# git

/ˈɡɪt/ (US) · /ɡˈɪt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/git
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. an annoying person

noun · CEFR C1 · British English · Informal · Slang

an insulting word for someone you think is annoying, stupid, or unpleasant.

For teachers: 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'.

### 2. software tool

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a popular computer program that helps developers track changes in their code and work together.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- Don't be such a selfish git.
- He's a grumpy old git who never says hello to his neighbours.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.