rag

B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun

n. old, torn, or dirty clothes.

n. clothing that is torn, frayed, or in a state of extreme disrepair; often used in the plural.

“The lost hiker was found wearing nothing but rags after a week in the woods.”

“The protagonist's journey from rags to riches is a classic theme in nineteenth-century literature.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Informal

n. a newspaper or magazine that you think is low quality or dishonest.

n. a derogatory term for a newspaper or periodical, implying poor journalistic standards or sensationalism.

“I don't know why you read that local rag; it's full of gossip and lies.”

“The politician refused to grant an interview to the local rag, citing their history of biased reporting.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun British English

n. a period of time when university students do funny or noisy things to collect money for charity.

n. an organised series of events, often involving pranks or parades, conducted by university students to raise funds for charitable causes.

“The students dressed up as superheroes for the annual rag week parade.”

“During the university rag, students occupied the town square to solicit donations for the local children's hospital.”

C1 · Advanced Informal

v. to tease someone or make fun of them in a playful or mean way.

v. to subject someone to persistent teasing, mockery, or practical jokes.

“The older boys used to rag him about his glasses until he learned to ignore them.”

“The senior officers would often rag the new recruits, though the practice was officially discouraged by the academy.”

C2 · Proficiency British English · Slang

v. to drive a car very fast and roughly without caring if you damage it.

v. to operate a vehicle at high speed or with excessive aggression, showing no regard for mechanical preservation.

“He really ragged that old van until the engine finally gave up.”

“It was clear the previous owner had ragged the car on track days, given the state of the suspension and brakes.”