abbreviation Uncommon

PG

pee-JEE

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PG (abbreviation) means Parental guidance: a film or game rating meaning the content is broadly suitable for general viewing but some scenes may unsettle younger children, so a parent should decide. Example: “The film is rated PG for mild language and scary scenes.”

abbreviation

neutral Parental guidance: a film or game rating meaning the content is broadly suitable for general viewing but some scenes may unsettle younger children, so a parent should decide.

"The film is rated PG for mild language and scary scenes."

"Keep the conversation PG, there are kids in the room."

sport In basketball, point guard: the player who directs the offence and usually brings the ball up the court.

"He is listed as a PG but plays a lot of minutes at shooting guard."

Indian English Paying guest: a lodger who rents a room in someone's home, and by extension the accommodation itself.

"She is looking for a PG near the campus."

How to use PG

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething mild enough that a child could see it, with a parent's say-so.

When to use it

Used adjectivally in speech to mean clean or non-explicit: 'a PG version of the story'.

Memory tip

In American ratings PG sits between G and PG-13; the closest British equivalent is also PG, with 12A above it.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

PG-13 U certificate 12A R

Common pairings

rated PG PG-13 keep it PG PG version

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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”.

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The film is rated _____ for mild language and scary scenes.

Etymology

An initialism of parental guidance in its film-rating sense.

Origin: English

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between PG and PG-13?

PG means some material may not suit young children and parents should use judgement, with no age restriction. PG-13, an American rating, warns that some material is inappropriate for under-13s and signals stronger violence, language or themes, though it is still advisory rather than enforced.

What does 'keep it PG' mean?

It is an informal request to keep language and behaviour clean and family-friendly, with no swearing, sex or graphic detail. It borrows the film rating as shorthand for a level of acceptability.

What does PG mean in India?

It means paying guest, a common form of shared rented accommodation where a tenant rents a room in a house or hostel, often with meals included. Listings for student and young-professional housing use PG constantly.

What is the meaning of PG?

"PG" (abbreviation) means parental guidance: a film or game rating meaning the content is broadly suitable for general viewing but some scenes may unsettle younger children, so a parent should decide.