional contexts you would instead say you are reserving, claiming, or calling something.
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