What does tripping mean?
Tripping is the present participle of trip and has several distinct uses. Literally, it means stumbling or catching one's foot, as when a loose cable trips someone. Figuratively, it can refer to making an error or becoming distracted. In informal discussions of psychedelic drugs, it means experiencing altered perceptions or hallucinations. Tripping also functions as a positive slang adjective, especially in US usage, describing something as excellent, enjoyable, stylish, or impressive. These meanings share the word's basic idea of movement or altered experience, but they belong to quite different registers. The literal and mistake senses are suitable in ordinary writing, while the drug-related and evaluative senses are best suited to informal contexts. Because tripping can move easily from a physical stumble to figuratively losing one's balance, it is also useful in metaphorical writing about mistakes, confusion, or loss of control.
To stumble or catch one's foot; figuratively, to make an error or become distracted; or, informally, to experience hallucinations under the influence of a psychedelic drug.
"A loose cable kept tripping him as he crossed the stage."
The literal and figurative senses are neutral, while the psychedelic sense is informal.
Informally, excellent, enjoyable, stylish, or impressive; also used to describe something that causes a person to trip, such as a wire.
"The concert was absolutely tripping."
The positive evaluative use is chiefly US slang.
From a misstep underfoot to psychedelic visions and slang praise, 'tripping' has travelled far beyond its literal meaning.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tripping come from?
Tripping is formed from trip with the present-participle ending -ing. Trip comes through Middle English trippen from Old English tryppan, meaning 'to trip' or 'deceive', although the ultimate origin of the Old English verb is uncertain. The psychedelic sense developed from the broader idea of a journey or altered experience, while the positive slang sense arose in later informal usage.
Related word forms
How tripping is actually used
The literal sense is neutral, while the figurative mistake sense often suggests a small lapse or error. The psychedelic sense is informal, and the strongly positive evaluative adjective is chiefly US slang.
Easily confused with tripping
Tripping is an activity or gerund, especially taking psychedelic drugs, whereas trippy is an adjective describing something that causes unusual perceptions or hallucinations.