Learn what “call dibs” means and how to use it in English with kids or friends.
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What Does “Calling Dibs” Mean?
The phrase “calling dibs” is a common informal way to claim something before anyone else does. When you “call dibs” on something, you are saying that you should have the right to use or take it first. It is often used among friends, family, or in casual settings where people want to reserve an item, a seat, or even a turn in a game.
How to Use “Calling Dibs”
To use this phrase, simply say “Dibs on [item]” or “I call dibs on [item]” to let others know that you want it first. This phrase is most commonly used in spoken English but can also appear in informal writing, such as text messages or social media posts.
Here are two examples of how “calling dibs” is used in conversation:
Example 1:
Two friends arrive at a movie theater and see two open seats. One quickly says, “I call dibs on the aisle seat!” This means the person is claiming the seat closest to the aisle before the other friend can take it.
Example 2:
A group of siblings is about to eat the last slice of pizza. One of them shouts, “Dibs on the last slice!” This lets everyone know that they want to eat it first.
Notice on this second example, you can just say “DIBS!” you don’t always have to say “I call dibs.”
Where Did “Calling Dibs” Come From?
The origin of “calling dibs” is not completely clear, but it is believed to come from a children’s game in the 19th century. The word “dibs” may have come from the word “divvy,” which means to divide or share. Over time, the phrase became popular in North America, especially among children and teenagers. Today, it is widely used by people of all ages to quickly and playfully claim something before others.
When to Use (and Not Use) “Calling Dibs”
“Calling dibs” is best used in casual situations with friends, family, or coworkers when joking around. It is not considered a formal way to claim something, so it should not be used in professional or serious settings. For example, you wouldn’t “call dibs” on an important work assignment or a job position. It sounds pretty unprofessional unless your work environment is very casual! Instead, this phrase works best when talking about small, everyday things like seats, food, or personal items.
Now try calling dibs in real life with your friends or family!
Now that you know how to use “calling dibs”, try using it in casual conversations to sound more like a native English speaker! Just remember that calling dibs doesn’t always mean you’ll get what you want—sometimes, you have to be quick! Have you ever called dibs on something? Let us know in the comments!
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