trip over urban dictionary

What Does Trippin Mean? – Meaning, Uses and More

What Does Trippin Mean?

The term trippin is a slang term that has multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used. One common meaning of trippin is when someone is overreacting or getting worked up over something minor. It is often used to advise someone to calm down or not make a big deal out of something. For example, if someone says, “I just saw a unicorn fly over my house!” another person might respond with, “Dude, why are you trippin?”

Another meaning of trippin is when someone is acting crazy or irrational. It can be used to describe someone who is behaving strangely or unpredictably. For example, if someone says something nonsensical, another person might say, “Man, you’re trippin, what I meant was that she doesn’t look like a horse.”

The term trippin can also refer to being under the influence of a hallucinogenic drug, such as LSD or mushrooms. It is used to describe the experience of seeing things that aren’t real but appear real to the person who is tripping. For example, someone might say, “When I was trippin’, I thought I could fly, so I jumped off the roof of the Kwik-Stop and broke my neck.”

Additionally, trippin can be used to express dissatisfaction or frustration with someone’s reactions to ordinary situations. It is a way to describe someone who is overreacting or misunderstanding the situation. For example, if a mother refuses to let her son go to a party, he might mutter under his breath, “She’s trippin, she’s always tripping over everything!”

Lastly, trippin can also mean to be completely out of it or in a daze. It is used to describe someone who is not fully present or aware of their surroundings. For example, if someone is acting spaced out or not paying attention, another person might ask, “Why are you trippin, man?”

Overall, the term trippin is a slang term that can have different meanings depending on the context. It can be used to describe someone who is overreacting, acting crazy, under the influence of drugs, expressing dissatisfaction, or not fully present. It is a versatile term that is often used in casual conversation.

What Does Trippin Mean From a Girl?

When a girl uses the term trippin , it generally has the same meanings as when guys use it. However, girls may use it in slightly different ways or contexts compared to everyone else.

Here are some key points to consider:

• Specific meaning from a girl : Girls may use the term trippin to describe someone who is overreacting, acting crazy, or not fully present. They may also use it to express dissatisfaction or frustration with someone’s reactions to ordinary situations.
• How girls use it : Girls may use trippin in conversations with their friends or in online communities where discussions about emotions and reactions are more common. They may also use it to describe their own feelings or experiences.
• How to reply : If someone uses trippin in a conversation with you, the best way to reply depends on the context and your relationship with the person. You can acknowledge their feelings, offer support or reassurance, or simply ask them what’s going on.

It’s important to note that while the general meanings of trippin are similar for everyone, individual usage may vary. Some girls may use it more frequently or in different situations compared to others. As with any slang term, it’s always best to pay attention to the specific context and tone of the conversation to fully understand its intended meaning.

• Girl A: Did you see Sarah’s reaction when she found out she didn’t get the job?
• Girl B: Yeah, she was totally trippin ! It’s not the end of the world.
• Girl A: I can’t believe he got so mad over such a small mistake.
• Girl B: Right? He’s always trippin about the little things.
• Girl A: I feel like everyone is judging me all the time.
• Girl B: Don’t worry, you’re just trippin . People have better things to do.
• Girl A: I can’t stop thinking about what happened yesterday.
• Girl B: You’re trippin , girl. It’s time to move on and focus on the present.
• Girl A: I don’t know why he’s acting so weird lately.
• Girl B: Maybe he’s just trippin about something. You should talk to him and find out what’s going on.

What Does Trippin Mean From a Guy?

When a guy uses the term trippin , it can have similar meanings as when girls use it. However, guys may use it in their own unique way or context compared to girls.

• Specific meaning from a guy : Guys may use the term trippin to describe someone who is overreacting, acting crazy, or not fully present. They may also use it to express dissatisfaction or frustration with someone’s reactions to ordinary situations.
• How guys use it : Guys may use trippin in conversations with their friends or in more casual settings where slang and humor are common. They may also use it to playfully tease or joke around with others.
• How to reply : If a guy uses trippin in a conversation with you, the best way to reply depends on your relationship with the person and the context of the conversation. You can play along with the joke, offer a lighthearted response, or simply ask them what they mean by it.

While the general meanings of trippin are similar for both guys and girls, individual usage may vary. Some guys may use it more frequently or in different situations compared to others. As with any slang term, it’s important to pay attention to the specific context and tone of the conversation to fully understand its intended meaning.

So if a guy says “You’re trippin!” to you, don’t take it too seriously. It’s likely just his way of joking around or expressing his playful side. Embrace the humor and enjoy the banter!

• Guy 1: Bro, did you see that new action movie? The stunts were insane!
• Guy 2: Yeah, man! The car chase scene had me trippin! It was so intense!
• Guy 1: I can’t believe my favorite team lost the game. I’m so disappointed.
• Guy 2: Don’t trip, dude. They’ll bounce back in the next game. It’s just one loss.
• Guy 1: I’m so stressed about this upcoming exam. I don’t think I’ll pass.
• Guy 2: Chill out, bro. You’re just trippin. You’ve studied hard, and you’ll do great.
• Guy 1: My girlfriend got mad at me for forgetting our anniversary. I messed up big time.
• Guy 2: Don’t worry, man. She’ll understand. You’re just trippin over a small mistake.
• Guy: I can’t believe I lost my wallet. I’m freaking out!
• Friend: Relax, dude. You’re just trippin. It happens to the best of us. Let’s retrace your steps and find it together.

Origin of Trippin

The origins of the word/phrase “trippin” are not clear. It is possible that it is a derived word, but there is no definitive evidence to support this. It could have originated as a slang term within specific communities or subcultures and then gained broader usage over time. It is also possible that it was a popular typo or misspelling of another word that became widely adopted. However, without more information or historical evidence, it is difficult to determine the exact origins of the word/phrase “trippin.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Slangs similar to trippin.

Wacky, loony, bonkers, nutty, and cuckoo are similar to “trippin” because they all describe behavior that is crazy, irrational, or acting crazy. These terms are used to describe someone who is not in a sound state of mind or is exhibiting eccentric or unpredictable behavior, just like “trippin.”

Is Trippin A Bad Word?

No, “trippin” is not a bad word or vulgar word. It has multiple meanings and can be used in different contexts. It can refer to someone hallucinating or experiencing the effects of a hallucinogenic drug. It can also be used to describe someone overreacting or acting crazy. However, it is important to note that in some cases, it may be used in a derogatory or offensive manner.

Is Trippin a Typo or Misspelling?

No, “trippin” is not a misspelling or typo. It is a slang term with multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used, such as overreacting, acting crazy, being under the influence of drugs, expressing dissatisfaction, or being in a daze.

You may also like

What Does Oy Mean? – Meaning, Uses and More

• Rules/Help/FAQ Help/FAQ
• Members Current visitors
• Interface Language

Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.

Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.

• English Only

Trip someone over

• Thread starter kachibi
• Start date Nov 11, 2020

Senior Member

• Nov 11, 2020

Context: primary level English. I roughly know what "trip" means. It means someone fells because his/her feet hit something/ someone as he/she walks. I come across a phrasal verb "trip someone over" in a story about a group of kids being mean to a kid: They were so mean to him all day. They tripped him over. I know it means the kids try to kick him and make him fall down. But I am also curious: must "kicking" be involved? Can "pushing (no legs are involved) someone to the ground (hence he/she fells as well)" be regarded as "trip him over" as well?  

You "trip" someone who is running (or maybe walking). You put an obstacle, typically your foot, in front of them so that they fall over it. It is a very common move in football! (Though not strictly speaking allowed.)  

Keith Bradford

Kicking is not necessarily involved. The could trip him by placing a brick, a rope or a stick in his way, or even by bending down behind him while someone else pushes him.  

kachibi said: I come across a phrasal verb "trip someone over" They tripped him over. Click to expand...

@Keith Bradford You said "pushes him", do you mean the phrasal verb "trip someone over" also includes "pushing someone to the ground (so that he/she falls)" by hands not by foot?  

dojibear said: ...I have never herad "trip someone over" as a phrasal verb... Click to expand...

kachibi said: @Keith Bradford You said "pushes him", do you mean the phrasal verb "trip someone over" also includes "pushing someone to the ground (so that he/she falls)" by hands not by foot? Click to expand...

I have the same question that OP says in post #5. Background: if you "trip" someone, you cause them to stumble. If they stumble, they could fall over (no longer stand up) or they could recover (continue standing up). Question: does the BE expression "trip someone over" mean "trip them so that they fall over"? Or does it just mean "trip them" (they might fall over, or they might recover)?  

dojibear said: Question: does the BE expression "trip someone over" mean "trip them so that they fall over"? Click to expand...

dojibear said: I have never herad "trip someone over" as a phrasal verb. Are you sure there isn't some word after "over"? Click to expand...

English [ edit ]

Verb [ edit ].

trip over ( third-person singular simple present trip overs , present participle trip overing , simple past and past participle trip overed )

• To trip or stumble and almost fall, as a result of bumping into someone or something with one's feet.

Translations [ edit ]

• English lemmas
• English verbs
• English phrasal verbs
• English phrasal verbs with particle (over)
• English multiword terms

Navigation menu

Slang dictionary

Trippin’.

or trippin [ trip -in]

What does  trippin' mean?

You trippin’  means you’re acting a fool, thinking crazy thoughts, or are maybe high on mushrooms. Trippin’ out is “freaking out” or “being extremely high.”

Related words:

• geekin’
• set trippin’
• sweatin’

Where does trippin’ come from?

In drug slang, a trip is a metaphor for the hallucinatory high produced by LSD, magic mushrooms, and other drugs. The term dates back to the 1920s.

When people are tripping on hallucinogenic drugs, they can act very erratic, which probably accounts for the use of  trppin’  for “acting insane, foolish, or without thinking” in general slang by the late 1980s.

The slang  set trippin’  surfaced in 1990s West Coast gang culture for “killing a gang rival to show off your power.” Set  alludes to a subset   of a larger gang (e.g., the  Pirus are a set of the Bloods ) and trip is black slang for “lose control,” as we’ve seen. Hip-hop artists like Dr. Dre, Coolio, and the Wu-Tang Clang all mentioned set trippin’ , often just trippin’ for short, in their lyrics around this time.

Dr. Dre notably used trippin’ in the “go crazy” sense in his 1992 hip-hop classic, “Nothin’ but a G Thang”: “Never let me slip, ’cause if I slip, then I’m slippin’ / But if I got my nina, then you know I’m straight trippin’.”

Examples of trippin’

Who uses trippin’.

Trippin’ is widespread slang …

The expression you trippin’ is frequently used to call out someone thought to be acting out of line or foolish.

Ain’t no “male best friend” You trippin. Talking bout get some ice cream. https://t.co/V15YB3Ze6J — Keeg (@iamkeganyates) May 30, 2018

The slang is so common it inspired the title of a 1999 film, Trippin’ , starring Deon Richmond as a daydreamer who just can’t get his act together to become a writer and win his prettiest girl.

Trippin’ also gets used when referring to some beef (e.g., I’m not trippin’ over what she said about me). And, tripping is still widely used to refer to being high on hallucinogenic drugs and sometimes just being very high in general.

This is not meant to be a formal definition of trippin’ like most terms we define on Dictionary.com, but is rather an informal word summary that hopefully touches upon the key aspects of the meaning and usage of trippin’ that will help our users expand their word mastery.

• By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy policies.
• Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Other categories

• Famous People
• Fictional Characters
• Gender & Sexuality
• Historical & Current Events
• Pop Culture
• Tech & Science
• Translations

U.S. Dictionary.com Newsletter

Fill in the form below and receive news in your email box, tripped over something: definition, meaning, and origin.

The phrase "tripped over something" often describes a situation where someone accidentally stumbles or falls because of an obstacle. This can be a literal physical obstacle, like a toy left on the floor, or it can be used figuratively to mean encountering an unexpected problem or challenge. It's a phrase that paints a vivid picture of a sudden and unexpected interruption.

• It describes accidentally stumbling or falling due to an obstacle.
• It can also mean facing an unexpected challenge or problem.

What Does "Tripped Over Something" Mean?

When someone says they "tripped over something," they're usually talking about a sudden stumble or fall caused by an obstacle. This could be because of a physical object in their way or a metaphor for a sudden problem they didn't see coming. For instance, someone might say, "I tripped over my shoelaces," if they literally fell because of untied shoes. But the y might also say, "I tripped over a detail in the contract," meaning they found an unexpected issue while reviewing a document.

Let's explore its core meanings and usage:

• It often describes a physical stumble caused by something in one's path.
• The phrase can be used to talk about unexpected challenges in various situations.
• It highlights the surprise element of the stumble or challenge.
• It is commonly used in everyday conversations to describe literal and figurative stumbling blocks.
• Similar phrases include "stumbled upon," "ran into a snag," and "hit a roadblock."

Where Does "Tripped Over Something" Come From?

The phrase "tripped over something" has its roots in the physical act of tripping or stumbling. The word "trip" has been used in the English language since the 14th century, originally meaning "to step lightly" or "to skip." Its meaning evolved to include stumbling or making a misstep, especially because of an obstacle.

Historical Example

"As I was walking through the garden, I tripped over a hidden root and found myself face down in the mud." - Diary of a Victorian Lady, 1865

10 Examples of "Tripped Over Something" in Sentences

To help you understand when to use this phrase, let's look at some examples from different situations:

• One fine day , I tripped over something while exploring the park.
• She was so excited about her new shoes that she didn't notice the toy on the floor and tripped over it.
• Later, gator . I called out after my friend tripped over something on our way out.
• At the party, Sarah tripped over the long cord of the microphone.
• While exploring the attic, he tripped over an old box filled with memories.
• Oh my gosh , did you see how she tripped over something in the middle of the performance?
• During the play, one of the actors tripped over a prop left on the stage.
• She was so engrossed in her book that she tripped over the doorstep.
• A worker tripped over some wires at the construction site, causing a minor accident.
• Tread lightly in that old warehouse; I once tripped over something hidden beneath the dust.

Examples of "Tripped Over Something" in Pop Culture

This phrase also pops up in pop culture and is often used to depict humorous or unexpected situations.

Here are some moments where it made an appearance:

• In the movie "Home Alone," one of the burglars trips over toys set as traps by the young protagonist.
• In an article on LADbible, the author recounts a scene from a TV show where a character named Mr. Blobby tripped over something and fell flat on his face.
• An article about social phobia in University Health News: "Social phobia can be the result of an embarrassing situation in childhood—perhaps you were told off in public or maybe tripped over something and were made a subject of ridicule."

Synonyms: Other/Different Ways to Say "Tripped Over Something"

Here are some alternative phrases that convey a similar idea:

• Stumbled over
• Got caught on
• Lost balance because of
• Got tripped up by
• Stumbled upon
• Fell due to
• Got tangled with
• Was thrown off by

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Tripped Over Something":

• What does "tripped over something" mean?

"Tripped over something" means that someone accidentally stumbled or lost their balance because of an object or obstacle in their path. It can be used both literally, like tripping over a rock, and figuratively, like tripping over one's words.

• How can I use "tripped over something" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a situation where someone lost their balance or made a mistake. For example: "She tripped over the rug and spilled her coffee" or "He tripped over his words during the presentation.

• Is it a common phrase?

Yes, "tripped over something" is a common phrase used to describe both physical mishaps and metaphorical mistakes or blunders.

• Does it always refer to a physical action?

While it often refers to a physical action, it can also be used figuratively to describe making a mistake or facing an unexpected challenge.

• Can it be humorous?

Yes, depending on the context, "tripped over something" can be used in a humorous way, especially when the trip doesn't result in any harm or serious consequences.

• How is it different from "stumbled upon"?

"Tripped over something" usually refers to an accident or mistake, while "stumbled upon" often means discovering something by chance, without looking for it.

• What's its role in storytelling or movies?

In storytelling or movies, "tripped over something" can be used to introduce a twist, create humor, or show a character's vulnerability or clumsiness.

• Is it used more in casual or formal settings?

"Tripped over something" is more commonly used in casual settings, but it can appear in formal contexts when discussing accidents or unexpected challenges.

• Can it be used metaphorically?

Yes, it can be used metaphorically to describe making a mistake or facing an unexpected obstacle in non-physical situations, like a conversation or a project.

• Does it imply carelessness?

It can imply carelessness, especially if someone trips over something obvious. However, it can also simply indicate an accident or unexpected obstacle.

Final Thoughts About "Tripped Over Something"

The phrase "tripped over something" is a versatile way to describe both literal stumbles and figurative mistakes. It's a relatable expression, as everyone has had moments of tripping, whether physically or metaphorically.

Here's a quick recap:

• It describes both physical mishaps and metaphorical blunders.
• It can be used humorously or seriously, depending on the context.
• The phrase is common in everyday language and can be found in various forms of media.
• It's a reminder that everyone faces obstacles, but it's how we recover that matters.

Related posts:

• Horses For Courses: Definition, Meaning, and Origin
• Laugh Riot: Definition, Meaning, and Origin
• Like a Bear with a Sore Head: Definition, Meaning, and Origin
• A Perfect Match for: Definition, Meaning, and Origin
• A Quarter Past 8: Definition, Meaning, and Origin
• Put Foot in Mouth: Definition, Meaning, and Origin
• Slip My Mind: Definition, Meaning, and Origin
• Posted On: Definition, Meaning, and Origin
• On the Anvil: Definition, Meaning, and Origin
• Here's the Thing: Definition, Meaning, and Origin
• Wear Hat: Definition, Meaning, and Origin
• Venture Out: Definition, Meaning, and Origin
• Hold the Line: Definition, Meaning, and Origin
• Flying By: Definition, Meaning, and Origin
• Number One with a Bullet: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

We encourage you to share this article on Twitter and Facebook . Just click those two links - you'll see why.

It's important to share the news to spread the truth. Most people won't.

• Last Hurrah: Definition, Meaning, and Origin
• Raise a Red Flag: Definition, Meaning, and Origin
• Take a Load Off: Definition, Meaning, and Origin
• Have at It: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

• Add a definition
• User settings

a**h**e safety-net

• Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

Meaning of trip in English

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio

trip noun ( JOURNEY )

• You should always check your oil , water and tyres before taking your car on a long trip.
• How about a trip to the zoo this afternoon ?
• She's going on a trip to New York, all expenses paid .
• The travel company has written giving information about the trip.
• He's always going off around the world on business trips, leaving his wife to cope with the babies by herself.
• break-journey
• circumnavigation

trip noun ( FALL )

• collapse under someone's/something's weight
• collapse/fall in a heap idiom
• drop like flies idiom
• knock someone over
• let go idiom
• overbalance
• parachutist
• trip (someone) up

trip noun ( EXPERIENCE )

• abstinence-only
• non-intoxicant
• non-intoxicating
• pill-popping
• solvent abuse
• substance abuse

trip verb ( LOSE BALANCE )

• fall She slipped and fell.
• drop Several apples dropped from the tree.
• collapse Several buildings collapsed in the earthquake.
• crumple He fainted and crumpled into a heap on the floor.
• tumble A huge rock tumbled down the mountain.
• plunge Four of the mountaineers plunged to their deaths when their ropes broke.
• The bowler tripped as he was delivering the ball .
• She tripped and fell over.
• I tripped as I got off the bus .
• She tripped over the rug .
• I tripped on a piece of wire that someone had stretched across the path .

trip verb ( MOVE )

• bowl down/along something
• make good time idiom
• make haste idiom

trip verb ( SWITCH )

• anti-static
• capacitance
• electricity
• high-voltage
• non-electric
• non-electrical
• non-electronic
• solid-state
• transistorized

trip verb ( EXPERIENCE )

Phrasal verb, trip | american dictionary, trip noun [c] ( travel ), trip noun [c] ( experience ), trip verb [i/t] ( lose balance ), trip | business english, examples of trip, collocations with trip.

These are words often used in combination with trip .

Click on a collocation to see more examples of it.

Translations of trip

Get a quick, free translation!

Word of the Day

of or relating to birds

Dead ringers and peas in pods (Talking about similarities, Part 2)

Learn more with +Plus

• Recent and Recommended {{#preferredDictionaries}} {{name}} {{/preferredDictionaries}}
• Definitions Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English English Learner’s Dictionary Essential British English Essential American English
• Grammar and thesaurus Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English Grammar Thesaurus
• Pronunciation British and American pronunciations with audio English Pronunciation
• English–Chinese (Simplified) Chinese (Simplified)–English
• English–Chinese (Traditional) Chinese (Traditional)–English
• English–Dutch Dutch–English
• English–French French–English
• English–German German–English
• English–Indonesian Indonesian–English
• English–Italian Italian–English
• English–Japanese Japanese–English
• English–Norwegian Norwegian–English
• English–Polish Polish–English
• English–Portuguese Portuguese–English
• English–Spanish Spanish–English
• English–Swedish Swedish–English
• Dictionary +Plus Word Lists
• trip (JOURNEY)
• trip (FALL)
• trip (EXPERIENCE)
• guilt/power/ego trip
• trip (LOSE BALANCE)
• trip (MOVE)
• trip (SWITCH)
• trip (TRAVEL)
• Business    Noun
• Collocations
• Translations
• All translations

Add trip to one of your lists below, or create a new one.

{{message}}

Something went wrong.

There was a problem sending your report.

Advertisement

Supported by

Hot Oceans Worsened Dubai’s Dramatic Flooding, Scientists Say

An international team of researchers found that heavy rains had intensified in the region, though they couldn’t say for sure how much climate change was responsible.

• Share full article

By Raymond Zhong

Scenes of flood-ravaged neighborhoods in one of the planet’s driest regions stunned the world this month. Heavy rains in the United Arab Emirates and Oman submerged cars, clogged highways and killed at least 21 people. Flights out of Dubai’s airport, a major global hub, were severely disrupted.

The downpours weren’t a total surprise — forecasters had anticipated the storms several days earlier and issued warnings. But they were certainly unusual.

Here’s what to know.

Heavy rain there is rare, but not unheard-of.

On average, the Arabian Peninsula receives a scant few inches of rain a year, although scientists have found that a sizable chunk of that precipitation falls in infrequent but severe bursts, not as periodic showers. These rains often come during El Niño conditions like the ones the world is experiencing now.

U.A.E. officials said the 24-hour rain total on April 16 was the country’s largest since records there began in 1949 . And parts of the nation had already experienced an earlier round of thunderstorms in March.

Oman, with its coastline on the Arabian Sea, is also vulnerable to tropical cyclones. Past storms there have brought torrential rain, powerful winds and mudslides, causing extensive damage.

Global warming is projected to intensify downpours.

Stronger storms are a key consequence of human-caused global warming. As the atmosphere gets hotter, it can hold more moisture, which can eventually make its way down to the earth as rain or snow.

But that doesn’t mean rainfall patterns are changing in precisely the same way across every part of the globe.

In their latest assessment of climate research , scientists convened by the United Nations found there wasn’t enough data to have firm conclusions about rainfall trends in the Arabian Peninsula and how climate change was affecting them. The researchers said, however, that if global warming were to be allowed to continue worsening in the coming decades, extreme downpours in the region would quite likely become more intense and more frequent.

Hot oceans are a big factor.

An international team of scientists has made a first attempt at estimating the extent to which climate change may have contributed to April’s storms. The researchers didn’t manage to pin down the connection precisely, though in their analysis, they did highlight one known driver of heavy rain in the region: above-normal ocean temperatures.

Large parts of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans have been hotter than usual recently, in part because of El Niño and other natural weather cycles, and in part because of human-induced warming .

When looking only at El Niño years, the scientists estimated that storm events as infrequent as this month’s delivered 10 percent to 40 percent more rain to the region than they would in a world that hadn’t been warmed by human activities. They cautioned, however, that these estimates were highly uncertain.

“Rainfall, in general, is getting more extreme,” said Mansour Almazroui, a climate scientist at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and one of the researchers who contributed to the analysis.

The analysis was conducted by scientists affiliated with World Weather Attribution, a research collaboration that studies extreme weather events shortly after they occur. Their findings about this month’s rains haven’t yet been peer reviewed, but are based on standardized methods .

The role of cloud seeding isn’t clear.

The U.A.E. has for decades worked to increase rainfall and boost water supplies by seeding clouds. Essentially, this involves shooting particles into clouds to encourage the moisture to gather into larger, heavier droplets, ones that are more likely to fall as rain or snow.

Cloud seeding and other rain-enhancement methods have been tried around the world, including in Australia, China, India, Israel, South Africa and the United States. Studies have found that these operations can, at best, affect precipitation modestly — enough to turn a downpour into a bigger downpour, but probably not a drizzle into a deluge.

Still, experts said pinning down how much seeding might have contributed to this month’s storms would require detailed study.

“In general, it is quite a challenge to assess the impact of seeding,” said Luca Delle Monache, a climate scientist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, Calif. Dr. Delle Monache has been leading efforts to use artificial intelligence to improve the U.A.E.’s rain-enhancement program.

An official with the U.A.E.’s National Center of Meteorology, Omar Al Yazeedi, told news outlets that the agency didn’t conduct any seeding during the latest storms. His statements didn’t make clear, however, whether that was also true in the hours or days before.

Mr. Al Yazeedi didn’t respond to emailed questions from The New York Times, and Adel Kamal, a spokesman for the center, didn’t have further comment.

Cities in dry places just aren’t designed for floods.

Wherever it happens, flooding isn’t just a matter of how much rain comes down. It’s also about what happens to all that water once it’s on the ground — most critically, in the places people live.

Cities in arid regions often aren’t designed to drain very effectively. In these areas, paved surfaces block rain from seeping into the earth below, forcing it into drainage systems that can easily become overwhelmed.

One recent study of Sharjah , the capital of the third-largest emirate in the U.A.E., found that the city’s rapid growth over the past half-century had made it vulnerable to flooding at far lower levels of rain than before.

Omnia Al Desoukie contributed reporting.

Raymond Zhong reports on climate and environmental issues for The Times. More about Raymond Zhong

Urban Thesaurus

Urban Thesaurus finds slang words that are related to your search query.

Click words for definitions

• birthday eloping
• falkland islands
• second life
• irish diplomacy
• slod-pocket
• west indies
• like a boss
• last chance undies
• holden caulfield
• 15 hawaiian minutes
• new zealand
• shred to gnarnia
• snellebration
• filipino(a)
• restaurantour
• incarcerate
• magic shrooms
• day tripper
• pacific islander
• jolly rancher
• bottle service
• great britain
• perversion excursion
• pillow partition
• captain jack
• outer banks
• landon-in-spain

Popular Slang Searches

Slang for trip to the islands.

As you've probably noticed, the slang synonyms for " trip to the islands " are listed above. Note that due to the nature of the algorithm, some results returned by your query may only be concepts, ideas or words that are related to " trip to the islands " (perhaps tenuously). This is simply due to the way the search algorithm works.

You might also have noticed that many of the synonyms or related slang words are racist/sexist/offensive/downright appalling - that's mostly thanks to the lovely community over at Urban Dictionary (not affiliated with Urban Thesaurus). Urban Thesaurus crawls the web and collects millions of different slang terms, many of which come from UD and turn out to be really terrible and insensitive (this is the nature of urban slang, I suppose). Hopefully the related words and synonyms for " trip to the islands " are a little tamer than average.

The Urban Thesaurus was created by indexing millions of different slang terms which are defined on sites like Urban Dictionary . These indexes are then used to find usage correlations between slang terms. The official Urban Dictionary API is used to show the hover-definitions. Note that this thesaurus is not in any way affiliated with Urban Dictionary.

Due to the way the algorithm works, the thesaurus gives you mostly related slang words, rather than exact synonyms. The higher the terms are in the list, the more likely that they're relevant to the word or phrase that you searched for. The search algorithm handles phrases and strings of words quite well, so for example if you want words that are related to lol and rofl you can type in lol rofl and it should give you a pile of related slang terms. Or you might try boyfriend or girlfriend to get words that can mean either one of these (e.g. bae ). Please also note that due to the nature of the internet (and especially UD), there will often be many terrible and offensive terms in the results.

There is still lots of work to be done to get this slang thesaurus to give consistently good results, but I think it's at the stage where it could be useful to people, which is why I released it.

Special thanks to the contributors of the open-source code that was used in this project: @krisk , @HubSpot , and @mongodb .

Finally, you might like to check out the growing collection of curated slang words for different topics over at Slangpedia .

Please note that Urban Thesaurus uses third party scripts (such as Google Analytics and advertisements) which use cookies. To learn more, see the privacy policy .

Recent Slang Thesaurus Queries