ripper

Everyday

1. A ripper is a person or tool that rips or tears things. tree →
2. (Australia, NZ, slang) «Ripper!» means great or excellent; «a ripper» is something really good. tree →
3. «Jack the Ripper» is the name given to an unknown murderer in London long ago; this is a grim, adult part of history. tree →

In the lessons

In Australian and New Zealand speech it is cheerful praise («You little ripper!»). In history it may come up with Victorian London. As a tool word, a «seam ripper» unpicks stitches in sewing. Phrases: «You little ripper!», «a ripper of a day», «seam ripper».

Examples

• That was a ripper of a game, mate! tree →
• «You little ripper!» Grandpa shouted when we won. tree →
• Mum used a seam ripper to undo the wrong stitches. tree →
• It was a ripper day at the beach. tree →
• Bluey's dad might call a good cake a ripper. tree →
• The police never caught Jack the Ripper. tree →

Note

The slang sense is informal and friendly, mainly Australian and New Zealand. Countable noun: rippers. The name «Jack the Ripper» is about real murders and is not a joke word.