1 C1 idiomatic slang
To tease or mock someone, often repeatedly, sometimes in a friendly way.
"My older brothers used to rip on me about my taste in music, but it was always good-natured."
inseparable
rip on
C1 slang inseparable transitive
To mock, tease, or criticise someone in an ongoing or repeated way, often in a joking but sometimes hurtful manner.
In plain English
To make fun of someone or talk badly about them, often in a joking way.
What does "rip on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic slang
To criticise or speak negatively about someone, especially publicly.
"Why do you always have to rip on people you've never even met?"
inseparable
Usage tip
Primarily American English, common among teenagers and young adults. Can be affectionate ribbing among friends or genuinely mean. Less common in British English.
Words that pair with "rip on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
friends someone people each other celebrities politicians
How to conjugate "rip on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
rip on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rips on
he/she/it
Past simple
riped on
yesterday
Past participle
riped on
have + pp
-ing form
riping on
continuous
Hear "rip on" in the wild
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