To "put dibs on" is a colloquial phrase that means to claim or reserve something exclusively for oneself, usually in an informal or playful manner. It is an idiomatic expression that often conveys a sense of competition or ownership, particularly among friends or acquaintances.
The phrase originated from the game of dibs or "dubs," where individuals would compete for a chance to claim or reserve something by calling out "dibs" before anyone else. The term "put dibs on" has since expanded beyond the realm of games, becoming a common phrase in everyday language.
When someone puts dibs on an item, place, or opportunity, they assert their right to it, often implying that others should refrain from making a similar claim. It can be used to stake a temporary or permanent claim, depending on the context.
For example, if a group of friends is deciding who will sit in the front seat of a car, one person may exclaim, "I put dibs on the front seat!" thereby asserting their claim to sit there. Similarly, if a person is interested in purchasing something or engaging in a particular activity, they might say, "I'll put dibs on those concert tickets," to express their intent to acquire them.
Overall, "putting dibs on" something signifies a playful or assertive way of asserting ownership or claiming priority in a situation.
