neg

¹

[ neg ]

noun

1. Informal. a photographic negative.
2. Slang. a backhanded compliment, especially one used when flirting.

verb (used with object)

1. Slang. to imply that (someone or something) is not good enough; to insult with a backhanded compliment or with qualified approval, especially as a ploy to lower the self-esteem of a person or cheapen an object before showing romantic interest or making an offer:

   He negged me for my weight while insisting that curvy ladies can be sexy too.

neg.

²

abbreviation for

1. negative.
2. negatively.

neg.

¹

abbreviation for

1. negative(ly)

NEG

²

abbreviation for

1. negative

Word History and Origins

Origin of neg¹

First recorded in 1870–75; shortening of negative ( def )

Example Sentences

Near the end, on “Ti nèg,” Joachim contrasts a peaceable tone with what the album’s liner notes describe as an effort to reclaim “the etymology of the N word.”

From New York Times

After word of this got back to Spears, she went scorched Earth, posting once again to Instagram but, this time, seeming to neg Timberlake's lack of basketball skills.

From Salon

“Union strong. Being both WGA and SAG I have been on strike since May 2nd. Good lord. Thank you to everyone who had our back,” she wrote on X. “Thank you to all my sister unions for joining the lines. Thank you to our strike captains, neg com, and pre guild folks who showed up. Strikes work.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Ty sag aftra members for hanging in and holding out for this historic deal! Ty neg comm, strike captains, staff, Duncan & Ray, our lawyers, the IA team , family and friends. Our sister unions for their unrelenting support! And the amptp for hearing us and meeting this moment! #sagaftrastrong”

From Los Angeles Times

You don’t need to “neg” someone and you don’t have to follow a strict set of guidelines about how to act around them since all people really seem to be looking for is someone who resembles a furry friend.

From Salon