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rag on

B2 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words

To keep making fun of someone or criticizing them, often again and again.

Literal meaning: To use a rag on someone — to rub them the wrong way, to chafe at them persistently.

Meanings

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."

Grammar: inseparable
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."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

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.

Commonly used with

someone him her them constantly always

Forms

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

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