DictionaryribFriendly teasing
noun / verb

rib

A good-natured joke at someone's expense.

His friends rib him about his old hat.

Etymology

The teasing verb and noun developed in slang from rib. The precise link to the body-part name is uncertain, so a story about physically poking someone is not asserted.

More examples

  • She took the gentle rib in good humor.
  • They ribbed each other throughout the trip.
  • He knew the remark was only a friendly rib.

Forms

rib · ribs · ribbed · ribbing

Similar words

tease
Make fun of playfully or unkindly.
kid
Joke with someone informally.