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REFERENCE

ripping

adj. · n.
US //ˈɹɪpɪŋ// UK //ɹˈɪpɪŋ// rip·ping
  1. 1 excellent (adj.)
    C1 Advanced British English Informal Slang

    very good or exciting. You use this in a casual way to show you really like something.

    an intensifier used to describe something as excellent, splendid, or first-rate. This usage is increasingly dated but persists in certain British and Commonwealth dialects.

    Example

    We had a ripping time at the party last night.

    Example

    The children returned from the seaside claiming they had enjoyed a ripping adventure in the caves.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is mostly found in older British literature or used ironically today; modern speakers would prefer 'awesome' or 'great'.
  2. 2 very fast (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    moving with great speed or power.

    moving or proceeding with great speed, force, or momentum.

    Example

    The car went ripping past us on the motorway.

    Example

    The boat went ripping through the waves, leaving a massive wake behind it as it headed toward the harbour.
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  1. 3 the act of tearing (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the sound or action of something being torn apart.

    the action or sound of tearing something apart; functions as a gerund or verbal noun.

    Example

    The loud ripping of the fabric made everyone in the room turn around.

    Example

    The constant ripping of paper was the only sound heard in the office as they cleared out the old files.

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