Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

the-dozens

noun

/ðə ˈdʌzənz/

Definition

The dozens is a game or a form of verbal competition that involves exchanging insults or clever comments, often about each other’s family members, with the aim of outdoing one another.

Examples

They engaged in a lively game of the dozens during the family gathering.
It’s all in good fun when friends play the dozens, but they know when to stop.

Meaning

This term typically refers to a culturally significant verbal tradition, especially among African American communities, where participants go back and forth in a playful yet competitive manner, showing wit and humor.