ENGLISH
REFERENCE

ripper

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈɹɪpɝ// UK //ɹˈɪpɐ// rip·per Archaic Slang

n. something that is excellent or very impressive. You use this word when you are really excited about how good something is.

n. an object or event of exceptional quality or intensity. Primarily used in Australian English to express enthusiastic approval.


SIMPLE

That goal he scored was a real ripper.

CONTEXTUAL

We had a ripper of a time at the beach party last night.

COMPLEX

The local press described the match as a ripper, noting the high level of skill and the dramatic finish in the final minutes.

Etymology 1

From rip + -er; originated 1605–15.

Etymology 2

Compare rip (“a basket”), or riparian (“relating to a river bank”).

Usage

Often used in the construction 'a ripper of a [noun]' to emphasize the quality of the following noun.

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