Etymology

ribby

R1I1B3B3Y4

Today it means: Pertaining to or having ribs; ribbed. Full definition →

First used 18th c.
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The story

From rib + -y.

First known use, by meaning

  • from 18th c. Pertaining to or having ribs; ribbed.
  • from 19th c. Specifically, so thin as to have prominent ribs; emaciated.
  • from 20th c. Shabby, in poor condition.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.