1 B2 idiomatic informal
To tease or poke fun at someone repeatedly, often in a friendly but annoying way.
"His teammates kept ragging on him about the penalty miss, but it was all in good fun."
inseparable
rag on
B2 informal inseparable transitive
To tease, mock, or criticize someone repeatedly in a playful or nagging way.
In plain English
To keep making fun of someone or criticizing them, often again and again.
What does "rag on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To criticize or complain about someone persistently and in an unwelcome way.
"She's always ragging on me about being late — even when I'm only five minutes behind."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To use a rag on someone — to rub them the wrong way, to chafe at them persistently.
Actually means
To keep making fun of someone or criticizing them, often again and again.
Usage tip
Primarily American English slang. Can range from affectionate teasing between friends to persistent, unwelcome criticism. Context determines whether it is playful or unkind. Usually followed by 'on someone': 'stop ragging on me.' Common among younger speakers and in informal conversation.
Words that pair with "rag on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
someone him her them constantly always
How to conjugate "rag on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
rag on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rags on
he/she/it
Past simple
raged on
yesterday
Past participle
raged on
have + pp
-ing form
raging on
continuous
Hear "rag on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "rag on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.