nip
What does "nip" mean?
To "nip" means to pinch, squeeze, or bite something quickly and sharply, often with your teeth or fingernails. Imagine the sudden, brief sting of a crab pinching your finger or the sharp sensation of cold air against your skin on a winter morning. It implies a quick, controlled action that causes a momentary prick or discomfort. In a figurative sense, it is commonly used in the phrase "nip it in the bud," meaning to stop a problem early before it grows into something worse. You might also hear it in British English as a quick, informal way to say you are going somewhere briefly, as in "I'm just going to nip to the shops." It is a light, punchy word usually describing something small in scale or duration.
"nip" in conversation
At the park
Watch out for the crab near the water!
Watch out for the crab near the water!
Yikes! It nearly nipped my toe.
Yikes! It nearly nipped my toe.
Used here to describe a quick, sharp pinch.
Quick errand
Are you going to the store?
Are you going to the store?
Yeah, I'm just going to nip out for some milk. I'll be back in five.
Yeah, I'm just going to nip out for some milk. I'll be back in five.
Common British English usage for a short, quick trip.
"nip" in a sentence
The winter air has a cold nip to it today.
The winter air has a cold nip to it today.
She nipped the loose thread off her sweater with scissors.
She nipped the loose thread off her sweater with scissors.
We need to nip this misunderstanding in the bud before the meeting starts.
We need to nip this misunderstanding in the bud before the meeting starts.
