dibs

/dibz/

Thân thiện

I have dibs on that last slice of pizza.

Definition

Noun (informal, often used with a possessive) 1. A claim or right to something; a first claim on something. This is the primary and most common meaning. It expresses a declared right to have, use, or do something before others. 2. (Historical/Obsolete) A children's game played with sheep's knucklebones (jacks) or the small objects used in such a game.

Usage

• The word is almost always used in the pattern: "to have dibs on (something)" or "to call dibs on (something)."
• It is an informal term used in casual conversation, especially among friends or family.
• It establishes a non-binding but socially recognized priority.

Examples

• "I have dibs on the front seat!" (I claim the right to sit in the front seat.)
• "She called dibs on the last cookie." (She declared her claim to the last cookie first.)
• "Dibs on being the driver tonight." (I claim the right/role to be the driver tonight.)
• "Sorry, John already has dibs on that book." (Sorry, John has already claimed that book.)

Advanced Usage

• "First dibs": This phrase emphasizes being the very first to claim something. It strengthens the priority of the claim.
  • Example: "As the oldest, I get first dibs on choosing a room."
• The concept can be extended metaphorically to intangible things like opportunities or choices.
  • Example: "If the job opens up, I've got dibs."

Variants and Related Words

• Dib (verb, informal): To claim something by saying "dibs."
  • Example: "He dibbed the window seat before anyone else could."
• Claim (noun/verb): A more formal synonym for asserting a right to something.
• Right (noun): A more formal and legal term for a just claim or entitlement.

Synonyms

• Claim
• Rights
• First refusal (more formal)
• Priority

Related Phrases

• "Call shotgun": A specific, informal phrase for claiming the front passenger seat in a car, similar to "calling dibs" on it.
• "Baggsy" or "Bagsy" (chiefly British informal): Used in the same way as "dibs" to claim something.
  • Example: "Bagsy the blue one!"

Học thuật

Noun

1. a claim of rights
   • I have dibs on that last slice of pizza