noun

dag

Quiz me More like this

Dag (noun) means a ragged, pointed strip hanging from the edge of a piece of clothing, or a clump of matted wool and dirt on a sheep. Example: “The farmer clipped the dags from around the sheep's hindquarters before shearing.”

noun

A ragged, pointed strip hanging from the edge of a piece of clothing, or a clump of matted wool and dirt on a sheep.

"The farmer clipped the dags from around the sheep's hindquarters before shearing."

(Australian/New Zealand, informal) An unfashionable, awkward, or eccentric person, often used with affection.

"He called himself a bit of a dag, always wearing socks with sandals."

"She's a real dag, but everyone loves her for it."

verb

To trim the dirty, matted wool from a sheep.

"They spent the morning dagging the ewes before summer."

How to use dag

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMostly heard in Australian/New Zealand slang for a goofy, unfashionable person, though its original farming sense (matted sheep's wool) is still used too.

When to use it

The person sense is informal and largely confined to Australian and New Zealand English.

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like dag.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: dags
Third person singular: dags
Past tense: dagged

Test yourself on “dag” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The farmer clipped the _____ from around the sheep's hindquarters before shearing.

Etymology

From Middle English dagge, of likely Germanic origin, originally referring to a hanging shred of cloth.

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

View more →

dekagram decagram jag dkg daglock taglock dagging dung tag dirtball scruffbag slob

Related words

jag dagging daglock dirtball scruffbag slob taglock couch potato

Frequently asked questions

What does “dag” mean?

The word “dag” means a ragged, pointed strip hanging from the edge of a piece of clothing, or a clump of matted wool and dirt on a sheep. In plain terms, mostly heard in Australian/New Zealand slang for a goofy, unfashionable person, though its original farming sense (matted sheep's wool) is still used too.

How do you pronounce “dag”?

“Dag” is pronounced dag (/dæɡ/ in IPA).

How do you use “dag” in a sentence?

Here is “dag” used in a sentence: “The farmer clipped the dags from around the sheep's hindquarters before shearing.”

What is another word for “dag”?

Words with a similar meaning to “dag” include daglock, taglock, dagging, dung tag, dirtball and scruffbag.

What part of speech is “dag”?

Depending on how it is used, “dag” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “dag” come from?

The word “dag” comes from Middle English. From Middle English dagge, of likely Germanic origin, originally referring to a hanging shred of cloth.

How many meanings does “dag” have?

“Dag” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a ragged, pointed strip hanging from the edge of a piece of clothing, or a clump of matted wool and dirt on a sheep.

People also searched

jag dagging daglock dirtball scruffbag slob taglock couch potato