fab

Part of Speech

Adjective, Noun

Pronunciation

IPA: /fæb/

Phonetic: fab

Definitions

• Adjective: Informal. Short for "fabulous"; meaning excellent, wonderful, or impressive.
• Noun: Short for "fabrication" or "fabricator" in industrial or technical contexts.

Usage Examples

• Her outfit looks absolutely fab!
• The company expanded its semiconductor fab to increase production.

Etymology

Derived as a clipped form of "fabulous," popularized in British and American slang in the 1960s.

Synonyms

• Amazing, fantastic, splendid (for adjective)
• Factory, plant (for noun in industrial sense)

Antonyms

• Ordinary, dull (for adjective)
• Non-production, shutdown (for noun in industrial sense)

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In American and British English, "fab" is pronounced as /fæb/, but in some dialects, a slight elongation or softening of the vowel may occur.

Historical Usage

The term "fab" gained popularity in the 1960s, especially with the rise of British pop culture, including the Beatles, who were often referred to as the "Fab Four."

Cultural Nuances

As a slang term, "fab" is often associated with fashion, entertainment, and positive expressions of admiration.

More Information

"Fab" is widely recognized in both informal speech and technical contexts. As an abbreviation of "fabulous," it conveys excitement, approval, and admiration, making it a popular term in fashion, music, and pop culture. Additionally, "fab" is used in manufacturing and technology to refer to semiconductor fabrication plants, which are essential for microchip production. Over time, "fab" has remained a versatile term, bridging casual slang and technical jargon across different industries and cultures.