Word
git
US/ˈɡɪt/
UK/ɡˈɪt/
Definitions
01an annoying person
C1 · Advanced Countable noun British English · Informal · Slang
n. an insulting word for someone you think is annoying, stupid, or unpleasant.
n. a derogatory term for an unpleasant, annoying, or incompetent person. While not as strong as a swear word, it is still insulting and informal.
“He forgot to pay me back again; he really is a selfish old git.”
“The driver cut me off without signaling, and I couldn't help calling him a miserable git under my breath.”
Usage
Usually preceded by an adjective like 'old', 'miserable', or 'selfish'.
02software tool
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Computing Technical
n. a popular computer program that helps developers track changes in their code and work together.
n. a widely used distributed version control system designed to track changes in source code during software development.
“I need to upload my latest code changes to Git before I leave.”
“The development team migrated their entire repository to Git to take advantage of its superior branching and merging capabilities.”
Teaching tip
In this context, the word is a proper noun and is almost always capitalized in professional writing.
Synonyms
Etymology
From Middle English get (“[illegitimate] offspring”). A southern variant of Scots get (“illegitimate child, brat”), related to beget.
Likely chosen for its shortness and pronounceability, but various other explanations and backronyms were offered after its introduction.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/git