What Does "Dibs" Mean? Interpretations and Usage Examples

Dibs is a term that originated in the United States and refers to a claim or a right to something, especially one that is exclusive or prioritized. The word is often used informally and can have different meanings depending on the context. Here are some possible interpretations of "dibs":

1. Priority: In this sense, dibs refer to a person's priority or preference over someone else when it comes to accessing or using something. For example, "I had dibs on the last donut, but my coworker took it without asking."
2. Exclusive rights: Dibs can also refer to exclusive rights or ownership over something. For instance, "He has dibs on the best parking spot in the neighborhood."
3. First come, first served: In some cases, dibs can be used interchangeably with "first come, first served," indicating that the person who arrived or claimed something first has priority over others.
4. Informal agreement: Dibs can also be used to describe an informal agreement or understanding between two or more people. For example, "We had a dibs on the beach umbrella for the day."
5. Childish claim: In some contexts, dibs can be used to describe a childish or selfish claim over something, often with a hint of humor or irony. For instance, "He's acting like he has dibs on all the candy in the bag."

Overall, dibs is an informal term that conveys a sense of priority, exclusivity, or ownership, and its meaning can vary depending on the context in which it is used.