What Does ‘I Call Dibs’ Mean and Its Origins
Have you ever heard someone say, “I call dibs on that slice of cake? ” If so, you have encountered a common slang term often used in informal settings, including among children and adults. The phrase “I call dibs” is a playful claim to something, often using it to beat others to an advantage or to secure something for oneself temporarily.
The Meaning of “I Call Dibs”
“I call dibs” essentially means declaring your intention to get or have something for a short period. This expression is commonly used in competitive scenarios, where there is a shared interest or desire for a particular item or resource. For example, if you say, “I call dibs on the third room on the left,” it means you are declaring your right to that room, likely before someone else has a chance to claim it.
The term is so ubiquitous that it has become part of common culture, seen in various media and casual conversations. It often serves a practical purpose, allowing people to stake their claim in a non-confrontational manner.
The Origin of “I Call Dibs”
The origins of the phrase “I call dibs” date back to the early 1900s, and it has been used primarily by children to claim ownership or rights to something. The expression is a piece of British slang, and it provides a succinct way to express one's claim to an item or resource.
The most common usage is something like this: “I call dibs on that slice of cake.” In this context, the speaker is claiming a slice of cake as their own, before anyone else can take it. It’s a great way to avoid confrontation and to declare your intention without overtly stating it.
Historical and Cultural Usage
In different parts of the world, the concept of “calling dibs” has different implementations. For instance, in Chicago, where deep snowfalls are common in winter, neighbors often stake dibs on their parking spaces. They do this by placing a bulky item like a lawn chair in the spot, signalling their intention to use the space. This practice is a clever and practical way to claim a resource in a community setting.
A memorable example of the use of “calling dibs” is an old Far Side cartoon where the first fly to land on a beached whale yells “DIBS,” claiming the entire carcass for itself. This cartoon captures the spirit of the expression, highlighting its use in competitive and sometimes humorous situations.
Etymology of “Dibs”
The etymology of “dibs” is a fascinating topic. Dibs is not a typical English word, and it has an interesting historical meaning. The word “dibs” is sometimes linked to the concept of “drek,” which is slang for something worthless, or “dreck.” However, the most commonly accepted origin is related to a gambling game. The word “dibs” is believed to have originated from the Dutch term “dich,” meaning to seize or grab. Over time, this evolved into the English term “dibs,” which was used to declare ownership of something through a game involving coins or tokens.
Another theory suggests that “dibs” is an acronym for “declare it, it's mine,” which provides a clear meaning behind the expression. This theory aligns well with the practice of staking a claim to something, whether it’s a parking space or a slice of cake.
Interestingly, the term “dweeb” is sometimes incorrectly tied to “dibs,” but this etymology is incorrect. The term “dweeb” is a different word with its own history, unrelated to the origin of “dibs.” The common usage of “dweeb” has shifted over time to refer to someone who is considered dorky or socially awkward, which is entirely separate from the original meaning of “dibs.”
The phrase “I call dibs” is a fun and engaging way to express ownership or claim something, often used in playful and competitive contexts. Its origins are rooted in history and culture, providing an intriguing glimpse into the evolution of language and human behavior.