drip
UK[drɪp]US[drɪp]
v
to fall in small drops of liquid
v
to produce or let fall drops of liquid
n
a small drop of a liquid
n
the sound or action of liquid falling in drops
n
(slang) a dull or uninteresting person
Etymology
the word 'drip' originates from the old english verb 'dryppan', meaning 'to fall in drops'. this itself is derived from the proto-germanic 'drupjaną', a verb related to dropping. the word is ultimately imitative, likely echoing the sound of liquid falling in discrete drops, connecting it to other onomatopoeic words like 'drop'. over time, its meaning expanded from the core action to describe the drops themselves, the resulting sound, and, metaphorically in modern slang, a person lacking style or excitement.
Analysis
the word 'drip' is a simplex word of old english origin. it is not productively formed from smaller, independent morphemes in modern english.
Examples
water began to drip from the leaky faucet.
she left the paint can to drip dry on the newspaper.
he's a nice guy, but he's a total drip at parties.