Definition of grep

grep

verb - ambitransitive

in a non-computing context, to search.
Could you grep the menu for something vegan while I go to the bathroom?
This definition is questionable and is pending deletion. It will be saved from deletion if legitimate citations are found.
- See more words with the same meaning: computer slang.
- See more words with the same meaning: to search.
Last edited on May 01 2013. Submitted by WalterGR (via TheJargonFile) on Aug 14 2009.
in a computing context, to search "manually" - i.e. by looking rather than using a computer program specifically intended for searching.
I like GUIs because I can grep them visually for what I'm looking for.
- See more words with the same meaning: computer slang.
- See more words with the same meaning: to search.
Last edited on Nov 10 2011. Submitted by Walter Rader (Editor) from Sacramento, CA, USA on Nov 10 2011.

origin

From the name of a Unix utility used to scan files in search of particular content. ("Grep" itself means "global regular expression print".)
Last edited on May 01 2013. Submitted by WalterGR (via TheJargonFile) on Aug 14 2009.

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Related words

Slang terms with the same meaning

Other terms relating to 'computer slang':
gorilla arm	Definitions include: an arm that has become sore, cramped, and / or muscular due to extended use of touch screens on computing devices.
DILLIGAS	Definitions include: acronym for "do I look like I give a shit."
firefight	Definitions include: to deal with urgent problems (usually at work.)
ETA	Definitions include: acronym for "Estimated Time of Arrival."
I for one welcome our new 'X' overlords	Definitions include: a comment that usually serves no other purpose above telling listeners (or more often: readers) that the speaker (writer) is in the technological "in group".
kthx	Definitions include: "ok, thanks."
crack	Definitions include: something that is so exceptionally good or fun it could be as addictive as crack (i.e. crack cocaine).
AFK	Definitions include: acronym of "away from keyboard."
G2G	Definitions include: acronym for "got to go".
BBL	Definitions include: acronym for "be back later".
ROFLMFAO	Definitions include: acronym for "rolling on [the] floor laughing my fucking ass off".
bogosity	Definitions include: the level to which something is bogus.
SMDH	Definitions include: acronym for "shaking my damn head".
IDBY	Definitions include: acronym for "I Don't Believe You."
IWTFIL	Definitions include: acronym for "I want to fall in love".
(show 591 more)
Other terms relating to 'to search':
Goggle	Definitions include: misspelling of Google.
Google-fu	Definitions include: talent in using the Google search engine.
troll	Definitions include: an unattractive female or one with a bad reputation.
field grounders	Definitions include: to search the ground for already-smoked yet salvageable cigarette butts. Note: usually performed by homeless.
GTS	Definitions include: acronym for "Google that shit".
Google stalk	Definitions include: to use a search engine to get information about a current or past love interest.
Google	Definitions include: to do an internet search on someone or something.
get to the bottom of	Definitions include: to figure out something unknown.

Slang terms with the same root words

None. How about some random words?

mamadukes	Definitions include: "mother"; "mom".
OTT	Definitions include: acronym for "over the top".
snazz up	Definitions include: to add fanciness.
ugly as sin	Definitions include: extremely ugly.
apple bottom	Definitions include: a girl with a thick ass
forget about it	Definitions include: statement of complete agreement.
REMF	Definitions include: acronym for "rear-echelon mother fucker".
bifs	Definitions include: Ben is fucking stupid.
af	Definitions include: acronym for "as fuck".
Give me a rest	Definitions include: exclam. Lay off! That is nuff!(enough)-