noun

stig

stihg

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Stig (noun) means British slang for someone seen as scruffy or from a rough background. Example: “The other kids called him a stig because of his hand-me-down clothes.”

noun

British slang for someone seen as scruffy or from a rough background.

"The other kids called him a stig because of his hand-me-down clothes."

Slang for an electronic cigarette or vape.

"He pulled out his stig for a quick puff between classes."

How to use stig

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBritish slang with two very different meanings depending on context — a scruffy person, or a vape.

When to use it

Informal slang, mainly British.

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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”.

Word forms

Plural: stigs
Third person singular: stigs
Past tense: stigged

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The other kids called him a _____ because of his hand-me-down clothes.

Etymology

The scruffy-person sense comes from Stig, the wild boy character in Clive King's 1963 children's book "Stig of the Dump".

· First attested 1963

Class of 1963 stig joined the language around 1963.

Dalek quark TARDIS

See the full Class of 1963 →

Rhymes for stig

tig

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Frequently asked questions

What does “stig” mean?

The word “stig” means british slang for someone seen as scruffy or from a rough background. In plain terms, british slang with two very different meanings depending on context — a scruffy person, or a vape.

How do you pronounce “stig”?

“Stig” is pronounced stihg (/stɪɡ/ in IPA).

How do you use “stig” in a sentence?

Here is “stig” used in a sentence: “The other kids called him a stig because of his hand-me-down clothes.”

What part of speech is “stig”?

“Stig” is a noun.

Where does the word “stig” come from?

The word “stig” dates back to around 1963. The scruffy-person sense comes from Stig, the wild boy character in Clive King's 1963 children's book "Stig of the Dump".

How many meanings does “stig” have?

“Stig” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: british slang for someone seen as scruffy or from a rough background.